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PubMed1978

Some clinico-pathologic findings in elephants (Elephas maximus) infected with Fasciola jacksoni.

Severe submandibular and ventral abdominal oedema was observed in an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) in which liver flukes (Fasciola jacksoni) were recovered from the bile ducts at post-mortem examination. Clinico-pathologic examination of blood samples and serum from this elephant and another 8 elephants showed that most had anemia and hypoproteinemia. Fecal samples from 6 of the elephants contained from 6 to 83 eggs per gram. Treatment of elephants with nitroxynil (10 mg/kg) by subcutaneous injection produced severe local reactions at the injection site. Feces collected 2 and 4 months after treatment were free of trematode eggs. Hematologic values measured 4 months after treatment showed that the hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, erythrocyte count and plasma protein concentration had increased to within the normal range.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A survey of aerobic bacteria and fungi in the feces of healthy psittacine birds.

Fecal samples from 61 clinically healthy psittacine birds of a wide variety of species were cultured for bacteria and fungi. The most common bacterial isolates were gram-positive bacilli, which were recovered from 60 of the 61 birds. These organisms included Lactobacillus, Bacillus, Corynebacterium, and Streptomyces. Gram-positive cocci, cultured from the feces of 21 of the birds, included Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus spp., Aerococcus spp., and Micrococcus spp. Only 6 of the 61 psittaciformes yielded gram-negative bacteria, with Escherichia coli being the most frequent isolate. Gram-negative bacilli were recovered from 4 of the 31 privately owned birds and 2 of the 30 petshop birds sampled. In addition to the bacteria, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus laurentii, and Aspergillus sp. were isolated from 13 fecal cultures. Candida albicans was isolated exclusively from 5 petshop birds. The number of birds yielding Corynebacterium and gram-negative bacteria increased with age, whereas the number of birds yielding lactobacilli and yeasts decreased with age. The organisms isolated and their significance as potential pathogens in psittacine birds are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Simian immunodeficiency virus infection in free-ranging sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys atys) from the Taï Forest, Côte d'Ivoire: implications for the origin of epidemic human immunodeficiency virus type 2.

Simian immunodeficiency virus of sooty mangabeys (SIVsmm) is recognized as the progenitor of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) and has been transmitted to humans on multiple occasions, yet the epidemiology and genetic diversity of SIVsmm infection in wild-living populations remain largely unknown. Here, we report the first molecular epidemiological survey of SIVsmm in a community of approximately 120 free-ranging sooty mangabeys in the Taï Forest, Côte d'Ivoire. Fecal samples (n = 39) were collected from 35 habituated animals (27 females and 8 males) and tested for SIVsmm virion RNA (vRNA). Viral gag (800 bp) and/or env (490 bp) sequences were amplified from 11 different individuals (eight females and three males). Based on the sensitivity of fecal vRNA detection and the numbers of samples analyzed, the prevalence of SIVsmm infection was estimated to be 59% (95% confidence interval, 0.35 to 0.88). Behavioral data collected from this community indicated that SIVsmm infection occurred preferentially in high-ranking females. Phylogenetic analysis of gag and env sequences revealed an extraordinary degree of genetic diversity, including evidence for frequent recombination events in both the recent and distant past. Some sooty mangabeys harbored near-identical viruses (<2% interstrain distance), indicating epidemiologically linked infections. These transmissions were identified by microsatellite analyses to involve both related (mother/daughter) and unrelated individuals, thus providing evidence for vertical and horizontal transmission in the wild. Finally, evolutionary tree analyses revealed significant clustering of the Taï SIVsmm strains with five of the eight recognized groups of HIV-2, including the epidemic groups A and B, thus pointing to a likely geographic origin of these human infections in the eastern part of the sooty mangabey range.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Evaluation of Streck tissue fixative, a nonformalin fixative for preservation of stool samples and subsequent parasitologic examination.

We undertook a study to evaluate Streck tissue fixative (STF) as a substitute for formalin and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in fecal preservation. A comparison of formalin, PVA, (mercuric chloride based), and STF was done by aliquoting fecal samples into each fixative. Stool specimens were collected in Haiti, and parasites included Cyclospora cayetanensis, Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba coli, Iodamoeba butschlii, Endolimax nana, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Necator americanus. Preserved stools were examined at various predetermined times (1 week, 1 month, and 3 months) to establish the quality of the initial preservation as well as the suitability of the fixative for long-term storage. At each time point, stool samples in fixatives were examined microscopically as follows: (i) in wet mounts (with bright-field and epifluorescence microscopy), (ii) in modified acid-fast-, trichrome-, and safranin-stained smears, and (iii) with two commercial test kits. At the time points examined, morphologic features remained comparable for samples fixed with 10% formalin and STF. For comparisons of STF- and 10% formalin-fixed samples, specific findings showed that Cyclospora oocysts retained full fluorescence, modified acid-fast- and safranin-stained smears of Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora oocysts were equal in staining quality, and results were comparable in the immunofluorescence assay and enzyme immunoassay commercial kits. Stool fixed in STF and stained with trichrome showed less-than-acceptable staining quality compared with stool fixed in PVA. STF provides an excellent substitute for formalin as a fixative in routine examination of stool samples for parasites. However, modifications to the trichrome staining procedures will be necessary to improve the staining quality for protozoal cysts fixed in STF to a level comparable to that with PVA.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Application of a DNA hybridization-hydrophobic-grid membrane filter method for detection and isolation of verotoxigenic escherichia coli.

Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) strains were isolated from food and animal fecal samples by using PCR to screen for the presence of VTEC after broth enrichment and then filtering VTEC-positive cultures through hydrophobic-grid membrane filters (HGMFs) which were incubated on MacConkey agar. The filters were probed with a digoxigenin-labeled PCR product generated by amplification of a conserved verotoxin gene sequence. Replication of the growth on filters allowed probe-positive colonies to be picked. When ground beef samples were inoculated with VTEC strains, 100% of the strains were recovered, and the detection limit was 0.1 CFU per g. Similar results were obtained with seven types of artificially contaminated vegetables. A survey of 32 packages of vegetables and 23 samples of apple cider obtained at the retail level did not reveal the presence of VTEC. However, the intestinal fecal contents of a moose, 1 of 35 wild mammals and birds examined, contained E. coli O157:H7. The DNA hybridization-HGMF method was also used in a prevalence survey of 327 raw and 744 ready-to-eat products; VTEC strains were recovered from 4.9% of the raw products and 0.7% of the ready-to-eat products. No serotype O157:H7 strains were detected. This method is particularly suited for surveys in which low numbers of VTEC-positive samples are expected and isolates are required.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

PCR diagnosis of infections with different species of Opisthorchiidae using a rapid clean-up procedure for stool samples and specific primers.

Infections with the opisthorchiid liver flukes Clonorchis sinensis, Opisthorchis viverrini, and Opisthorchis felineus cause serious health problems in endemic areas of Southeast Asia and countries of the former Soviet Union. Chronic infections--even with low worm burdens--may lead to the development of fatal cholangiocarcinoma and related symptoms. A more sensitive diagnosis is needed since the tiny eggs of the worms are often not seen in microscopic examinations of stool samples, especially in patients with low infections. This communication reports a rapid cleanup procedure for human stool samples, which enables reliable identification of DNA by polymerase chain reaction from few eggs of opisthorchiid flukes in fecal samples.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Influence of wheat bran on NMU-induced mammary tumor development, plasma estrogen levels and estrogen excretion in female rats.

In our animal experiments the hypothesis was tested that a high-fiber (HF) diet reduces tumor promotion by interruption of the enterohepatic circulation resulting in lowered estrogen exposure of the estrogen-sensitive tissue. In the first experiment the development of N-nitrosomethylurea (NMU) induced mammary tumors was investigated. One group of rats (HF) was fed a HF diet (11% fiber, based on wheat bran), the other group (LF) fed a low-fiber diet (0.5% fiber, based on white wheat flour). Tumor incidence (90 and 80%, respectively) and latency (121 and 128 days, respectively) were similar in the HF and LF groups. Compared to the LF group, HF rats had lower tumor weights (0.16 vs 0.55 g; P less than 0.01) and a slightly lower tumor multiplicity (1.8 vs 2.8 tumors per tumor-bearing rat). These differences were reduced after adjustment for body weight. In a second experiment rats, not treated with the carcinogen, were kept on the same HF and LF diets. From these rats 24-h urine and feces and orbital blood samples were collected for analysis of (un)conjugated estrogens. The excretion of both free and conjugated estrogens in fecal samples was about 3-fold higher in HF rats than in LF rats. During the basal period of the cycle urinary excretion of estrone was lower in HF rats (mean 9.7 ng/day) than in LF rats (mean 13.0 ng/day; P less than 0.05). It is concluded that wheat bran interrupts the enterohepatic circulation of estrogens, but plasma levels are not affected. Whether the development of mammary tumors is reduced by the introduction of specific components of wheat bran, or by a reduced body weight due to a lower (effective) energy intake remains to be determined.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Oral ferrous sulfate supplements increase the free radical-generating capacity of feces from healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Most dietary iron remains unabsorbed and hence may be available to participate in Fenton-driven free radical generation in conjunction with the colonic microflora, leading to the production of carcinogens or direct damage to colonocytes. OBJECTIVE: Our aims were to measure the proportion of fecal iron available to participate in free radical generation and to determine the effect of an oral supplement of ferrous sulfate on free radical generation. DESIGN: Eighteen healthy volunteers recorded their food intake and collected fecal samples before, during, and after 2 wk of supplementation (19 mg elemental Fe/d). Total, free, and weakly chelated fecal iron were measured and free radical production was determined by using an in vitro assay with dimethyl sulfoxide as a free radical trap. RESULTS: Fecal iron increased significantly during the period of supplementation and returned to baseline within 2 wk. The concentration of weakly bound iron in feces (approximately 1.3% of total fecal iron) increased from 60 micromol/L before to 300 micromol/L during supplementation, and the production of free radicals increased significantly (approximately 40%). Higher-carbohydrate diets were associated with reduced free radical generation. CONCLUSION: Unabsorbed dietary iron may increase free radical production in the colon to a level that could cause mucosal cell damage or increased production of carcinogens.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2005

Eliminating the carriage of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis in domestic fowls by feeding activated charcoal from bark containing wood vinegar liquid (Nekka-Rich).

The protective efficacy of activated charcoal containing wood vinegar liquid (Nekka-Rich) against intestinal infection with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis was sought. In the present study, the adsorption effects of activated charcoal of Nekka-Rich on S. Enteritidis and normal bacterial flora in the intestine, Enterococcus faecium, were examined. S. Enteritidis was effectively adsorbed by activated charcoal of Nekka-Rich. On the other hand, activated charcoal of Nekka-Rich showed lower binding capacity to E.faecium. The effects of wood vinegar liquid included in Nekka-Rich on the growth of S. Enteritidis and normal bacterial flora in the intestine, E. faecium and Bifidobacterium thermophilum, were also assessed. Wood vinegar liquid had an inhibitory effect on the S. Enteritidis growth, whereas growth of E. faecium and B. thermophilum was enhanced by wood vinegar liquid. Furthermore, the protective effects of Nekka-Rich were evaluated in a challenge chicken model with S. Enteritidis. Chickens were fed a basal diet containing Nekka-Rich or immunized with commercially obtained S. Enteritidis vaccine and challenged with S. Enteritidis. Significantly less fecal excretion of S. Enteritidis was observed in chickens fed Nekka-Rich for 10 d after challenge. On d 15 after challenge, S. Enteritidis was not isolated from fecal samples. On the other hand, immunization of chickens with S. Enteritidis vaccine did not fully inhibit bacterial growth. Fecal excretion of S. Enteritidis was consistently observed in the vaccinated chickens after challenge. These results suggest that Nekka-Rich would be a good product for eliminating the carriage of S. Enteritidis in domestic fowl.

Acetic Acid↗
PubMed2003

Anaerobic degradation of flavonoids by Clostridium orbiscindens.

An anaerobic, quercetin-degrading bacterium was isolated from human feces and identified as Clostridium orbiscindens by comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The organism was tested for its ability to transform several flavonoids. The isolated C. orbiscindens strain converted quercetin and taxifolin to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid; luteolin and eriodictyol to 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propionic acid; and apigenin, naringenin, and phloretin to 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, respectively. Genistein and daidzein were not utilized. The glycosidic bonds of luteolin-3-glucoside, luteolin-5-glucoside, naringenin-7-neohesperidoside (naringin), quercetin-3-glucoside, quercetin-3-rutinoside (rutin), and phloretin-2'-glucoside were not cleaved. Based on the intermediates and products detected, pathways for the degradation of the flavonol quercetin and the flavones apigenin and luteolin are proposed. To investigate the numerical importance of C. orbiscindens in the human intestinal tract, a species-specific oligonucleotide probe was designed and tested for its specificity. Application of the probe to fecal samples from 10 human subjects proved the presence of C. orbiscindens in 8 out of the 10 samples tested. The numbers ranged from 1.87 x 10(8) to 2.50 x 10(9) cells g of fecal dry mass(-1), corresponding to a mean count of 4.40 x 10(8) cells g of dry feces(-1).

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Prevalence and characterization of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolated from cattle, food, and children during a one-year prospective study in France.

During a 1-year survey of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) prevalence in central France, 2,143 samples were investigated by PCR for Shiga toxin-encoding genes. A total of 330 (70%) of 471 fecal samples collected from healthy cattle at the Clermont-Ferrand slaughterhouse, 47 (11%) of 411 beef samples, 60 (10%) of 603 cheese samples, and 19 (3%) of 658 stool specimens from hospitalized children with and without diarrhea were positive for the stx gene(s). A STEC strain was isolated from 34% (162 of 471) of bovine feces, 4% (16 of 411) of beef samples, 1% (5 of 603) of cheese samples, and 1.5% (10 of 658) of stool specimens. Of the 220 STEC strains isolated, 34 (15%) harbored the stx(1) gene, 116 (53%) harbored the stx(2) gene, and 70 (32%) carried both the stx(1) and stx(2) genes. However, 32 (14.5%) were not cytotoxic for Vero cells. The eae gene, found in 12 (5%) of the 220 strains, was significantly associated with the stx(1) gene and with isolates from children. Sequences homologous to ehxA were found in 102 (46%) of the 220 strains. Thirteen serotypes, OX3:H2, O113:H21, O113:H4, OX3:H21, O6:H10, OX178:H19, O171:H2, O46:H38, O172:H21, O22:H16, O91:H10, O91:H21, and O22:H8, accounted for 102 (55%) of 186 typeable isolates, and only one strain (0.5% of the 186 STEC isolates from cattle), belonged to the O157:H7 serotype. We showed that the majority of the STEC isolates from cattle, beef, and cheese were not likely to be pathogenic for humans and that the STEC strains isolated from children in this study were probably not responsible for diarrheal disease. Finally, the strains associated with hemolytic-uremic syndrome in the same geographical area were shown to belong to particular subsets of the STEC population found in the bovine reservoir.

Abattoirs↗
PubMed2005

Resilience of the dominant human fecal microbiota upon short-course antibiotic challenge.

Recent studies have shown that the human fecal microbiota is composed of a consortium of species specific to the host and resistant to modifications over time. Antibiotics are known to affect the intestinal microflora, and ensuing changes may result in antibiotic-associated diarrhea. It is therefore important to characterize the nature and amplitude of these modifications and the ability of this ecosystem to return to its original profile-i.e., its resilience. Six healthy volunteers received oral amoxicillin (1.5 g/day) for 5 days. Fecal samples were collected at day 0 (D0) before antibiotic treatment and at set intervals until 60 days thereafter. Fecal DNA was isolated, and V6-to-V8 regions of the 16S rRNA genes were amplified by PCR with general primers and analyzed by temporal temperature gradient gel electrophoresis. Dominant species profiles were compared on the basis of similarity (Pearson correlation coefficient). Dominant species profiles at D0 were used as a reference. The fecal microbiota showed a major shift in dominant species upon antibiotic treatment, starting 24 h after treatment initiation and reaching an average similarity of only 74% after 4 days. Within 30 days following antibiotic treatment, the fecal microbiota tended to reach an average similarity of 88% to the D0 value; within 60 days, the average similarity to the D0 value was 89%. However, in one subject, important modifications persisted for at least 2 months, with similarity to the D0 value remaining below 70%. We demonstrated the resilience of the dominant human fecal microbiota upon short-course antibiotic challenge. Yet the persistence of long-term alterations in some subjects may explain susceptibilities to antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Furthermore, these findings suggest that strategies reinforcing the ability of the fecal microbiota to resist modifications would be of clinical relevance.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2005

Use of a heminested reverse transcriptase PCR assay for detection of astrovirus in environmental swabs from an outbreak of gastroenteritis in a pediatric primary immunodeficiency unit.

An outbreak of astrovirus gastroenteritis occurred in the Primary Immunodeficiency Unit at Newcastle General Hospital in March 2004. Environmental swabbing of the unit was undertaken after the outbreak, with multiple sites swabbed pre- and postcleaning. Astroviruses were detected in four environmental swabs and from two patient fecal samples using heminested reverse transcriptase PCR. An astrovirus genotype 3 strain was identified in both environmental swabs and fecal specimens and was the strain identified as being responsible for the outbreak. Environmental transmission of the virus was thought to have occurred by contamination of a syringe pump outside the laminar-flow curtain of a patient who was admitted with astrovirus gastroenteritis. This was subsequently transmitted to a cubicle next door and to a television/games console in a parents' room in the ward. Environmental monitoring of surfaces/equipment, using PCR assays for gastroenteric viruses in hospital situations where infection can give rise to serious clinical complications, may have a role in controlling and monitoring cleaning and the subsequent prevention of nosocomial transmission of gastroenteritis.

Astroviridae Infections↗
PubMed1999

Fecal estrone sulfate profile in sows during gestation.

The aim of this study was to establish radioimmunoassay (RIA) for fecal estrone sulfate (E1S) and to elucidate changes in fecal E1S during pregnancy in the sow. Fecal E1S was extracted on a commercially available solid phase column, and the E1S fraction obtained was subjected to RIA. The sensitivity of the RIA was 8.5 pg/tube. The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were 8.8-8.9% and 10.7-14.2%, respectively. Mean recovery for E1S added to fecal samples was as high as 95.0%. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.904, n = 147 p < 0.0001) existed between fecal and plasma E1S concentrations. Mean E1S concentration in feces and plasma fluctuated exhibiting two peaks. The first peak of E1S concentration was evident on day 28-32 in feces and on days 26-30 in plasma. The E1S concentration in both feces and plasma remained at baseline levels during mid-pregnancy, but began to rise gradually around days 72-82 and 70-80, in feces and plasma respectively, and reached a peak concentration on days 110-114. Following parturition, the concentration of E1S in plasma declined rapidly, but there was a two-day delay before a decline in fecal E1S. Apart from this two-day delay, changes in fecal E1S were similar to those in plasma E1S. The study indicates that the measurement of E1S in feces could be a useful tool for early pregnancy diagnosis and for monitoring fetal development in sows and gilts.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Water-contact patterns and risk factors for Schistosoma mansoni infection in a rural village of northeast Brazil.

Schistosomiasis mansoni in the Serrano village, municipality of Cururupu, state of Maranhão, Brazil, is a widely spread disease. The PECE (Program for the Control of Schistosomiasis), undertaken since 1979 has reduced the prevalence of S. mansoni infection and the hepatosplenic form of the disease. Nevertheless piped water is available in 84% of the households, prevalence remains above 20%. In order to identify other risk factors responsible for the persistence of high prevalence levels, a cross-sectional survey was carried out in a systematic sample of 294 people of varying ages. Socioeconomic, environmental and demographic variables, and water contact patterns were investigated. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed by the Kato-Katz technique. Prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 24.1%, higher among males (35.5%) and between 10-19 years of age (36.6%). The risk factors identified in the univariable analysis were water contacts for vegetable extraction (Risk Ratio--RR = 2.92), crossing streams (RR = 2.55), bathing (RR = 2.35), fishing (RR = 2.19), hunting (RR = 2.17), cattle breeding (RR = 2.04), manioc culture (RR = 1.90) and leisure (RR = 1.56). After controlling for confounding variables by proportional hazards model the risks remained higher for males, vegetable extraction, bathing in rivers and water contact in rivers or in periodically inundated parts of riverine woodland (swamplands).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Coccidial infections and gut microflora.

Oral inoculations of sporulated oocysts of Eimeria acervulina, E. necatrix, E. brunetti, E. tenella, or none were given to five groups of 4-wk-old chicks. Fecal samples were taken at 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 14, and 21 days postinoculation and total fecal aerobe, total fecal anaerobe, fecal lactobacilli, and fecal coliform concentrations were enumerated. Fecal aerobe concentrations increased 10-fold during the period from 3 to 8 days postinoculation. Fecal anaerobe concentrations had small increases from 3 to 6 days. Fecal lactobacilli concentrations increased with E. necatrix and E. brunetti infections but decreased with E. tenella infections. Fecal coliform concentrations increased most with the duodenal infections and increased less with posterior tract infections.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Epidemiological overview of Cryptosporidium infection in Capra hircus from southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Objectives: Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that commonly infects livestock, including Capra hircus, causing diarrhea, dehydration, and sometimes mortality. These infections lead to substantial economic losses in the farming industry. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors, such as region, season, age, and sex, of Cryptosporidium infection in C. hircus in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Materials and Methods: A total of 360 fecal samples were collected from C. hircus from the Kohat, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Fecal smears were stained using the modified Ziehl-Neelsen method, and statistical analysis, including chi-square tests, was employed to assess the association between Cryptosporidium infection prevalence and various factors. Results: The overall Cryptosporidium infection prevalence was 20.55% (74/360). District-wise analysis revealed the highest prevalence in Kohat (23.33%), followed by Bannu (20%) and Lakki Marwat (18.33%). Monthly examination identified August as the peak prevalence month (36.67%), displaying non-significant monthly variations (p = 0.075). Seasonal disparity indicated a significantly higher prevalence in the summer (30%) compared to other seasons (p = 0.008). Age-wise prevalence demonstrated susceptibility in kids aged &#x2264; 15 days (&#x2264; 33.93%), with significant overall age-based differences (p = 0.001). Female kids exhibited a slightly higher prevalence at 22.22% compared to males (19.19%), with no significant gender-based difference (p = 0.479). Conclusions: This study highlights the influence of geographic, seasonal, and demographic factors on Cryptosporidium prevalence in goat populations. The findings emphasize the importance of implementing targeted preventive measures. Recommended strategies include farmer education programs, seasonal deworming schedules, early screening for infection, and strict hygiene and water sanitation practices to reduce transmission risks effectively.

Cryptosporidiosis↗
PubMed2004

Study on enteric parasitosis and nutritional status of school children in remote hilly areas in Nepal.

We examined the effect of enteric parasitosis on nutritional status of school children in remote hilly areas in Nepal. A total of 325 school children aged 6 to 19 years (boys: 214; girls: 111) who provided both blood and stool samples were included. The height (Ht) (cm), weight (Wt) (kg), age, sex, ethnic of each child were recorded. Fecal samples were examined by direct smear method in duplicate. The blood hemoglobin (Hb) was estimated by Sahli's method in the field (Nepal) whereas the serum protein (Prot), albumin (Alb), Alb/globulin ratio (A/G), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), cholesterol (Chol), triglycerides (Trig), and serum iron (SI) were measured in Japan. Of the total, 201 (61.8%) had enteric parasites, predominantly the soil transmitted helminths. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common parasite detected (72.6%) followed by hookworm (16.2%) and others. Protozoan infections were very low (<6.0%). Of the total 201 parasite positive children, 15.4% had multiple infections. No significant differences in Ht and Wt in parasite positive and negative boys and girls of both age groups (< 11 and 11-19 years) were observed (P>0.05). Overall, no significant differences in levels of Hb, Prot, A/G, SGPT, Chol, Trig and SI in the parasite positive and negative children were observed (P>0. 05) but in Alb level (P<0.05). When, the levels of these parameters were compared in the age groups of <11 and 11-19 years, similar findings were observed in both the age groups. But, in the age group of 11-19 years, a significant difference was observed in Trig level (P<0.05). No differences were found in the levels of these parameters in the parasitic positive and negative children belonging to Dalits and different ethnic namely, Indo-Aryan and Tibeto-Burman, respectively.

Adolescent↗