Rare case of human Ancylostoma ceylanicum infection in Bangladesh.

The zoonotic hookworm species Ancylostoma ceylanicum has drawn more attention recently because of its potential impact on public health. Although A. duodenale and Necator americanus are more common, A. ceylanicum is still known to play a major role in human infections, particularly in regions where close human-animal interactions are prevalent. While there has been a notable increase in documenting the presence of A. ceylanicum in the Asia-Pacific area, bottlenecks remains in understanding its epidemiology in Bangladesh. This report highlights the first documented case of Ancylostoma ceylanicum infection isolated and identified in a 15-year-old girl experiencing frequent diarrhea and weakness, residing in an urban tea garden area in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Microscopic examination of stool samples revealed the presence of hookworm eggs and subsequent culture led to the observation of larvae. Molecular investigation by amplifying Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS1+) regions of the ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) confirmed the infection as A. ceylanicum. The identification of Ancylostoma ceylanicum in a human host in Bangladesh carries significant implications for global health. The careful measurement of eggs and larvae, coupled with molecular analysis, serves as an appropriate diagnostic strategy for confirming the infections. This finding emphasizes the emergence of A. ceylanicum as a zoonotic infection in endemic regions and calls for increased awareness among healthcare professionals and the general public.

Perceptions and practices of urban slum-dwelling women concerning soil-transmitted helminths infections in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infections are still attributed to a significant part of mortality and disabilities in developing nations. This study aimed at exploring the perceptions and practices concerning STH and to assess the associated risk of infections among slum-dwelling women of Dhaka South City Corporations (DSCC), Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two selected slums (Malibagh and Lalbagh) of DSCC, Bangladesh, from September 2020 to February 2021. A total of 206 women participants were requested to provide stool samples, followed by a semi-structured questionnaire survey. Parasitological assessment was done by the formol-ether concentration (FEC) technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and p-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was estimated using logistic regression analysis to examine the association between explanatory and outcome factors. Results: In total, 36 (17.5%) STH infections were observed out of 206 examined participants. Among the STH, Trichuris trichiura showed the highest prevalence (10.7%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (5.3%). Lack of formal education, overcrowded living, large family sizes, and using shared toilets were significantly associated with STH infections. Irregular nail cutting (AOR = 3.12), irregular soap usage after toilet (AOR = 2.98), wearing no shoes (AOR = 4.64), and failing to teach kids to wash their hands (AOR = 3.87) were revealed as practice concerns linked to high STH prevalence. Women, who had never heard about STH (AOR = 2.42) and had no misconceptions regarding STH (AOR = 1.94) were positively related to STH infection in this study. Conclusion: Slum-dwelling women in Bangladesh still had a substantial infection of STH. Most of the communities under study were unaware of parasite infection and its negative effects on health. Revision of the policy of ongoing anthelmintic distribution programs and widespread health education programs are recommended aimed at controlling STH.

An update of intestinal helminth infections among urban slum communities in Bangladesh.

Aim: To assess the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections and associated risk factors among people living in urban slums in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted across three clusters: Dhaka, Sylhet and Chattogram. In total, 360 individuals divided into two groups (school-aged children and adults) provided stool samples and completed a semi-structured questionnaire. Parasitological assessment was performed using the formol-ether concentration technique. Results: Overall, 31.7% (114/360) of participants had helminthiasis, with 13.3% (48/360) having mixed infections. Among the infected participants, school-aged children had a higher rate of infection (41.7%, 75/180) compared with adults (21.7%, 39/180). Ascaris lumbricoides was the predominant parasite, followed by hookworms, Trichuris trichiura, Hymenolepis nana, Enterobius vermicularis and Rhabditis sp. Parasitic infections were significantly associated with type of latrine used, direct exposure to soil, open defaecation, and presence of free-roaming animals. Conclusion: Despite continuous efforts to control helminthiasis, a substantial proportion of the study participants were infected with intestinal helminths. Ignorance of the roles of the environment and animals was influential, and had a negative impact on existing control interventions. An integrated public health and veterinary public health approach is required for sustainable control of intestinal helminthiasis.

Internal transcribed spacer region 1 as a promising target for detection of intra-specific polymorphisms for Strongyloides stercoralis.

Background: Strongyloides stercoralis, the causative agent of strongyloidiasis, is a parasitic worm that has larvae capable of reinfecting the same host. This nematode infection is therefore difficult to treat and to achieve total cure. Information about genetic variation and differences in drug susceptibility between strains is needed to improve treatment outcomes. Aim: To develop a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify the intra-species variation among 13 S. stercoralis isolates collected from Bangladesh, USA and Australia. Material & Methods: PCR assays were designed by using primers targeting S. stercoralis internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions 1 and 2. Sequence data generated by these PCR products were compared to the existing ITS1/2, 18S and 28S rRNA gene sequences in GenBank for phylogenetic analysis. Results: Intra-species single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in ITS1 and in the 5.8S rRNA gene. The generated phylogram grouped the 13 isolates into dog, Orangutan and human clusters. Conclusion: This method could be used as an epidemiological tool to study strain differences in larger collections of S. stercoralis isolates. The study forms the basis for further development of an ITS-based assay for S. stercoralis molecular epidemiological studies.