Epidemiology of giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis in Jamaica

We report the findings of a cross-sectional epidemiologic of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidum infections in Jamaica. Three hundred twenty eight stool samples from patients less than one to 81 years of age were examined using formalin-ether concentration for G. lamblia, Zeihl-Neelsen staining for Cryptosporidum, and the Prospect rapid enzyme immunoassay (EIA; Alexon, Sunnyvale, CA) for parasite diagnosis. The Prospect Giardia rapid assay detected 17 cases of G. lamblia infections compared with six by formalin-ether concentration. However, the Prospect Cryptosporidum EIA did not increase the rate of detection of Cryptosporidum when compared with Zeihl-Neelsen staining. Cryptosporidum infections were most frequently diagnosed in children less than five years old and prevalence decreased with age. In contrast, the prevalence of giardiasis increased as children became older. There were no associations between the infections and stool consistency, clinical manifestations, or sex of the individuals. The contribution of the parasites to childhood morbidity will depend on accurate laboratory diagnosis (Au)

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Trinidad: a case study

The present paper describes the identification of Leishmania which was subsequently cultured in the laboratory. This is the first time that Leishmania parasites have been cultured in a laboratory in Trinidad, West Indies (AU)

Scabies: occurrence, control and treatment in the Caribbean

The mite, Sarcoptes scabiel, which causes scabies in man produces an uncomfortable itch which, in itself, is not life-threatening. It is easily controlled when treated with appropriate scabicides, and with effective public health education and proper hygiene an end to the infection is quickly achieved. However, secondary infection of the scabietic lesions with nephritogenic streptococci can lead to glomerulonephritis which, in the short term, results in hospitalization with oedema, haematuria and proteinuria as common presenting symptoms. In the long-term, chroni renal disease leading to costly dialysis and renal transplant can occur after this preventable itchy and uncomfortable infection (AU)

Experiments in schistosomiasis control in St. Lucia

The comparative parasitological effectiveness and cost of three methods of reducing transmission of S. mansoni were investigated in isolated valleys in the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. Changes in incidence were assessed during four years of snail control, community based chemotherapy and when households were provided with piped water and communities with laundry and shower units. Incidence was reduced by all methods, but most rapidly by chemotherapy. It increased, however, after a few years unless either focal snail control or water supplies with laundry and shower facilities were provided. Over a nine year period, chemotherapy was shown to be the least costly method of control (US $ 0.50/person/year), but this would be reduced with the use of recently introduced technology and drugs (AU)

Research evaluation on diagnostic techniques to detect worm eggs and on the epidemiology and spread of schistosomiasis and ankylostomiasis among the Surinamese population: report

This report research conducted at the public health department of parasitology in Suriname. The aim of the research is an evaluation of a modified Kato-technique on diagnostic aspects and usability in the districts (methodology research). Secondly is to study the distribution and epidemiology of hookworm and schistosomiasis in Suriname, and in particular in the pilot area "Weg naar Zee" (epidemiological study). The modified Kato technique using physiological salt/eosin meets all the requirements for a good diagnostic technique, but is more complicated to perform than the Kato technique. When developing a health strategy, attention should be paid to information as well as to sanitation and (mass) treatment of the population