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PubMedDate not supplied

Comparative helminth infections of man in two rural communities of the Niger Delta, Nigeria.

The intestinal parasitic helminth infections of man in Bonny and Isiokpo communities were studied between May 1992 and March 1994. Of the 2008 stool samples examined from Bonny community, 503 (25.0%) were infected. 305 (26.7%) of these infections were males while 198 (22.9%) were females. Ascaris lumbricoides (24.1%) occurred most frequently, followed by Hookworms (18.0%), Trichuris trichiura (17.3%,) Strongyloides stercoralis (10.1%) and Enterobius vermicularis (0.1%). Peak infection (41.7%) was recorded for the males in (10-14) years age bracket. The use of bush as a toilet facility had the highest parasitic infection (38.3%), followed by that of shoreline (35.3%), pit (33.3%), Bucket (27.8%) and of water closet (7.5%). Degree of infection relative to source of drinking water showed that well water was associated with highest infection (43.3%) while the pipe borne water was the lowest (18.0%). From Isiokpo community 2,462 stool samples were examined for intestinal parasites 1,633 (66.3%) people were infected consisting of 862 (64.8%) males and 771 (68.2%) females. Higher parasitic infection of females in this community was attributed to the cultural and occupational factors. Frequency of occurrence of individual helminth was as follows: A-lumbricoides (64.5%), T. trichiura (59.4%), Hookworms (58.8%), S. stercoralis (25.1%), Hymenolepsis nana (2.9%) and E. vermicularis (0.3%). Prevalence of infection was significantly higher in Isiokpo than in Bonny because the climatic and edaphic factors were conducive to larval development and infectivity. On the contrary, the saline soil and surface water of Bonny community constituted harsh environmental conditions inimical to larval development and infectivity. Observations on parasitic infections in relation to toilet facilities and source of drinking water were similar to those made in Bonny. The study therefore demonstrated that the provision of pipe borne water and water closet facilities in rural Niger Delta communities could reduce helminth infections of man.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Polyparasitism in two rural communities with endemic Schistosoma mansoni infection in Machakos District, Kenya.

Formol-ether concentration supplemented by fresh saline smears was used to study intestinal parasites in two communities, Miu and Kitengei, in Machakos District, Kenya. These communities differed markedly in schistosome associated morbidity, in spite of similar prevalence and intensities of infection as revealed by Kato examination, Seven helminth and nine protozoan species were detected among 1011 samples examined. More than 60% of the subjects were infected with more than one parasite: one had nine. Age-prevalence curves were typical for the different species, and overall prevalence of some protozoa, including Entamoeba spp. and Blastocystis hominis, exceeded that of the commonest helminth, Schistosoma mansoni. However, the observed prevalence of S. mansoni was barely 40% of that detected by Kato examinations. Strong associations were found between some pairs of protozoan species, but not with or among the helminths. The differences in the abundance and age-specific distribution of the other intestinal parasites at Miu and Kitengei were so small that it is unlikely that interactions between them and S. mansoni would account for the differences in schistosomal morbidity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Effect of trimethoprim-sulfamethaxazole in Blastocystis hominis infection.

OBJECTIVE: Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis) is a common intestinal parasite that has long been considered nonpathogenic. Recently there have been many reports supporting a role for the organism as a potential pathogen. We performed a study to examine the pathogenicity of B. hominis and the effect of trimethoprim-sulfamethaxazole (TMP-SMX) on this organism. METHODS: Stool samples of patients, who came to the Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Celal Bayar University, were examined by direct wet-mount, trichrome staining, formalin-ethyl acetate concentration, and Kinyoun acid fast techniques for intestinal parasites, and bacteriological stool cultures were performed. Fifty-three symptomatic patients (38 children and 15 adults) with two consequent stool samples positive for abundant B. hominis (five or more organisms per x400 field) and negative for other parasitic and bacterial pathogens were treated with TMP-SMX for 7 days, children 6 mg/kg TMP, 30 mg/kg SMX, and adults 320 mg TMP, 1600 mg SMX, daily. On the seventh day, at the end of treatment, stool samples of all patients were examined by same methods, and clinical symptoms were again evaluated. RESULTS: B. hominis was eradicated in 36 of 38 (94.7%) children, and 14 of 15 (93.3%) adults. Clinical symptoms disappeared in 39 (73.6%), decreased in 10 (18.9%), and no change was observed in one (1.9%) patient, whereas symptoms persisted in all three (5.7%) patients in whom B. hominis could not be eradicated. Mean number of stools per day was significantly decreased from 4.3 to 1.2 in the 33 children (p < 0.001), and decreased from 3.5 to 1.0 in the four adults (p = 0.06) with diarrhea. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that B. hominis may be pathogenic, especially when it is present in large numbers, and TMP-SMX is highly effective against this organism. Although there are some anecdotal reports, to our knowledge this is the first study examining the effect of TMP-SMX on B. hominis in humans.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed1969

[The Prevalence Of Intestinal Parasitesin Roka Soldiers At Won-Ju Area]

A survey on the prevalence of intestinal parasites was performed during the period from April to June of 1969, to evaluate the present status of parasitic infections in ROK Army soldiers. Stool specimens of 1,0l2 soldiers were collected from a camp located in Won-Ju area, and examined by the method of formalin-ether sedimentation technique. For protozoan cysts, examined slide was stained with Lugol's iodine solution and for eggs of Enterobius, the Graham's scotch cellulose tape anal swab technique was applied. The results obtained in this survey were as follows: 1)Of the 1,012 soldiers examined, 95.0 % were found infected by one or more intestinal parasites and 28.7 % were found positive for protozoan cysts. 2)The positive rates of each parasites were; A. lumbricoides 61.0 %, T. trichiurus 73.4 %, hookworm 17.5 %, T. orientalis 9.5 %, E. vermicularis 0.1 % (from stool specimen), C. sinensis 8.8 %, M. yokogawai 1.1 %, Taenia sp. 1.0 % (from stool), H. nana 0.3 % and E. histolytica 7.4 %. E. coli 12.6 %, E. nana 5.9 %, I. buetchlii 0.7 pecent, G. lamblia 6.1 %, and C. mesnili 0.8 %. 3)From the anal swabs, eggs of Enterobius were recovered in 2.6 %, and eggs of Taenia sp. showed positive rate of 1.5 %.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1984

Serum antibodies to Giardia intestinalis detected by immunofluorescence using trophozoites as antigen.

Anti-Giardia antibodies were studied in 88 sera of patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic giardiasis by using the indirect immunofluorescent test and Giardia intestinalis trophozoites from an axenic culture as antigen. The sera of 40 healthy subjects were used as a control group and of 28 patients with other intestinal parasites (14 with Sarcocystis sp. and 14 with symptomatic Entamoeba histolytica infection) have been investigated for determination of test specificity. 82% of sera from patients with giardiasis presented G. intestinalis antibodies at titers of 1:16 to 1:256. Titers of at least 1:32, accepted as diagnostic and indicative of the infection, were found in 66% of patients with giardiasis. All of 18 patients with acute course of giardiasis had titers of at least 1:32. Only 5 sera (7%) from healthy control subjects or from patients infected with other intestinal parasites reacted at dilutions of 1: greater than or equal to 32. The indirect immunofluorescence test proves to be useful in detecting antibodies to G. intestinalis in the serum. However, the negative results occurring rather frequently in persons with chronic infection indicate a need for a more critical evaluation of serological tests in giardiasis.

Antibodies↗
PubMed1986

Association of Blastocystis hominis with signs and symptoms of human disease.

Purged stools from 389 patients were evaluated microscopically for the presence of Blastocystis hominis. A total of five or more B. hominis cells per 40X field were observed in 43 patients (11%), and B. hominis was the only intestinal parasite present in 23 (6%) of these patients. Of the 23 patients, 19 had symptoms which included abdominal discomfort (15 patients), anorexia (10 patients), diarrhea (9 patients), and flatus (9 patients). The remaining four patients were asymptomatic. The proportion of eosinophils in the peripheral blood ranged from 4 to 12% in 11 (58%) of the symptomatic patients. Absolute eosinophil counts were greater than 250/microliter in 8 patients and greater than 400/microliter in 5 patients. Eosinophilia was not observed in the remaining symptomatic or asymptomatic patients. This study supports the emerging concept of the role of B. hominis as an intestinal parasite causative of human disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Nutritional deficiency disorders and high mortality among children of the Great Andamanese tribe.

BACKGROUND: The population of the Great Andamanese tribe of the Andaman Islands has been declining at a rapid pace. The case fatality rate during a recent outbreak of dysentery was 30.8%, all the deaths being among under-fives. As malnutrition is known to potentiate susceptibility to death due to infectious diseases, we undertook a study to determine the prevalence of malnutrition among the Great Andamanese tribe and its role in contributing to the high mortality among them due to infectious diseases. METHODS: The study included a diet survey, nutritional anthropometry, clinical examination, haemoglobin estimation and stool examination for intestinal parasitic infestations. Information was also collected about every pregnancy in all ever-married women in the community and deaths of their children. All 36 members of the tribe were covered. RESULTS: The Andamanese had a poor intake of iron, vitamin A and riboflavin but a good intake of energy, protein and fats. More than 85% of the children below 6 years were under-nourished and more than 77% of children and adolescents below 19 years were stunted, wasted or both. Anaemia, vitamin A deficiency and goitre were also common among them. Almost the entire population suffered from intestinal parasitic infestations. They also have a comparatively high fertility rate and a high infant mortality rate. CONCLUSION: The population attributable risk for death due to malnutrition is probably one of the foremost reasons for the observed high infant mortality rate among the Great Andamanese tribe and could be one of the reasons for the continuous decline in their population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Determinants of low birth weight among HIV-infected pregnant women in Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Low birth weight (LBW) increases the risk of infant death, but little is known about its causes among HIV-infected populations in sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVE: We assessed sociodemographic, nutritional, immunologic, parasitic, and infant risk factors for birth weight, LBW, and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) status in a cohort of 822 HIV-positive women enrolled in a clinical trial of vitamin supplementation and pregnancy outcomes in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. DESIGN: Women were enrolled at prenatal care clinics during their second trimester, at which time blood, stool, urine, and genital specimens were collected, and anthropometric measurements and sociodemographic data were recorded. Birth weight was measured at hospital delivery. RESULTS: The mean (+/-SD) birth weight was 3015 +/- 508 g, 11.1% of newborns weighed <2500 g (LBW), and 11.5% were SGA. In multivariate analyses, maternal weight at enrollment and a low CD8 cell count were inversely associated with LBW. Advanced-stage HIV disease, previous history of preterm birth, Plasmodium falciparum malaria, and any helmintic infection were associated with higher risk of LBW. The intestinal parasites Entamoeba histolytica and Strongyloides stercoralis were predictors of LBW despite their low prevalence in the cohort. In a multivariate-adjusted linear regression model, BMI, midupper arm circumference, a CD4 cell count <200 x 10(6) cells/L (200 cells/mm(3)), primiparity, maternal literacy, and infant HIV infection at birth were significantly associated with birth weight in addition to risk factors included in the LBW model. Determinants of SGA included maternal weight, low serum vitamin E concentration, candidiasis, malaria, and infant HIV infection at birth. CONCLUSION: Prevention of HIV disease progression and vertical transmission, improved nutritional status, and better management of malaria and intestinal parasitic infections are likely to reduce the incidence of LBW in Tanzania.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Serogenetic and haematological studies on the Kgalagadi of Botswana.

A sample of Kgalagadi, Negro speakers of a Sotho/Tswana Bantu language, inhabitants of Botswana, have been investigated for variation in 27 gene-marker systems and for haematological status and the presence of intestinal parasites. They have been found to show indications of genetic affinity both to the other Sotho/Tswana and to the Mbanderu divisions of the Herero, a Bantu-speaking Negro people of Namibia. The latter affinity appears the closer. Although the historical connection between the peoples seems unlikely on cultural and oral-historical grounds, it is not impossible, given the shallow depth of the oral history of the Herero and the consequent doubts about the antiquity of their present cultural system. Nothing in the genetic profile of the Kgalagadi contradicts the claim that they represent a very early, and perhaps the first, wave of Negro immigration into southern Africa. They have been investigated for intestinal parasites and haematological status as well. They appear to be haematologically healthy, and to possess only the narrow range of parasites previously found in the Kalahari Desert, apart from one subject in whom Hymenolepis nana (Dwarf tapeworm) was found.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

The need for animal source foods by Kenyan children.

Food intake and dietary patterns in Kenyan households have been studied since the 1920s. Reports on breastfeeding, nutrient intake, micronutrient deficiencies and the impacts of malaria and intestinal parasites on nutritional status are reviewed. Diets are mainly cereal-based, with tubers and a variety of vegetables and fruits when available. White maize, sorghum and millet are high in phytate and fiber, which inhibit the absorption of micronutrients such as zinc and iron. Communities growing cash crops have little land for food crops. Although households may own cattle, goats and poultry, commonly these are not consumed. Adults in nomadic communities consume more meat than nonpastoralists. Lakeside and oceanside communities do not consume adequate amounts of fish. Poor households have a limited capacity to grow and purchase food, therefore they have more nutrient deficiencies. Early weaning to cereal porridge deprives the infant of protein and other nutrients from human milk. Other milk is consumed only in small amounts in sweetened tea. Older children eat adult diets, which are extremely bulky and hard to digest. Anemia is mainly due to iron deficiency, malaria and intestinal parasites. In general, Kenyan children have inadequate intakes of energy, fat and micronutrients such as calcium, zinc, iron, riboflavin and vitamins A and B-12. The multiple micronutrient deficiencies may contribute to early onset of stunting and poor child development, whereas lack of calcium together with vitamin D deficiency are responsible for the resurgence of rickets. There is an urgent need to increase the intake of animal source foods by Kenyan children.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Taxonomic position of the human intestinal protozoan parasite Isospora belli as based on ribosomal RNA sequences.

The taxonomic positions of Isospora belli and other members of the genus Isospora are controversial. We determined the small-subunit ribosomal RNA of I. belli and used this sequence in combination with other coccidian RNA sequences for analysis of the taxonomic position of I. belli. The phylogenetic trees we obtained provide molecular evidence for three clades within a monophyletic group that represents the suborder Eimeriina. The clade containing I. belli consists of tissue-cyst-forming coccidia (Toxoplasma and Neospora) and members of the genus Isospora (I. ohioensis, I. suis, I. belli). The second clade, representing a sister clade of that containing the Isospora species, contains members of the genus Sarcocystis. The third one consists of members of the family Eimeriidae, including Eimeria and Cyclospora species. This shows that although I. belli as well as other members of the genus Isospora belong to the suborder Eimeriina, the family to which they belong is not Eimeriidae but rather Sarcocystidae. We suggest that the genus Isospora should be removed from the family Eimeriidae and placed into the family Sarcocystidae within the suborder Eimeriina.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Systemic release of mucosal mast cell protease during infection with the intestinal protozoal parasite, Eimeria nieschulzi. Studies in normal and nude rats.

The systemic secretion of rat mucosal mast cell protease (RMCPII), a major product of rat mucosal mast cells (MMC), was examined during primary infections with the protozoan parasite, Eimeria nieschulzi in CFH/B, athymic (rnu/rnu) and euthymic (rnu/+) rats. Release of RMCPII into the blood stream (2.9 micrograms/ml of serum) of normal rats occurred within 1 day after infection. This response developed 3-6 hours after inoculation with oocysts, was dose-dependent, and was found in both naive and immune rats. Maximal release of RMCPII (4.5 micrograms/ml of serum) in naive rats occurs 9 days after primary infection, whereas the numbers of MMC and concentrations of mucosal RMCPII were maximal 14 days after infection, by which time the systemic RMCPII response had begun to decline. The numbers of MMC and concentrations of mucosal RMCPII in uninfected nude rats were similar to those in the heterozygous (rnu/+) litter-mates. After infection, the numbers of MMC and concentrations of mucosal RMCPII increased in the heterozygotes but not in nude rats. Similarly, RMCPII was detected systemically only in the heterozygotes.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Gastrointestinal parasite and host interactions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The mechanisms responsible for the Th2-mediated immune response to enteric nematode parasites are of interest for several reasons. First, intestinal parasites continue to be a major worldwide health issue. Second, the low incidence of parasite infection in industrial nations is cited as a factor in the increased prevalence of proinflammatory-based pathologies. Third, a seemingly paradoxical protection against Th2-mediated allergic reactions is afforded by helminth infection. This review focuses on studies that use enteral parasitic infections as a tool to investigate the functional consequences of upregulation of Th2-mediated immunity and that manipulate host-parasite interactions in an effort to identify mechanisms that can be exploited as potential therapeutic targets. RECENT FINDINGS: Enteric helminth infection improved indices of inflammatory bowel disease in humans and murine models and diminished the allergy-induced changes in pulmonary function. There are emerging or enlarged roles for interleukin-10, interleukin-18, interleukin-9, chemokines, activation of nuclear factor-kappabeta, and factors that alter host resistance in the development of host immunity, and for interleukin-13Ralpha2 receptor in downregulating Th2 responses. As part of the growing appreciation for the contribution of nonimmune cells to parasite-induced changes in intestinal function, studies show that Th2 cytokines exert Stat6-dependent effects that promote worm expulsion. SUMMARY: Further insight into the nature of host-parasite interactions, identification of the pathways and critical mediators that contribute to host resistance, identification of the factors that modulate susceptibility to infection, and the impact of enteric parasites on intestinal function hold much promise for development of novel therapeutic interventions.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1994

Physical map of a 2 Mb chromosome of the intestinal protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis.

The protozoan parasite, Giardia duodenalis, is regarded as the most primitive eukaryote. The two apparently identical nuclei presumably carry the same chromosomes but the number of different chromosomes in the organism is unknown. A genome map of G. duodenalis is required to resolve this issue and mapping studies were initiated using chromosome 5. This chromosome was estimated to be approximately 2 Mb when Giardia chromosomes were separated by contour-clamped homogeneous electric field gel electrophoresis. A plasmid library of chromosome 5-specific DNA sequences was constructed from gel-extracted chromosome 5 and selected probes were used as markers to identify NotI DNA segments derived from chromosome 5. Fifty-nine unique copy markers were used to identify thirteen NotI segments which ranged in size from 47 kb to 400 kb. The sum of the NotI segments was 1.78 Mb which indicated that most, if not all, of the chromosome was accounted for and that chromosome band 5 of the cloned line WB-1B, used in this study comprised only one chromosome type. The NotI segments were ordered on the map by comparison of hybridization patterns of the markers with partial NotI cleavages of whole chromosomes. Chromosome rearrangements occur readily in Giardia, and in two drug-resistant lines selected for resistance to different drugs, partial conservative duplications of chromosome 5 were observed in addition to the original, full length chromosome 5. Both duplications retained the central region of chromosome 5 but were deleted at different termini resulting in one duplication of 1.5 Mb and the other of 1.3 Mb.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Comparative studies on the levels of serum IgG1 and IgG2a in susceptible B10.BR mice infected with different strains of the intestinal nematode parasite Trichuris muris.

Comparative studies were carried out on the levels of serum IgG1 and IgG2a in susceptible B10.BR mice infected with different strains of Trichuris muris (E-J and S strains). As infection proceeded, levels of IgG1 and IgG2a increased in mice infected with either strain until at least day 32 post-infection (p.i.). There were no differences in the IgG1 levels on days 14, 20, and 25 p.i. between mice infected with either E-J or S strain, whereas IgG2a levels on days 20, 25, and 32 p.i. were higher in S-infected mice than those in E-J-infected mice. Isotype switching to IgG2a is entirely dependent on interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and, according to our previous results, the period of high IFN-gamma production in S-infected B10.BR mice is long compared to E-J-infected B10.BR mice. Thus, increased levels of IFN-gamma may sustain high levels of serum IgG2a in S-infected mice. Taken together, levels of serum IgG2a are useful markers of IFN-gamma production in T. muris infection.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Comparison of the course of infection with Giardia muris in male and female mice.

The infection with Giardia muris in male and female C57BL/6 mice was characterized by enumerating cyst release in the feces and trophozoite burden in the small intestine. Cyst release differed between males and females during the course of the primary and challenge infections. Males and females released similar numbers of cysts in the feces during the acute phase of the infection. However, the trophozoite burden was significantly higher in males during the same period. Males released cysts in their feces longer than females and trophozoites present in their intestines for a longer period than females. From day 18 of infection the females did not release cysts in their feces, while males continued to do so for at least 60 days. Thus, distinct differences exist between male and female mice in their ability to harbor and eliminate this intestinal parasite.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Incidence of Neospora caninum and other intestinal protozoan parasites in populations of Swiss dogs.

The protozoan parasite Neospora caninum is one of the most important abortifacient organisms in cattle worldwide. The dog is known to act as definitive host although its potential role as infection source for bovines still remains unelucidated. The aim of the present study was to compile initial epidemiological data on the prevalence and incidence of N. caninum in Swiss dogs acting as definitive hosts. Thus, 249 Swiss dogs were investigated coproscopically in monthly intervals over a period of 1 year. A total of 3289 fecal samples was tested by the flotation technique. Among these, 202 were shown to contain Sarcocystis sp. (6.1%), 149 Cystoisospora sp. (=Isospora sp.; 4.5%) and 25 Hammondia/Neospora-like oocysts (HNlO) (0.7%). All but one sample containing HNlO were from different dogs; one dog shed HNlO at two subsequent time points. Calculation of the yearly incidence for HNlO resulted in the surprisingly high value of 9.2%. Farm dogs exhibited a higher incidence for HNlO than urban family dogs. Thirteen out of the 25 HNlO-samples showed sporulation after 5 days incubation at room temperature. HNlO were further differentiated by species-specific PCR. However, all HNlO-samples were negative for N. caninum, Hammondia heydorni and Toxoplasma gondii. One reason may be the low oocyst density found in most fecal samples, which did not permit us to carry out PCR under optimal conditions. Three out of the 25 HNlO-cases contained enough oocysts to allow further enrichment and purification by the flotation technique. Subsequently, twenty to fifty sporulated HNlO-oocysts were orally administered to Meriones unguiculatus. All gerbils were seronegative for N. caninum at 5 weeks p.i. A N. caninum-seroprevalence of 7.8% was determined by ELISA upon 1132 serum samples collected from dogs randomly selected by veterinarians among their clinical patients.

Animals↗