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PubMedDate not supplied

[Breast-feeding and intestinal parasites].

The extent of intestinal parasitic infection was determined using 4 methods of fecal examination in 400 Gabonese infants aged 0.5 to 24 months (86 exclusively and 151 partially breast-fed and 163 artificially fed) and in 170 of their mothers in an African urban community. Parasitic prevalence was the same in the stools of the mothers from the 3 infant groups, providing evidence for the same level of exposure to parasites in all infants. Exclusively and partially breast-fed infants excreted parasites in numbers significantly lower than artificially fed infants of the same ages, during the first and the second years of life. This antiparasitic activity of human milk concerned mostly Giardia and ascaris, was not exclusively due to a decreased exposure to parasites in breast-fed infants and did not seem exclusively antibody-mediated; the role of lipids is possible.

Animals↗

PubMed1970

Parasitologial Studies Of Korean Forces In South Vietnam: II. A Comparative Study On The Incidences Of Intestinal Parasites.

A survey of intestinal parasites was performed in South Vietnam. Samples were collected from 717 Vietnameses, 1,933 U.S. Forces, 433 stool specimens of Korean Troops in South Vietnam. And 114 of Korean Army patients in home land were also examined as a control. Findings were discussed with others and summarized as follows: 1)A parasitic rate, incidence in general, was 44.8 %. 2)Koreans in South Vietnam showed 82.4 % of infection rate, Vietnamese 64.6% and U.S. Forces 26.1 %. Korean home patients revealed 93.9 %. 3)Following 10 species of helminths ova and 5 kinds of protozoa were found: Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Trichocephalus trichiurus, Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichostrongylus orientalis, Enterobius vermicularis, Metagonimus yokogawai, Clonorchis sinensis, Hymenolepis nana, Taenia sp., Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana, Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas hominis. 4)The incidence of Ascaris lumbricoides among Koreans in South Vietnam was 15.9 %, much less than Korean home patients. 5)The infection rate of A. lumbricoides in Saigon residents was 47.2% but in Chulai 36.8% and in Quinhon 35.8 %. 6)Trichocephalus trichiurus was most frequently found in Koreans. 7)Quinhon residents showed 78.7 % positive in hookworn infection and Chulai 24.7 %. In Saigon, on the contrary, infection rate was only 3.1 %. 8)No Strongyloides stercoralis, but two cases of Trichomonas hominis were found among Koreans in South Vietnam. 9)U.S. Forces showed higher incidences than Koreans and Vietnameses in the incidences of Entamoeba histolytica and Endolimax nana. 10)Most of the U.S. Forces revealed single infection. Korean home patients showed the highest per centage of polyparasitism. 11)Non-autochthonous infections in Korea could not be found among Koreans in this survey.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1987

Public health significance of intestinal parasitic infections. WHO Expert Committee.

Intestinal parasitic infections are distributed virtually throughout the world, with high prevalence rates in many regions. Amoebiasis, ascariasis, hookworm infection and trichuriasis are among the ten most common infections in the world. Other parasitic infections such as abdominal angiostrongyliasis, intestinal capillariasis, and strongyloidiasis are of local or regional public health concern. The prevention and control of these infections are now more feasible than ever before owing to the discovery of safe and efficacious drugs, the improvement and simplification of some diagnostic procedures, and advances in parasite population biology.

Africa↗

PubMed1996

Control of intestinal parasitic infections in Seychelles: a comprehensive and sustainable approach.

Intestinal parasitic infections have been perceived as a public health problem in Seychelles for decades. A comprehensive strategy to reduce morbidity and, in the long term, transmission of intestinal parasites has been implemented successfully since 1993. Management of the programme is integrated into the well established primary health care system, with control activities being undertaken through existing health facilities. The strategy is based on periodic chemotherapy of schoolchildren, intense health education and improvement of sanitation and safe water supply. The initial objectives of the control programme were met after 2 years of activities, with an overall reduction in prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections of 44%. The intensity of infection with Trichuris trichiura, the commonest parasite, was halved (from 780 to 370 eggs per g of faeces). The programme's integrated approach, in concert with political commitment and limited operational costs, is a warranty for the future sustainability of control activities. The programme can be seen as a model for other developing countries, even where health and socioeconomic conditions are different and the control of parasitic infections will need a much longer-term commitment.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1976

The occurrence of human intestinal parasites in Finland.

A survey of the occurrence of intestinal parasites covered 243 inmates of institution for the mentally retarded, 537 hospital patients from 4 areas, 100 military servicemen, and 65 prisoners. Two faecal samples from each patient were examined by the formalin-ether concentration technique. Among the mentally retarded the prevalence of intestinal parasites was high, 41.3% among children and 51.5% among adults. The commonest parasite was Entamoeba coli. In Helsinki, the prevalence among children in hospital was only 7%, but among adult out patients, 18.9%. Among hospital patients in other areas, military servicemen, and prisoners in Helsinki the prevalence of intestinal parasites was low. The high prevalence of this protozoon, 14.8% among adult out-patients in Helsinki, probably reflects the increase in tourism. Four cases of Trichuris infection were detected among the mentally retarded.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

[Intestinal parasites in African asylum seekers: prevalence and risk factors].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of potentially pathogenic intestinal parasites in asylum seekers coming from a highly endemic area, and to identify groups of asylum seekers from Africa with a high risk of an intestinal parasitic infestation which is potentially harmful of their own health or that of those in their vicinity. DESIGN: Prospective. METHOD: In the period January 1996-May 1999, 956 asylum seekers from Africa were checked for intestinal parasites by means of a stool examination within one month of arriving in the Netherlands. Independent variables for data analysis were sex, age and area of origin. RESULTS: Pathogenic intestinal parasites were found in 40.6% of the 956 African asylum seekers coming from areas south and east of the Sahara. Double-infection was found in 9.5% and triple-infection in 0.9% of the study population. The most common pathogenic parasite was Trichuris trichiura (13.6%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (8.8%), hookworms (7.8%), Schistosoma (7.0%) and Giardia lamblia (5.0%). G. lamblia was the most commonly found potentially pathogenic parasite in children less than 13 years old (19.0%). In the population from Western Africa, 15.6% had a hookworm and 12.8% a Schistosoma. Both these helminthic infestations were three times as prevalent in men as in women. CONCLUSION: Sex, age and area of origin were important indicators for the species of parasite. On the basis of this, risk groups can be selected for screening for potentially pathogenic intestinal parasites.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Intestinal parasitic infections in patients with malignancy.

The frequency of intestinal parasitic infections was studied retrospectively in 1,029 cancer patients presenting with symptoms of diarrhoea. Intestinal parasites were diagnosed by stool examination, using both the direct and concentration techniques and also the modified acid fast stain. Parasitic infection was found in 16.5% of the cases. The majority of the patients with intestinal parasitosis had cancer of the haemopoietic system and were on anticancer chemotherapy. The most prevalent parasites were Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar (8.5%) and Giardia lamblia (3.1%). Much more rare were Strongyloides stercoralis (0.6%), Cryptosporidium parvum (0.3%) and Isospora belli (0.1%). All the patients with intestinal parasites were negative for HIV antibodies.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Intestinal parasites infestation and anemia in primary school children in Gaza Governorates--Palestine.

A comparative study was carried out to identify the prevalence of anemia, nutritional indices and intestinal parasitic infestation in primary school children. The target population included 209 pupils aged 6-11 years, attending schools in two areas, Rimal area (urban) and Jabalia village (rural), in Gaza Governorates. Prevalence of intestinal parasites was high in Jabalia village (more than 53%) in comparison to Rimal area (33%). The main intestinal parasites were Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis and Ascaris lumbricoides. Polyparasitism frequency is higher especially in rural area. In both areas anemia showed a high prevalence in children due to malnutrition and intestinal parasitic diseases. There was no association between intestinal parasitic infestation and children growth, but there was association between anemia and intestinal parasitic infestation in children, particularly in rural area. The correlation between anemia and mixed infestation reaches a highly significant level.

Anemia↗

PubMed2006

[Incidence of intestinal parasites in municipal sanitary workers in Malatya].

The incidence of intestinal parasites is closely related to such factors as the socio-economic level of the society, nutritional and hygienic habits, climate, environmental conditions, infrastructure and degree of literacy. In this study, the municipal sanitary workers who are regarded as a high risk group in Malatya were examined for intestinal parasites. Cellophane slides and fecal samples from 241 workers were examined and intestinal parasites were found in 93 (39.0%). The most common parasite was Entamoeba coli (34). Other parasites detected include Enterobius vermicularis (32), Giardia intestinalis (22), Blastocystis hominis (8), Iodamoeba butschlii (5), Entamoeba histolytica (2), Taenia sp. (2), Chilomastix mesnili (2), Dientamoeba fragilis (2), Entamoeba hartmanni (1), Trichomonas intestinalis (1) Hymenolepis nana (1), and Ascaris lumbricoides (1). A training seminary was conducted in order to inform all the workers about means of protection. The workers were given suitable treatment and were called for control after a month. The examinations revealed a significant decrease in the incidence rate of parasites (qui-square test in dependent samples P<0.05). It was concluded that offering training seminaries for certain occupational groups under risk is efficient in terms of protection.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Intestinal parasite control in an institution for developmentally handicapped adults.

An intestinal parasite eradication program consisting of antiparasitic drug treatment and hygiene measures was conducted at an Ontario residential facility for developmentally handicapped adults from October, 1989 to August, 1990. The prevalence of intestinal parasites in general was initially over 90% while that of pathogenic species was 59%. Six months later, overall prevalence and that of pathogenic species were reduced to 32.9% and 11%. In one subgroup, the reduction in the prevalence of pathogenic parasites was sustained for at least one year. However, the prevalence of non-pathogenic species was similar to the baseline level. Simultaneous treatment and application of hygiene measures appeared to be effective in reducing pathogenic intestinal parasites.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Intestinal parasitic infections in Thai HIV-infected patients with different immunity status.

BACKGROUND: One of the major health problems among HIV seropositive patients is superimposed infection due to the defect of immunity. Furthermore, intestinal parasite infection, which is also one of the basic health problems in tropical region, is common in these patients. In this study, a cross sectional study to document the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in Thai HIV-infected patients with different immune status was performed. METHODS: A study of stool samples from 60 Thai HIV-infected patients with different immune status was performed at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand. Each patient was examined for CD4 count and screened for diarrheal symptoms. RESULTS: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among the HIV-infected patients in this study was 50 %. Non- opportunistic intestinal parasite infections such as hookworms, Opisthorchis viverrini and Ascaris lumbricoides were commonly found in HIV-infected people regardless of immune status with or without diarrheal symptoms. Opportunistic intestinal parasites such as Cryptosporidium, Isospora belli, Microsporidia and Strongyloides stercoralis infection were significantly more frequent in the low immunity group with diarrhea. CONCLUSION: Therefore, opportunistic intestinal parasite infection should be suspected in any HIV infected patient with advanced disease presenting with diarrhea. The importance of tropical epidemic non-opportunistic intestinal parasite infections among HIV-infected patients should not be neglected.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

PubMed1989

Prevalence and seasonal fluctuations of intestinal parasitic infections in the Nablus area, West Bank of Jordan.

A total of 22,970 stool specimens collected from patients attending the Central Medical Laboratory in the city of Nablus in the period of 1981-1986 were examined for intestinal parasites. Of these 7412 (32.3%) were positive. Entamoeba histolytica (22.9%), Giardia lamblia (7.3%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (5.7%) were the most prevalent intestinal parasites found. Other intestinal parasites present included Hymenolepis nana, Trichomonas hominis, Trichuris trichiura, Taenia saginata, Enterobius vermicularis and Strongyloides stercoralis. Seasonal occurrence of intestinal parasites in the West Bank of Jordan was also studied in the period January 1981-August 1987. Lower prevalence rates of intestinal parasites generally occurred during winter and early spring. Peak incidence occurred during summer and early autumn. The reasons for these seasonal variations are discussed.

Ascariasis↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[The prevalence of intestinal parasitism in native villages of the Tembé tribe, the Brazilian eastern Amazon].

To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitism in the Tembé settlements, parasitological examination was performed in December 1996 in the entire population (93 Indians). Hookworms were found in 29.0%, A. lumbricoides in 34.4%, E. histolytica in 12.9%, and G. lamblia in 4.3% of the individuals. The Turé-Mariquita settlement had the highest prevalence of hookworms and A. lumbricoides, while Acará-Mirim had the highest prevalence of E. histolytica and G. lamblia. No differences in mean age were found between Indians with parasites and Indians without parasites. The association between intestinal parasites and sex was nonsignificant, except for the prevalence of hookworms, which was very high in males (38.6%) compared to females (20.4%). The study showed a high prevalence of some intestinal parasites in the Tembé settlements, indicating that primary and secondary health measures should taken immediately for the prevention of intestinal parasitoses.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Effects of age-targeted treatment of intestinal parasite infections in Serbia.

A survey of intestinal parasite infections in school-children throughout Serbia revealed an area of endemic infection where 31% of the children examined were found to be infected with Giardia lamblia, Enterobius vermicularis, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura. All infected children were treated with metronidazole for giardiasis and mebendazole for helminthic infections. A post-chemotherapy survey was performed 3 months later to assess the efficacy of treatment, showing a decrease in the prevalence of all species, thus indicating drug efficacy of 66-100%. A second survey, performed 13 months after chemotherapy to assess the rates of reinfection, showed that only Ascaris lumbricoides prevalence returned to the pre-treatment level. The results of this field study prove chemotherapy to be an important tool in the control of intestinal parasite infections.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1997

[Intestinal parasitic infections and schistosomiasis in the valley of the Senegal river in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania].

An epidemiological survey was carried out in the Trarza and Brakna regions of the Senegal River valley in Mauritania prior to implementation of a program to control intestinal parasitic infection and schistosomiasis. A total of 1297 school children between the ages of 5 and 12 years from a randomized selection of villages in the region were examined to determine the prevalence and intensity of intestinal parasitic infections and schistosomiasis. Overall prevalence was 38.1% for intestinal parasitic infection, 7.1% for intestinal schistosomiasis, and 17.1% for urinary schistosomiasis. Analysis of weight and height as indicators of nutritional status indicated that 40.9% of the children examined were under the 10th percentile of the weight-for-height indicator and that there was a statistically significant correlation between malnutrition, diarrhea, and intestinal parasitic infection (p < 0.0001). Measurement of hemoglobin levels showed that 50.4% of children were anemic (hemoglobin level < 11 g/dl) and that there was a correlation between anemia and infection by Schistosoma haematobium. This is the first epidemiological survey on intestinal parasitic infections in Mauritania and the first study on Schistosoma mansoni on the Mauritanian side of the Senegal River. Findings suggest not only that implementation of a program to control intestinal parasitic infection and schistosomiasis is needed in the region but also that it should be associated with a food/iron supplementation program and growth monitoring.

Anemia↗

PubMed1982

Intestinal parasites in asymptomatic adult Southeast Asian immigrants.

All previous studies of intestinal parasites in Southeast Asian refugees have included immigrants with and without symptoms. In order to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in asymptomatic Southeast Asians, 226 adult refugees were studied who had no symptoms or signs suggestive of intestinal parasitism and who submitted one to three stools for examination. Fifty-four percent of these asymptomatic adults were infected with one or more potential pathogens, 22 percent with Ascaris, 20 percent with hookworm, 11 percent with Opisthorchis sp, 7 percent with Trichuris, 5 percent with Strongyloides, 5 percent with Giardia, and 2 percent with Entamoeba histolytica. Laotians and Cambodians, persons who stayed in Thai refugees camps, and patients with anemia or eosinophilia were more likely than other refugees to harbor pathogenic parasites. Nonetheless, refugees without these characteristics were often infected, and no single characteristic excluded any refugee from a high probability of being parasitized. There is a high prevalence of potentially pathogenic parasites in asymptomatic adult Southeast Asians, similar to that reported in refugees unselected for the presence or absence of symptoms.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Intestinal parasites in school food handlers in the city of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

In order to verify the presence of intestinal parasites in food handlers, stool samples were collected from 104 cooks and their helpers that were working in food preparation in 20 public elementary schools, in various areas of the city of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The samples were collected during the months of November and December, 1988, in plastic flasks containing a 10% formaldehyde solution and processed by the Hoffmann, Pons & Janer method. The sediment was examined using triplicate slides. All individuals were females aged between 24 to 69 years. Intestinal parasites were found in 85.0% of the studied schools and 47.1% of the studied food handlers (cooks and helpers) were found to be positive. Among the 49 infected food handlers, 32 (65.3%) carried a single parasite and 17 (34.7%) carried two parasites. The following intestinal parasites were found: Giardia lamblia (21.1%), Entamoeba coli (21.1%), hookworms (9.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides (5.8%), Entamoeba histolytica (2.9%), Hymenolepis nana (1.9%), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.0%). These data emphasize the need for a rigid semi-annual control in all school food handlers, including diagnosis, specific treatment and orientation about the mechanisms of transmission of the intestinal parasites.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Palestinian refugee conditions associated with intestinal parasites and diarrhoea: Nuseirat refugee camp as a case study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the socioeconomic-demographic, environmental health and hygiene conditions associated with intestinal parasites and diarrhoea in Nuseirat Refugee Camp of Gaza Strip. METHODS: A cross-section of 1625 households were surveyed. A stratified sample was used and drawn from the eight Blocks. Face-to-face interviews were administered for data collection. Piloted and validated questionnaires along with specific checklists were used as instruments. RESULTS: A total of 485 women interviewed (29.8%) reported intestinal parasites among their household members; 223 (13.7%) admitted cases of diarrhoea. The highest prevalence of intestinal parasites (24.1%) was found among children aged 1-4 years; the highest prevalence of diarrhoea (10.6%) was found among children younger than 1 year. Intestinal parasites were strongly associated with crowding, source of drinking water and the cleaning of water tanks, and were significantly higher among families with unclean homes. Diarrhoea was strongly associated with source of drinking water, a full-day water supply and cleaning of water tanks, and was significantly higher among families with a presence of mosquitoes and garbage around their homes. CONCLUSIONS: Poor socioeconomic-demographic, environmental health and hygiene conditions play a major role in the occurrence of intestinal parasites and diarrhoea. Children younger than 5 years are at high risk. Real interventions, such as health education, environmental awareness, community involvement and raising funds for infrastructural development are urgently needed.

Adolescent↗