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PubMed2003

Schistosomiasis mansoni: follow-up of control program based on parasitologic and serologic methods in a Brazilian community of low endemicity.

A field survey on schistosomiasis was carried out in 1998, in the municipality of Pedro de Toledo, a low endemic area in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. According to the parasitologic Kato-Katz method, the prevalence rate was 1.6%, with an infection intensity of 40.9 eggs per gram of stool. By the immunofluorescence test (IFT) for detection of IgG and IgM antibodies in the serum, IgG-IFT and IgM-IFT, respectively, prevalence indices of 33.2% and 33.5% were observed. To assess the impact of the schistosomiasis control program in the area, parasitologic and serologic data obtained in 1998, analyzed according to the age, sex, and residence zone, were compared to previous data obtained in a epidemiologic study carried out in 1980, when prevalence indices were of 22.8% and 55.5%, respectively by Kato-Katz and IgG-IFT. A significant fall of the prevalence was observed, indicating that the control measures were effective. Nonetheless, residual transmission was observed, demonstrating the need for a joint effort to include new approaches for better understanding the real situation and improving the control of the disease in low endemic areas.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Treatment of onchocerciasis with ivermectin (Province of Bururi, Burundi): parasitologic and clinical evaluation of different periodicities of treatment.

To find out whether biannual treatments of onchocerciasis with ivermectin were necessary or whether annual treatments could suffice, parasitologic and clinical results in Burundi were compared at 12 months after a single treatment and after two treatments with an interval of six months. Adverse reactions were also compared at 12 months, after a second or third treatment, respectively. The biannual treatment resulted in a greater reduction of parasitologic parameters, had a longer-lasting effect on itching, and produced less side effects (especially itching, rash, and swellings) at 12 months than an annual treatment. Skin lesions were not significantly modified by any of the treatment schemes at 12 months. Notwithstanding this slight advantage of biannual treatment, operational constraints forced us to choose an annual distribution of ivermectin. With minimal resources, a distribution scheme was organized that was adapted to the different levels of endemicity of onchocerciasis. The results of this study may be of interest to policy makers and public health officials in areas where logistical and resource issues severely restrict the scope of treatment programs. In view of the planned activities of the African Programme of Onchocerciasis Control, the achievements in Burundi indicate that even with limited resources, an appropriate annual distribution scheme can give meaningful results. In spite of the persistence of skin lesions, their severity decreased and most patients considered that their condition had improved even after just one year.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Clinical, parasitological and histopathologic follow-up studies of acute Chagas patients treated with benznidazole].

With the purpose of studying their clinical and histopathologic evolution, 10 acute chagasic patients with myocarditis diagnosed by endomyocardial biopsy and positive sero-parasitologic methods were evaluated at 11 months (8-21 months) after treatment with oral benznidazole. Four of them were reevaluated 5 years post-treatment (58-68 months). Study protocol consisted of clinical, hemodynamic, echocardiographic, seroparasitologic and histopathologic evaluations. Results showed evidence of persisting myocarditis in 90% and 75% of patients evaluated at 11 months and 5 years respectively, along with asymptomatic, subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction being recognized in 75% of patients evaluated 5 years after treatment. All parasitologic studies became negative during follow-up, but serology remained positive for Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies in 80% and 75% of patients studied at 11 months and 5 years. In conclusion, myocardial damage was constantly found in our acute chagasic patients. Treatment with benznidazole eliminated symptoms and parasitemia, but it does not seem to alter favorably the histopathological evolution of the chagasic cardiac disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

[Intestinal parasites in children from the Turiec region in long-term monitoring. How should we proceed with further preventive parasitologic examinations?].

The results of preventive parasitological examinations for intestinal parasites in preschool and school children of the Turiec Region (Central Slovakia) in 1970-1999 are submitted. The study is divided into three cross-sections in the following decades (1970-1979; 1980-1989; 1990-1999). An acute decrease in geohelminths virtually to zero values has been found, as well as a significant decrease in intestinal protozoans. The occurrence of Enterobius vermicularis, despite its significant decrease in the recent decade, remains on a relatively high level. In the conclusion the authors discuss continuation of parasitological field examinations, and, on the basis of their 30-year experience, they submit their recommendations for the simplest and most effective way of such examinations.

Child↗
PubMed2001

[Parasitological profile of urinary schistosomiasis of the Sourou hydroagricultural complex of Burkina Faso].

In the Sourou area of Burkina Faso, parasitological and malacological surveys of urinary schistosomiasis have been carried out in the constructed sites of Guédougou, Niasan and Débé dating respectively from 1967, 1986 and 1996. The investigations covered also the traditional villages of Lanfiera, Di, Poro, Tiao and Mara situated in the middle of the hydroagricultural planning for the first, very close to the lake for the second and about twenty kilometres distant for the three last. These towns represent the main sites in the Sourou area. The results of the parasitological surveys showed that urinary schistosomiasis was present in all sites. The levels of prevalence varied considerably: 70.3% in Guiédougou, 40.8% in Niassan, 8.5% in Débè in the irrigated zone, 55.6% in Lanfiéra, 56.8% in Di, 13.2% in Poro, 83.3% in Tiao and 64.7% in Mara. Concerning the malacological investigation, two species (Bulinus senegalensis and B. truncatus) were shown to be intermediate hosts of Schistosoma haematobium. The first was endemic to the area while the second was compatible with S. haematobium from the Sourou and other zones. Compared to the results of earlier investigations, the endemic had worsened with differences according to sites. This disparity of prevalence levels which has already been observed in other hydroagricultural area results from many factors, among which the impact of irrigation activities, the aquatic biotope system (irrigation canals, natural lake, pools and temporary rivers) and the type of contact of human communities with water rank high. Schistosomiasis expansion is amplified by the intermediate host dynamics and the introduction of new schistosomes carried by the new workers arriving from all over the country. In these conditions, in order to reduce rapidly prevalence levels, preventive measures should be centred on chemotherapy for the population. The treatment should be administered during a period of weak intermediate host density and be directed towards in-coming workers. Such an approach should be able to check the spread of schistosomiasis naturally occurring with the irrigation of new sites.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Systematic study of microbiological and parasitological quality of drinking water: the example of Cassino].

In order to evaluate microbial and parasitological quality of water resources located in the area of Cassino, different typologies of water were monitored during the course of 2002. Analytical results showed that neither water sources nor chlorinated water were affected by microbial and parasitological contamination. Surface water can be used as drinking water after suitable treatment processes. The constant occurrence of parasitic protozoa in sewage shows their spreading in the environment; nevertheless their absence in groundwater and tap water suggests a good level of hygienic quality in water management.

Drinking↗
PubMed2003

Clinical and parasitological studies on the efficacy of Mirazid in treatment of schistosomiasis haematobium in Tatoon, Etsa Center, El Fayoum Governorate.

No doubt, schistosomiasis tops all the endemic parasitic diseases world-wide particularly in Egypt. This study evaluated the efficacy of Mirazid (Commiphora molmol) in the treatment of parasitologically and clinically and ultrasonography confirmed cases of schistosomiasis haematobium in Tatoon village. A sum of 70 out of 885 individuals of both sexes (>15 to 60 years old) screened for S. haematobium infection were selected. They had light infection (1-10 eggs/10 ml.), moderate infection (10-100 eggs/10 ml.) and heavy infection (>100/10 ml.). They were subjected to urine and stool analysis, renal function tests, clinical examination and abdomino-pelvic ultrasound. They were treated with Mirazid as 10 mgm/Kg. However, eight of them were unable to swallow the drug. Out of the 62 schistosomiasis haematobium patients, 57 (91.9%) were cured after two months follow up and the cure rate reached 59 (95.2%) on the 3rd month post-Mirazid treatment. The cure result was evaluated clinically, parasitologically and ultrasonographically. So, Mirazid in a dose of two capsules (600 mgm) on an empty stomach before breakfast for six successive days proved to be very effective and safe in the treatment of schistosomiasis haematobium.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[Epidemiology of malaria in a village of Sudanese savannah area in Mali (Bancoumana). 2. Entomo-parasitological and clinical study ].

We carried out five cross sectional surveys between 1993 and 1994 to assess the epidemiology of malaria in the village of Bancoumana, located in the Sudanese savannah areas of Mali. Each survey included a collection of entomological, clinical, parasitological and immunological data. The study population involved 1600 children from six months to 9 years of age. The main vector was Anopheles gambiae s.l., man bite rate and entomological inoculation rate were maximum respectively in August (peak of the transmission season) and October (end of transmission season). Plasmodium. falciparum was the main parasite species observed. Spleen enlargement rate, parasite rate, gametocyte rate and parasite density varied significantly with age and season. The parasite rate, gametocyte rate and parasite density were significantly low in October 1994 compared with October 1993 while the entomologic parameter did not show any variation over the two years. This reduction of parasitologic index between 1993 and 1994 may be related to an increase of anti-malarial drug use in the population. Our results show that malaria is hyperendemic in the village of Bancoumana.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Parasitological analysis of the untreated wastewater of the "Ville Haute" urban emissary (Mâamora district, Kenitra, Morocco)].

The domestic wastewaters of the city of Kenitra (North-East of Morocco) are rejected without preliminary processing by six emissaries into the Sebou river, the Atlantic Ocean and the Fouarate lake. The present study is based on a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the wastewater parasites load of the "Ville Haute" urban district of Maamora (Kenitra, Morocco). Untreated wastewater samples taken at the exit of the urban emissary are pretreated and analysed by the modified Bailenger method at the parasitological and hydrobiological laboratory of the Sciences Faculty of Kenitra (Ibn Tofail University). For diagnostic confirmation purposes, other complementary analysis were made at the parasitological laboratory of the National Institute of Hygiene (Rabat) The results obtained pointed to the existence of the helminths parasites eggs of Ascaris spp., Toxocara spp., Trichuris spp., Hymenolepis spp., Taenia spp and Fasciola hepatica species with respective concentrations of 3 eggs/L, 17 eggs/L, 7 eggs/L, 2 eggs/L, 1 eggs/L and 1 egg/L. The mean concentration is about 31 eggs/L of untreated wastewater. Furthermore, on the samples examined, the percentages of positives tests is 86% for nematodes, 10% for cestodes, and 4% for trematodes. At the end of this preliminary study we insist on the very high level of parasitic helminths transported by untreated wastewater and we recommend that those wastewater be processed before there are recycled in the Sebou river.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Anaplasmosis in Uganda. III. Parasitological and serological evidence of Anaplasma infection in Ugandan goats.

Randomly selected goat sera from north-western, central, and south-western regions of Uganda were analyzed parasitologically and serologically for evidence of anaplasmosis. Prevalence rates of 3.2% by parasitemia, 4.8% by card-agglutination test, and 12.9% by DOT-ELISA combined with western blotting were established. Parasitologically positive samples were consistently serologically positive. Positive samples were all from either the north-western or south-western regions of the country. Goats in these regions graze with cattle and are presumable exposed to the same tick species. There was no evidence of clinical caprine anaplasmosis, whereas bovine anaplasmosis cases are very common. Rhipicephalus evertsi was frequently observed on goats which cograze with cattle.

Anaplasma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Parasitological resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to antimalarial drugs: what physicians should keep in mind].

Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance has considerably modified the attitude of physicians in terms of malaria case management. However, a bad understanding of the resistance phenomenon can lead to non-appropriate therapeutic and/or public health practices. The objective of this paper was to contribute to clarify the concept of parasitological resistance by analysing the different types of resistance observed in vivo. We showed through some examples that the precision of in vivo parasitological results depends on the type of microscopical technique used. We also showed that the classification system into resistance levels RI, RII, and RIII does not correspond to an increase in the resistance of the parasite itself but rather to an increase in the proportion of the resistant strains compared to the sensitive ones circulating in a given population. Mutant strains are circulating in low proportions as long as there is no selective drug pressure. They can be first detected in vitro and, later on, when their proportion increase, they are detected in vivo, first in non-immune subjects and later in semi-immune subjects. Therefore, the role of the host immunity is important in malaria drug resistance. To conclude, increasing use of antimalarial drugs (especially in monotherapy) cannot thwart the resistance, but rather leads to the selection of mutants strains. As the proportion of the mutant strains increases compared to the sensitive (wild) ones, it will reach the microscopic detection level and then, the clinical level. It is important that physicians involved in malaria case management understand these notions in order to avoid non-appropriate therapeutic decisions.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The mastering and maintenance of skills at the parasitological diagnosis of malaria in nonendemic areas].

The paper describes a method for mastering and maintaining skills at the parasitological diagnosis of malaria. The number of educational blood smears, which are to be studied to develop reliable skills at the detection of malaria parasites in the smear preparations showing different level of parasitemia, has been determined. It has been ascertained that parasites that develop with the use of antimalaria drugs may be reliably detected by a skilled parasitologist who constantly uses his experience in practical work. The experiment has indicated that parasitologists and laboratory assistants should monthly view collections of educational smear preparations in nonendemic areas in order to maintain their skills at the parasitological diagnosis of malaria.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Polymerase chain reaction and molecular genotyping to monitor parasitological response to anti-malarial chemotherapy in the Peruvian Amazon.

Over the past decade, anti-malarial drug resistance has rapidly become a major public health problem in the Peruvian Amazon. This study compared polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to light microscopy for diagnosing and monitoring the parasitological response of malaria patients to anti-malarial chemotherapy in the Peruvian Amazon region of Iquitos. Typing of P. falciparum using MSP1, MSP2, and glutamine-rich protein distinguished among infecting parasites. Most (73%) P. falciparum patients were parasitologically resistant to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (RI = 10, RII = 1). Sensitivity of microscopy was lower than PCR (69% for P. vivax and 78% for P. falciparum), but parasite clearance times were comparable between microscopy and PCR. PCR sensitively and specifically detected mixed infections and low-level parasitemia indicative of drug resistance, making this approach of practical use for the control of malaria at the public health level. Genotyping malaria parasites will be useful to distinguish drug failure from new infections in clinical trials of anti-malarial drugs in the Peruvian Amazon region.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Disease mapping in veterinary parasitology: an update.

The development of methods for disease mapping has progressed considerably in recent years. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) represent new tools for the study of epidemiology, and their application to veterinary medicine, and in particular to veterinary parasitology, has become more and more advanced to study the spatial and temporal patterns of diseases. The present paper reports an update regarding the use of these technologies in veterinary parasitology.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

[Acanthamoeba keratitis. Epidemiologic and parasitologic study].

The amebic keratitis with Acanthamoeba are until now rare, but however increasing as their diagnosis is better, and the contact lens wearers more numerous. The authors present the clinical and parasitological features of cases they did diagnose since 1986. In the immunological sphere, the T4 lymphocytes were 20% less than the normal for the first patient, and the third one had a very low level of immunoglobulins A. In the evolution sphere, the first one did received a keratoplasty; the second one has been successfully treated with propamidine isethionate; for the third one, the treatment with propamidine isethionate was nonuseful and a keratoplasty which was finally performed did show off numerous amebic cysts. In the parasitologic sphere, Acanthamoeba polyphaga was isolated from the first case, Acanthamoeba quina from the second one and Acanthamoeba lugdunensis from the last one. These last two cases are the first which did permit to isolate these amoebae, morphologically near to the first species.

Acanthamoeba↗
PubMed1981

Epidemiological studies on the animal reservoir of gambiense sleeping sickness. Part II. Parasitological and immunodiagnostic examination of the human population.

The prevalence of the disease was determined in the population (n = 3402) of a highly endemic sleeping sickness area in the Ivory Coast and an area of recent low endemicity in southwestern Upper Volta by using parasitological techniques supplemented by the determination of trypanosome specific antibodies and serum macroglobulins (IgM). 62 cases of trypanosomiasis were diagnosed parasitologically in the sleeping sickness focus in the Ivory Coast. 30 Trypanozoon stocks were established for their behavioural and biochemical characterization. The percentage of specific antibody carriers. 26% and 10% obtained with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in both areas, respectively, was compared to that obtained for raised IgM levels. False negative diagnosis resulted in 24% with the ELISA, 12% with the indirect immunofluorescent test (IFT) and 19% with the radial immunodiffusion (RID). Considering IFT and IgM levels together, the proportion of false negative results fell to 8%. Possible reasons for low sensitivities, especially of the ELISA are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Clinical, haematological and parasitological response to treatment of visceral leishmaniasis in Kenya. A study of 64 patients.

Sixty four Kenyan patients with visceral leishmaniasis were treated with sodium stibogluconate (Pentostam) (40 patients) or various combinations of Pentostam and allopurinol (24 patients). Three patients, initially considered cured after Pentostam, relapsed but responded to further treatment. Sixty two were cured and two patients died. The treatment and the clinical, haematological and parasitological response to treatment are described in detail. If follow up is impossible or unlikely it is advised to continue treatment until parasitological cure is obtained. Prolonged courses of Pentostam, which were required in some patients, resulted in cures and apparently were non toxic. Consideration is to be given to extended treatment with Pentostam before more toxic drugs such as pentamidine and amphotericin B are given.

Adolescent↗