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Evaluation of the indirect haemagglutination test in the diagnosis of amoebiasis.

The IHA test was evaluated in the diagnosis of amoebiasis. Axenically-grown E. histolytica was used as an antigen. A total of 427 sera from symptomatic (intestinal and extra-intestinal) amoebiasis patients. asymptomatic carriers, patients with parasitic intestinal infections other than E. histolytica, and healthy controls were tested. From 288 symptomatic cases of amoebiasis, 232 (80.6 per cent) gave positive reactions. In 93 asymptomatic cases of amoebiasis, 55 (59.1 percent) were seropositive. In testing of sera from 16 subjects with parasitic intestinal infections other than E. histolytica, a low-level positive IHA titres occurred in 2 (12.5 per cent). The test was also positive with a low titre in 3 (10.0 per cent) of the 30 subjects of the healthy control group. The results indicate that the IHA test is of value in the confirmation of intestinal and extra-intestinal amoebic infections especially in cases where the parasite is difficult to demonstrate.

Acute Disease↗

Isolation and degranulation of mucosal mast cells from the small intestine of parasitized sheep.

The isolation of mucosal mast cells and globule leucocytes from the small intestine of sheep immunized with Trichostrongylus colubriformis is described. Sheep mast cell protease was released from these cells in a dose-dependent fashion after incubation with soluble protein from T. colubriformis larvae. Release also occurred with other T. colubriformis antigens whereas non-parasite antigens at comparable protein concentrations evinced only a minimal response. Mucosal mast cells prepared from worm-free sheep also produced a similar minimal response. This is the first report describing the release of sheep mast cell protease from isolated sheep intestinal mucosal mast cells after addition of specific parasite antigens.

Animals↗

MyD88-dependent pathways mediate resistance to Cryptosporidium parvum infection in mice.

Cryptosporidium spp. cause diarrheal disease worldwide. Innate immune responses mediating resistance to this parasite are not completely understood. To determine whether MyD88-dependent pathways play a role in resistance to Cryptosporidium parvum, we compared the course of infection in MyD88(-/-) mice to that in their wild-type (WT) littermate controls. Three- to 4-week-old mice were infected with C. parvum, and infection was monitored by quantifying fecal oocyst shedding. Twelve days postinfection, the histology of the intestines was examined to quantify intestinal parasite burden and to determine if there were any pathological changes. Fecal oocyst shedding and intestinal parasite burden were significantly greater in MyD88(-/-) mice than in littermate controls. Nonetheless, both WT and MyD88(-/-) mice cleared the infection within 3 weeks. These results indicate that MyD88-dependent pathways are involved in mediating initial resistance to C. parvum. Since gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) is known to mediate resistance to C. parvum, we also studied infection in MyD88(-/-) mice and WT controls in which this cytokine was temporarily neutralized. Fecal oocyst shedding, as well as intestinal parasite burden, intestinal inflammation, and mortality, was significantly greater in MyD88(-/-) mice in which IFN-gamma was neutralized than in IFN-gamma-neutralized WT mice or in MyD88(-/-) mice in which this cytokine was active. These results suggest that MyD88 and IFN-gamma had an additive effect in conferring protection from C. parvum infection. While this study confirms the importance of IFN-gamma in conferring resistance to infection with C. parvum, it suggests that MyD88-mediated pathways also play a role in innate immunity to this parasite.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

An epidemic outbreak of cryptosporidiosis: a prospective community study from Guinea Bissau.

In the first year of a prospective community study of childhood diarrhea conducted in a semiurban area in the capital of Guinea Bissau, Cryptosporidium sp. was found in 73 (6.0%) of 1216 episodes of diarrhea. The parasite was the second most prevalent intestinal parasite, and the only one significantly associated with diarrhea (OR = 2.79, P = 0.0006). The seasonal distribution was striking, with a peak prevalence in the beginning of the rainy season (May 17.6%) when an epidemic outbreak of diarrhea started. The prevalence was highest in children younger than 18 months, an age at which prevalences of other intestinal parasites were low. This reverse age pattern may possibly be explained by the small infective dose needed to create severe infections, by air-borne transmission and by the development of protective immunity.

Cryptosporidiosis↗

[Intestinal parasitoses in a village of Côte d'Ivoire. I: Control and prevention plan].

The goal was to develop a complex medical, hygienic, sanitary and educational plan for control and prevention of intestinal parasitic infections in the rural areas in Ivory Coast. In a village situated at the border of the Ebrié lagoon, 416 persons were examined: 371 children, of which 343 were school and preschool children, aged 4 to 15 years (195 boys and 148 girls), 28 young children aged 6 months to 3 years, and a group of 45 adults. The parasitologic exams included perianal swabs (Graham's method), stool examination using saline solution, iodized solution (Lugol) and preparation Kato-Miura's method in thick layer. Parasitic intensity was done for helminths and worm burden have been carried after specific treatment of roundworms. Hygienic conditions as environment, school, dwelling and personal hygiene, eating habits, drinking water sanitation, garbage disposal, toilets, reproduction areas of hematophagous and mechanical vectors etc. have recorded. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 84.8% in children (with 76.7 % polyparasites) and 29.0 % in adults. The results pointed out a hyperendemic zone. Parasitic infectious transmitted from person to person was frequent among children: 37.3% pinworms in school children, 30.3% amoeba cysts and 30.3% flagellate. Infections transmitted by soil were predominant, with 62.1 % roundworms (78.6 % in children aged 7 to 10 years) presenting an important parasitic intensity and worm burden. The parasitoses transmitted as larvae were frequent, only Strongyloides stercoralis being most frequent parasite in adults compared to children. A feasible plan of control the intestinal parasites has been established in collaboration with the local hospital, village leaders and health workers. Short-term measures have been carefully chosen, targeting especially the schools, teachers and health workers. The first health education measure concerns the hand cleanliness at home and at schools. It was suggested that a bucket of water be used per class, that the water be changed more often during the day, and soap be made available at all time. Lessons on the ways of transmission of parasites will be introduced in schools. A door-to-door education plan was discussed with village health workers and hospital nurses and laboratory technicians during the maternal-infantile prophylactic visits. The health education problems have been discussed extensively with village health workers. As a preliminary example, the prevention and campaign against the pinworm, a common parasite in children was chosen, whose transmission mechanism from person to person can be easily understood by children and mothers. Simultaneously the prevention of parasitic infections contributes extensively to the prevention of other serious diseases, as the typhoid fever etc. which are endemic in the region. Long-term preventive measures have been discussed with village leaders. The first measure is to fix the deep-well drinking water pump station of the village, financed by outside parties, with labour provided by the village. Measures for proper maintenance of the water pump station have also been discussed with representatives of the village. The program of the World Health Organization and National Institute of Hygiene of Ivory Coast concerning the periodic treatment of intestinal helminths, especially A. lumbricoides, given to all school aged children was discussed.

Adolescent↗

[Intestinal protozoan parasitism in children from the bay of Cádiz].

The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis from protozoa in a pediatric population group attending different education centres in the Bay of Cádiz is investigated by means of directly examining the feces using microscopic techniques. The percentage of children affected by parasites is 6.3%, there being no differences with regard to sex or social level. Giardia lamblia is the most frequently found protozoa (2.7%). The level of infection from Cryptosporidium sp. (2.3%) is significant. The symptomatology of those affected was nonspecific and not intense, and therefore did not lead to any suspicion of pathology.

Child↗

Intestinal sarcocystosis in Thai laborers.

To determine the prevalence of Sarcocystis and other intestinal parasites in Thai laborers who were going abroad for work, stool examinations of 362 asymptomatic laborers were studied. The four most frequently parasites found in stool were Sarcocystis sp (23.2%), Opisthorchis viverini (40.3%), hookworm (21.5%), and Strongyloides stercoralis (14.1%). Giardia intestinalis (5.2%), Entamoeba coli (1.7%), Endolimax nana (2.5%), Blastocystis hominis (4.1%), Echinostoma sp (3.6%), Trichuris trichiura (0.3%), Taenia sp (1.7%), Hymenolepis nana (0.6%), and Enterobius vermicularis (0.3%) were present at low rates. Sarcocystis were frequently found in male laborers (83.3%) (p < .01). The laborers from northeastern Thailand (n = 278) had a higher prevalence (26.6%) of Sarcocystis infection (p < .01). This study shows that Thai laborers, particularly from northeastern Thailand, are commonly infected with intestinal parasites. The high prevalence rates of Sarcocystis and other intestinal parasites in this study were indicative of the local habit of eating raw beef and pork, poor living conditions, and low levels of hygiene in Thai laborers. Sarcocystosis could be a significant food-borne zoonotic infection in Thailand.

Adolescent↗

Prevalence of intestinal parasitoses in relationship to diarrhoea among children in Ilorin.

Studies on the role of intestinal parasites in diarrhoeal disease in children were carried out among 907 children of one month to 120 months (10 years) of age both at out patients and inpatients in Unilorin Teaching Hospital. The most common intestinal parasites found were Ascaris lumbricoides (40.9%), Trichuris trichiura (27%), Hookworm (10.2%), Strongyloides stercoralis (9.7%), E. histolytica (6.3%), Trichomona vaginalis (2.8%). Taenia saginata (1.7%) and 1.1% of Paragonimus westermani, among the diarrhoeal cases. But among the non-diarrhoeal group, intestinal parasites loads were lower, except Ascaris lumbricoides (58.2%). The main differences observed between the two groups was that the egg-load was higher among diarrhoeal than in non-diarrhoeal group. The role of parasites in the initiation of diarrhoea in children was discussed.

Child↗

Transmission of intestinal blastocystosis related to the quality of drinking water.

A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the risk factors of Blastocystis hominis infection in the Thai army population of the 11th Infantry Division, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand. 201 army personnel and their family members were enrolled in this study. Intestinal parasitic infections in this population were assessed by stool examination using simple smear, formalin/ether technique and Kato-thick smear. Approximately one third of the specimens were positive for one or more intestinal parasites. With the prevalence of 21.9%, B. hominis was the most common intestinal parasite found in this population. Our data indicated that blastocystosis in this army population was significantly linked to the quality of drinking water. After being adjusted for potential confounders, consuming neither filtered nor boiled water was independently associated with blastocystosis.

Adolescent↗

Related factors to human toxocariasis in a rural community of Argentina.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between toxocariasis frequency and demographic, environmental, sanitary variables, eosinophylia, and other intestinal parasites in a rural population of Argentina. Serological examination of 100 individuals was carried out by using ELISA technique for the detection of anti-toxocara antibodies. Eosinophiles in peripheral blood, presence of intestinal parasites, and demographic, environmental, and socio-cultural data were evaluated. Eighty-one feces samples of dogs belonging to the studied people were analyzed to detect eggs of Toxocara canis. Thirty of them were from 30 dogs and 51 were pools from dog feces. Samples of dirt from around the homes (n: 47) and from public park (n: 4) were taken. To determine the associations, the c(2) and Fisher tests were used. The seroprevalence was 23%. Eosinophilia in peripheral blood was detected in 86.95% seropositive individuals and in 37.66% seronegative individuals (p < 0.001, OR = 11.03). Of the 23 people with positive serology, 69.56% had at least one intestinal parasite. All individuals with positive serology had dogs in their homes. Among the dog owners there was a significant association between the presence of anti-toxocara antibodies and home flooding. Eggs of T. canis were detected in the feces of 5/81 dogs and three of these dogs belonged to individuals with positive serology. Eggs of Toxocara spp. were found in 41.17% of the dirt samples, eight of which came from the area surrounding the homes of individuals with positive serology (p = 0.032; OR = 4.36). Taking into account all the variables influencing the frequency of toxocariasis in this population, the implementation of Public Health programs specifically focused on anti-parasitic treatment of dogs is recommended.

Animals↗

Serologic prevalence of antibodies to Helicobacter pylori in internationally adopted children.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been linked to gastritis, diarrhea, peptic ulcers, failure-to-thrive, anemia, as well as predisposition to gastric malignancies. Because many internationally adopted children have diarrhea, failure-to-thrive, and anemia on arrival to the US, we determined the prevalence of HP antibodies among these children. METHODS: Serum samples from 226 unselected children from 18 countries who were evaluated in the International Adoption Clinic at New England Medical Center were tested for antibodies to H. pylori. The results of serologic screening were analyzed in relation to age at adoption, site of residence prior to adoption, weight and height, and the presence or absence of anemia, diarrhea, or intestinal parasites. RESULTS: 31% of internationally adopted children had antibodies to H. pylori. The presence of H. pylori-antibodies was associated with residence in an orphanage (vs. foster care) prior to adoption, older age at adoption, and coinfection with intestinal parasites. No direct effects on height or weight were identified; no associations with diarrhea or anemia were found. CONCLUSIONS: Internationally adopted children have a high incidence of exposure to H. pylori, as diagnosed serologically. Residence in an orphanage (compared with foster care), older age at adoption, and coinfection with intestinal parasites were more common among children seropositive for anti-H. pylori antibodies.

Adolescent↗

Human parasitoses of the Malili area, South Sulawesi (Celebes) province, Indonesia.

A biomedical survey was conducted in 9 villages in the Malili area of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Blood specimens were examined for malaria and microfilariae; stool specimens were examined for intestinal parasites. Malaria parasitemias were rare; Plasmodium falciparum was detected in 10 and P. vivax in 11 of 985 blood smears. Malayan filariasis was endemic to all villages surveyed. The overall prevalence of detectable microfilaremias was 15%, varying from 34% in Kawata to 1% in Nuha. Microfilarial densities, expressed as MfD50 averaged 8.0 and varied from 1.1 in Timampu to 16.0 in Karabbe. Intestinal parasites were common. Although Schistosoma japonicum was not found, 97% of the examined had one or more intestinal parasites as follows: Ascaris lumbricoides (74%), Trichuris trichiura (65%), hookworm (62%), Entamoeba coli (38%), Endolimax nana (10%), Entamoeba histolytica (6%), Iodamoeba bütschlii (4%), Entamoeba hartmanni (3%), Giardia lamblia (2%) Chilomastix mesnili (1%) and Enterobius vermicularis (1%). Strongyloides stercoralis larvae and Hymenolepis nana eggs were detected once each and heterophyid-like eggs were detected twice.

Adolescent↗

Effects of interleukin 12 on immune responses and host protection in mice infected with intestinal nematode parasites.

The cytokine interleukin (IL) 12 stimulates T cell and natural killer cell production of interferon (IFN) gamma and inhibits T cell production of IL-4. We investigated the effects of IL-12 on cytokine gene expression, immunoglobulin (Ig)E, mucosal mast cell, and eosinophil responses, and the course of infection in mice inoculated with the nematode parasite Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, as well as the IFN-gamma dependence of these effects. IL-12 stimulated IFN-gamma and IL-10 gene expression during primary and secondary N. brasiliensis infections and inhibited IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-9 gene expression during primary infections but had little inhibitory effect during secondary infections. IL-12 inhibited IgE, mucosal mast cell, and blood and tissue eosinophil responses during primary infections, but only eosinophil responses during secondary infections. IL-12 enhanced adult worm survival and egg production during primary, but not secondary infections. IL-12 needed to be administered by day 4 of a primary infection to inhibit IgE and mucosal mast cell responses, and by day 6 to strongly inhibit eosinophil responses and to enhance worm survival and fecundity. Anti-IFN-gamma mAb inhibited the effects of IL-12 on IgE secretion, intestinal mucosal mastocytosis, and parasite survival and fecundity, but did not affect IL-12 inhibition of eosinophilia. These observations indicate that IL-12, if administered during the initiation of eosinophilia. These observations indicate that IL-12, if administered during the initiation of an immune response, can change the response from one that is characterized by the production of T helper (Th)2-associated cytokines to one characterized by the production of Th-1 associated cytokines. However, IL-12 treatment has less of an effect once the production of Th2-associated cytokines has become established. In addition, our results provide evidence that Th2-associated responses protect against, and/or Th1-associated responses exacerbate, nematode infections.

Animals↗

Analysis of the health status of foreign brides in a community hospital in Taipei County.

BACKGROUND: Very few studies regarding the health status of foreign brides in Taiwan are so far available. The purpose of this study was to analyze the health status of foreign brides in a community hospital setting in Taipei County. METHODS: We retrieved and analyzed 493 foreign brides' medical records recorded between November 1, 2002 and October 31, 2003. The records included a medical history, physical examination parameters, serological test data for infectious diseases, urinalysis for drug use, stool sample data for intestinal parasites, and chest radiography mainly to rule out tuberculosis. RESULTS: Of the 493 foreign brides included in this study, 247 were from China (50.1%); 122 from Burma (24.7%), 55 from Indonesia (11.2%), and 32 from Vietnam (6.5%). A small proportion of women, 69 (14%), were infected with intestinal parasites. Seven subjects (1.4 %) had tuberculosis, of which 4 (0.8%) were diagnosed as having old tuberculosis. None of the foreign brides was positive for the HIV antibody or on the syphilis screening. The seronegative rate of anti-rubella IgG among the foreign brides was 14.4%. Three percent of the brides had an elevated morphine level (> or = 300 ng/mL), but none of them was positive (> or = 500 ng/mL) for amphetamine. CONCLUSIONS: Future national statistics should include brides from China. The main concerns about foreign brides are the low vaccination rate against rubella virus, the high infection rate with intestinal parasites, and the high prevalence of tuberculosis. A nationwide survey should be carried out in order to assess the health status of all foreign brides in Taiwan.

Emigration and Immigration↗

Some gastro-intestinal tract parasites in wild De Brazza's monkeys (Cercopithecus neglectus) in Kenya.

Fresh faecal droppings of wild group of De Brazza's monkeys (Cercopithecus neglectus), earmarked for translocation, were collected between January and July 1998. The samples were analysed using direct smears, ether-sedimentation and the Harada-Mori culture techniques for gastro-intestinal tract parasites (GIT). Two species of helminths and three of protozoa were detected. Entamoeba coli was found in all 40 samples screened from 11 monkeys. Entamoeba histolytica was detected in 71.8% of the total samples screened, Streptopharagus spp. in 12.8% and Strongyloides spp. and Balantidium coli each in 7.7% of the samples. E. histolytica and Streptopharagus spp. were most prevalent in faecal samples of juveniles while Strongyloides spp. and B. coli were mostly found in adult females. This, to our knowledge, is the first report of GIT parasites in a wild population of De Brazza's monkeys and our results are baseline.

Age Factors↗

The effects of extracts from anti-diarrheic Thai medicinal plants on the in vitro growth of the intestinal protozoa parasite: Blastocystis hominis.

The activities of n-hexane, dichloromethane and methanol extracts from five anti-diarrheic Thai medicinal plants, Acacia catechu (Fabaceae) resin, Amaranthus spinosus (Amaranthaceae) whole plant, Brucea javanica (Simaroubaceae) seed, Piper longum (Piperaceae) fruit and Quercus infectoria (Fagaceae) nut gall were tested against the in vitro growth of fresh isolates of the intestinal protozoan parasite, Blastocystis hominis. The extracts at concentrations that ranged from 62.5 to 2000 microg/mL, were incubated with several isolates of Blastocystis hominis for 48 h. The activities were classified as killed, inhibited, moderately inhibited and not-inhibited. Dichloromethane and methanol extracts from the Brucea javanica seed and a methanol extract from Quercus infectoria nut gall showed the highest activity. At a concentration of 2000 microg/mL, the three extracts killed 82, 75 and 67% of the Blastocystis hominis samples tested and inhibited 94, 100 and 76% of them, respectively. Metronidazole, used as a reference antiprotozoan drug, at a concentration of 40 microg/mL, killed 97% of the Blastocystis hominis isolates and inhibited all samples tested at concentrations that ranged from 1.25 to 20 microg/mL.

Animals↗