The interaction between Entamoeba histolytica and enterobacteria shed light on an ancient antibacterial response.

The amoeba parasite Entamoeba histolytica interacts with the microbiota within the intestine. Enterobacteria are the major source of energy for this parasite. Here, we highlight that the interplay between enterobacteria and E. histolytica is also important for parasite survival during inflammatory stresses and for the success of amoebic infection.

Role of EhRab7A in phagocytosis of type 1 fimbriated E. coli by Entamoeba histolytica.

Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of amoebic colitis and liver abscess in human, ingests the intestinal bacteria and variety of host cells. Phagocytosis of bacteria by the amebic trophozoite has been reported to be important for the virulence of the parasite. Here, we set out to characterize different stages of phagocytosis of type 1 E. coli and investigated the role of a set of amoebic Rab GTPases in the process. The localizations of the Rab GTPases during different stages of the phagocytosis were investigated using laser scanning confocal microscopy and their functional relevance were determined using fluorescence activated cell sorter based assay as well as colony forming unit assay. Our results demonstrate that EhRab7A is localized on the phagosomes and involved in both early and late stages of type 1 E. coli phagocytosis. We further showed that the E. coli or RBC containing phagosomes are distinct from the large endocytic vacuoles in the parasite which are exclusively used to transport human holotransferrin and low density lipoprotein. Remarkably, type 1 E. coli uptake was found to be insensitive to cytochalasin D treatment, suggesting that the initial stage of E. coli phagocytosis is independent of the formation of actin filaments.

Global analysis of gene expression in response to L-Cysteine deprivation in the anaerobic protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica.

BACKGROUND: Entamoeba histolytica, an enteric protozoan parasite, causes amebic colitis and extra intestinal abscesses in millions of inhabitants of endemic areas. E. histolytica completely lacks glutathione metabolism but possesses L-cysteine as the principle low molecular weight thiol. L-Cysteine is essential for the structure, stability, and various protein functions, including catalysis, electron transfer, redox regulation, nitrogen fixation, and sensing for regulatory processes. Recently, we demonstrated that in E. histolytica, L-cysteine regulates various metabolic pathways including energy, amino acid, and phospholipid metabolism. RESULTS: In this study, employing custom-made Affymetrix microarrays, we performed time course (3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h) gene expression analysis upon L-cysteine deprivation. We identified that out of 9,327 genes represented on the array, 290 genes encoding proteins with functions in metabolism, signalling, DNA/RNA regulation, electron transport, stress response, membrane transport, vesicular trafficking/secretion, and cytoskeleton were differentially expressed (≥3 fold) at one or more time points upon L-cysteine deprivation. Approximately 60% of these modulated genes encoded proteins of no known function and annotated as hypothetical proteins. We also attempted further functional analysis of some of the most highly modulated genes by L-cysteine depletion. CONCLUSIONS: To our surprise, L-cysteine depletion caused only limited changes in the expression of genes involved in sulfur-containing amino acid metabolism and oxidative stress defense. In contrast, we observed significant changes in the expression of several genes encoding iron sulfur flavoproteins, a major facilitator super-family transporter, regulator of nonsense transcripts, NADPH-dependent oxido-reductase, short chain dehydrogenase, acetyltransferases, and various other genes involved in diverse cellular functions. This study represents the first genome-wide analysis of transcriptional changes induced by L-cysteine deprivation in protozoan parasites, and in eukaryotic organisms where L-cysteine represents the major intracellular thiol.

The collagenase of Entamoeba histolytica.

The present work was designed to investigate the capacity of trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica to adhere to and digest human collagen types I and III in vitro. The time-course of binding of ameba to both human collagen types I and III was similar. However, the kinetics of detachment were different for each collagen type. Trophozoites of E. histolytica cultured on heat-reconstituted type I collagen gels produced a well-defined area of lysis. Quantitative studies using 14C-labeled collagen revealed that after 24 h of incubation, Entamoeba digested three and a half times more type I than type III collagen, thus suggesting the presence of a collagenase with higher specificity for type I collagen. This activity was optimum with trophozoites harvested after 42 h in culture (1.5 X 10(5) trophozoites/ml). The digestion of type I collagen was a function of the number of trophozoites, and was inhibited by EDTA, L-cysteine, and serum, but not by soybean trypsin inhibitor, phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride, or N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). Electrophoretic analysis of the type I collagen fragments revealed three main classes of polypeptides of 75,000, 50,000, and 25,000 daltons. Subsequent proteolysis of these collagen fragments was probably carried out by other proteases derived from trophozoites. This activity was inhibited with 10 mM NEM. Collagenase activity appeared to be located at the plasma membrane and direct contact of the ameba with the substrate is required for collagen digestion. The results suggest that collagenase activity of E. histolytica may play an important role in tissue invasion.

Gastric and Caecal Amoebiasis in a Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus) with Disseminated Toxoplasmosis.

A 1-year-old male red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) with an acute clinical history of lethargy, depression and increased respiratory rate was presented for necropsy examination. Gross lesions in the digestive tract were a distended stomach with watery content and multifocal raised ulcers covered by fibrinous pseudomembranes in the forestomach and caecum. On histopathology, there was necrotizing and ulcerative gastritis and typhlitis with intralesional amoebic trophozoites and Toxoplasma gondii zoites. Lesions due to T. gondii infection were observed in multiple organs and diagnosis was confirmed by fluorescent antibody test and immunohistochemistry. Both toxoplasmosis and gastric amoebiasis are diseases described in macropods. In this case report, we describe concurrent disease caused by both protozoa in a red kangaroo. Lesions of amoebiasis were also observed in the caecum. Both toxoplasmosis and amoebiasis should be considered as differential diagnoses of ulcerative lesions in the gastrointestinal tract in macropods during necropsy examination. Amoebiasis should be suspected especially when ulcerative lesions are observed in the forestomach.

Multiple simultaneous infections in a patient with well-controlled HIV: when Occam's razor fails.

Multiple concurrent infectious processes have previously been reported in the context of advanced HIV with significant immunosuppression. Here we report a case of multiple infections in a 56-year-old man with well-controlled HIV diagnosed 5 years earlier. Soon after returning to Australia following 12 years living in Thailand, he became unwell with fevers, night sweats, arthralgia and myalgia. There were no localising symptoms and examination was unremarkable. Investigations revealed positive syphilis (Treponema pallidum) serology with an RPR of 16, a positive urine culture (Klebsiella pneumoniae), a pulmonary nodule, a liver abscess and colitis (Entamoeba histolytica). Recovery was only complete when all the individual infections were treated.

[Particularities of liver abscesses in children in Senegal: Description of a series of 26 cases]. / Particularités des abcès du foie chez l'enfant au Sénégal : description d'une série de 26 cas.

UNLABELLED: Liver abscess is a serious infection that can cause life-threatening complications. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology, diagnosis, and progression of liver abscess at the Dakar National Albert-Royer Children's Hospital. METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted from over a period of 5 years (1st January 2010 to 31st December 2014). All children aged 0-15 years hospitalized for liver abscess with ultrasound confirmation were included. We collected demographic data (age, gender, socioeconomic status, origin), clinical data (general and hepatic symptoms), diagnostic data (ultrasound, bacteriology) and progression (death, complications, sequelae). The data were analyzed with Epi-info (P<0.05 was considered significant). RESULTS: We collected 26 cases of liver abscesses, representing a hospital prevalence of 100 cases per 100,000 admissions. Males predominated (sex ratio: 1.36). The children's average age was 7.2 years. Most of the children came from urban areas of Dakar. Low socioeconomic status and precarious lifestyle were the contributing factors. Anemia (69.2%), malnutrition (42.3%), and abdominal trauma (15.3%) were the main causes found. The Fontan triad characteristic of the liver abscess was found in 57.7% of cases. At ultrasound, a single abscess was found in 21 cases. The abscess was located in the right lobe in 18 cases, the left lobe in three cases, and in both lobes in three cases. Segment VI (four cases) was the most frequently involved. Bacteriologically, the abscess was pyogenic in 17 cases and an amoebic abscess in nine cases. The main pyogenic sources found were Klebsiella pneumoniae in two cases, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in one case, Streptococcus pneumoniae in one case, and Staphylococcus aureus in one case. The average duration of antibiotic treatment was 14.5 days. Liver drainage was carried out in 24 cases. The outcome was favorable in all children. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of liver abscesses at the Albert-Royer Children's Hospital is relatively high, compared to the literature data. Percutaneous drainage combined with antibiotics remains the treatment of choice. The prognosis is favorable.

Prevalencia de parasitosis intestinal en trabajadores de la florícola Irose de la provincia de Pichincha ­ Cantón Pedro Moncayo 2019 / Prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in workers of the irose florícola of the province of pichincha - Canton Pedro Moncayo

Las infecciones por parásitos intestinales son de ocurrencia constantes y se encuentran asociadas al incumplimiento de las medidas sanitarias por parte de la población. El objetivo de esa investigación fue establecer la prevalencia de parasitosis intestinal por protozoos y helmintos en trabajadores de la florícola iRose de la provincia de Pichincha-Cantón Pedro Moncayo mediante el examen coproparasitario realizado en el mes de agosto de 2019. Correspondió a un estudio transversal, descriptivo y de tipo observacional. La población estuvo integrada por 88 personas, quienes son trabajadores de la florícola iRose, Provincia de Pichincha, cantón Pedro Moncayo, distribuidos de la siguiente manera: 49 trabajadores del sexo masculino y 39 trabajadores del sexo femenino. La técnica de recolección de datos utilizada fue la encuesta y la observación directa y luego de obtener las muestras biológicas, la detección de parásitos intestinales se realizó mediante el método de coproparasitario en muestras heces. Los resultados evidencian presencia de protozoos en un 92.5% de las muestras estudiadas, mientras que el 7.5% presentan helmintos; mientras que el 40% de los estudios revelan quistes de endolimax nana, detectándose en el 25% de la muestra de los trabajadores de sexo masculino y con una presencia del 15% en los trabajadores del sexo femenino. Por lo que se recomienda realizar el examen coproparasitario al menos dos veces al año y paralelamente fortalecer las estrategias de promoción y prevención(AU)

Infections with intestinal parasites are of constant occurrence and are associated with non-compliance with health measures by the population. The objective of this research was to establish the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis by protozoa and helminths in la workers IRose flower farm of the province of Pichincha-Canton Pedro Moncayo through the coproparasitario examination carried out in august 2019. It corresponded to a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study. The population was composed of 88 people, who are workers of the floricultural iRose, Province of Pichincha, canton Pedro Moncayo, distributed as follows: 49 male and 39 female workers. The data collection technique used was survey and direct observation and after obtaining biological samples, detection of intestinal parasites was performed using the coproparasitario method in fecal samples. The results showed the presence of protozoa in 92.5% of the samples studied, while 7.5% showed helminths; while 40% of studies reveal endolimax nana cysts, being detected in 25% of the sample of male workers and with a presence of 15% in female workers. Therefore, it is recommended to perform the coproparasitario examination less twice a year and in parallel strengthen strategies promotion and prevention(AU)

Experimental amebiasis. IV. Amebal viruses and the virulence of Entamoeba histolytica.

We have attempted to determine whether amebal viruses are capable of viral conversion of the virulence of Entamoeba histolytical. Amebae of little or no virulence for the newborn hamster liver were infected with viruses obtained from four amebal strains of different virulence. Cultures of surviving amebae were increased in virulence by viruses from amebae of high, moderate, or low virulence, but decreased in virulence by the virus of the second most pathogenic amebal strain. Sequential infection with two viruses did not produce consistent cumulative effects on virulence. The changes in virulence noted are considered to be the unpredictable result of either selection pressures exerted by the lytic virus infection or possibly viral alterations of the amebae.

Histopathological diagnostics of liver amoebiasis in Cambodia.

Results of histopathological examination of a solitary chronical amoebic abscess in the liver of a patient from Cambodia are described. The abscess was at a proliferously reparative phase and Entamoeba histolytica was detected at the border between the necrosis and inner wall of abscess, as well as in the proper non-specific granulation tissue of the inner layers of abscess capsule. A differential diagnosis of the amoebic abscess from similar parasitary or pseudoparasitary liver lesions and differential diagnosis of amoebae in histological sections are given. For orientation examinations of the liver tissue for the presence of amoebae the authors recommend the impregnation after Grocott and staining with Goldner's trichrome for a more detailed evaluation of histological sections.

Parasitology survey and seroepidemiology of amoebiasis in South Kalimantan (Borneo), Indonesia.

A parasitology surevy was conducted among inhabitants of 7 villages in 3 regencies in South Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. A total of 2,169 stool specimens, 2,756 blood smears and 1,027 serum specimens were obtained, representing samples from approximately 10%, 12% and 5% of the population, respectively. One to 8 different intestinal parasitic infections were detected in 97% of the people. Those parasites most frequently found were Trichuris trichiura (83%), Ascaris lumbricoides (79%), and hookworm (65%), followed by Entamoeba coli (37%), Endolimaxnana (12%), Entamoeba histolytica (12%), Iodamoeba bütschlii (11%), Giardia lamblia (5%), Entamoeba hartmanni (2%), Chilomastix mesnili (2%). Other parasites found were Enterobius vermicularis, Strongyloides stercoralis, Capillaria sp., Echinostoma sp., Hymenolepis diminuta, and Trichomonas hominis. Giardia lamblia was found more often in younger people and Entamoeba coli, Iodamoeba bütschlii and hookworm in the older age group. Ascaris lumbricoides occurred more frequently in females, and hookworm in males. Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum were found in the blood smears of 4.4% of the people, mostly in the younger age groups. Seroepidemiological studies on amoebiasis were done by use of the indirect hemagglutination test with antigens prepared from the HK9 strain of Entamoeba histolytica maintained in axenic cultures. The frequency distribution of the reciprocal antibody titers showed a bimodal distribution with 34% of the population demonstrating positive reactions at titers of 1:128 or greater.

Amebic colitis. Preventing morbidity and mortality from fulminant disease.

Uncomplicated amebic colitis is readily treated and has a mortality rate of less than 0.5%. Complications necessitating surgical intervention develop in only 6% to 11% of patients with symptomatic disease. However, the mortality rate in these patients ranges from 40% to 100% and stems in part from delays in diagnosis and treatment. Patients with known amebic colitis who show signs of systemic toxicity or of localized or generalized peritonitis are at high risk for complications; surgical consultation should be obtained. Patients who are thought to have acute appendicitis, diverticulitis, or obstructive or perforative carcinoma but have a history of dysentery atypical of that in these conditions should also be evaluated for amebiasis. Such patients should be treated presumptively until the diagnosis of amebic colitis can be excluded.

Análise parasitológica em estudantes com deficiência intelectual e/ou múltipla (o múltiple) / Parasitological analysis in students with intellectual and/or multiple disabilities

O parasitismo acontece quando há associação de dois seres vivos onde um deles se desenvolve e prejudica de alguma forma o outro ser, chamado hospedeiro (El parasitismo ocurre cuando existe una asociación de dos seres vivos, donde uno de ellos se desarrolla y afecta de algún modo al otro, que se llama huésped). Alguns parasitos como Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar, Giardia lamblia, Hymenolepis nana, Taenia solium, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura e Enterobius vermicularis são transmitidos pela água e/ou (se transmiten por el agua o por) alimentos contaminados e afetam grande parte da população mundial no desempenho (y afectan a una gran parte de la población mundial en el desarrollo) de suas atividades físicas, mentais e sociais, expondo-a a diversas manifestações clínicas que podem gerar elevados níveis (pueden generar altos niveles) de morbidade. Considerando que, aproximadamente, 11% da população brasileira sofrem com algum tipo de deficiência intelectual e/ou múltipla e pouco se tem estudado sobre a ocorrência (y poco se ha estudiado acerca de la existencia) de enteroparasitos nesse grupo populacional, estudos parasitológicos laboratoriais foram realizados em 50 estudantes da Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais (APAE) da cidade de São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Brasil. Do total de amostras analisadas 28 (56%) estavam positivas para um ou mais parasitos e comensais, sendo (uno o más parásitos y comensales, siendo) 5 (17.85%) por G. lamblia, 7 (25.00%) por E. histolytica/E. dispar/E. moschkovskii, 11 (39.28%) por Entamoeba coli, 6 (21.43%) por Balantidium coli, 2 (7.14%) por Endolimax nana e 3 (10.7%) por E. vermicularis. Considerando a elevada frequência de indivíduos parasitados torna-se necessário a busca (se hace necesaria la búsqueda) de investimentos em profilaxia e educação higiênico-sanitária, além da realização (además de la realización) constante de exames parasitológicos, garantindo uma melhor (garantizando una mejor) qualidade de vida à população da APAE de São Mateus.

Parasitism occurs when there is an association between two living beings, in which one develops and in some way harms the other being, called host. Some parasites such as Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar, Giardia lamblia, Hymenolepis nana, Taenia solium, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Enterobius vermicularis are transmitted by contaminated water and/or food and affect a large number of the world population in their physical, mental and social activities, exposing them to diverse clinical manifestations that can generate high levels of morbidity. Considering that approximately 11% of the Brazilian population suffers from some type of intellectual and/or multiple deficiency and little has been studied about the occurrence of enteroparasites in this population group, laboratory parasitological studies were performed in 50 students of the Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais (APAE) of the city of São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Brazil. From the total of the analyzed samples, 28 (56%) were positive for one or more parasites and commensals, of which 5 (17.85%) were positive for G. lamblia, 6 (25.00%) for E. histolytica/E. dispar, 11 (39.28%) for Entamoeba coli, 7 (21.43%) for Balantidium coli, 2 (7.14%) for Endolimax nana and 3 (10.7%) for E. vermicularis. Considering the high prevalence of parasitic infection in this population, it is necessary to seek greater investment in prophylaxis and hygienic-sanitary education, in addition to constantly conducting parasitological examinations that might guarantee a better quality of life for the population of São Mateus APAE.

Intestinal parasites in immigrants in the city of Naples (southern Italy).

The present study was aimed at carrying out a cross-sectional copromicroscopic survey of helminths and intestinal protozoa in immigrants in Naples (southern Italy). Between October 2008 and November 2009, a total of 514 immigrants were tested comparing the FLOTAC dual technique and the ethyl acetate concentration technique. Combined results of the two techniques served as a diagnostic 'gold' standard and revealed an overall prevalence of parasitic infections of 61.9% (318/514). The ethyl acetate concentration technique detected a low number of positive results (49.0%) and this was confirmed for each helminth/protozoa species detected. Among helminths, Trichuris trichiura (3.9%), hookworms (3.7%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (1.4%) were the most prevalent. Strongyloides stercoralis (0.4%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.4%), Schistosoma mansoni (1.0%), Hymenolepis nana (1.6%) and Taenia spp. (0.2%) were also found, as well as zoonotic helminths, as Trichostrongylus spp. (0.8%) and Dicrocoelium dendriticum (0.8%). As regard to pathogenic protozoa, Blastocystis hominis was the most commonly detected (52.7%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar/Entamoeba moshkovskii (11.9%) and Giardia duodenalis (4.5%). Several issues concerning diagnosis, epidemiology and public health impact of parasitic infections in immigrants are offered for discussion. In conclusion, the present paper pointed out the need of better diagnosis and cure of the immigrant population in order to improve access to health care of this neglected and marginalised population group, for its own protection and care.

Perforación intestinal secundaria a amebiasis / Amebiasis intestinal perforation secondary

La amebiasis intestinal es una enfermedad frecuente en países en desarrollo, que es común en regiones tropicales y subtropicales, así como en regiones con servicios sanitarios deficientes. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 74 años de edad, sexo masculino, originario y residente de la ciudad de Guatemala, quién cursó una diarrea y dolor abdominal. Fue intervenido quirúrgicamente por abdomen agudo, con resección intestinal extensa por perforaciones. En el estudio de anatomía patológica se realizó el diagnóstico de colitis amebiana con perforaciones y peritonitis.

Intestinal amoebiasis is a disease common indeveloping countries, which is common in tropicaland subtropical regions, as well as in regions withpoor sanitation. We report the case of a 74-year-oldmale, resident of Guatemala City, who presented withdiarrhea and abdominal pain. He had a laparatomy foracute abdomen, undergoing wide intestinal resectiondue to perforations. The pathology diag-nosis wasamoebic colitis with perforations and peritonitis.

Detección de Entamoeba moshkovskii en humanos: un nuevo problema diagnóstico en la amibiasis: revisión / Detection of entamoeba moshkovskii in humans: a new problem in amoebiasis diagnosis: review

El género Entamoeba comprende varias especies, de las cuales, seis pueden habitar en el intestino grueso del hombre: Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba moshkovskii, Entamoeba polecki, Entamoeba coli y Entamoeba hartmanni. Las tres primeras son morfológicamente idénticas, pero solo E. histolytica es considerada patógena, produciendo la amibasis; mientras que E. dispar y E. moshkovskii son consideradas no patógenas. La diferenciación entre estas amibas no puede efectuarse mediante examen microscópico, que es la técnica más utilizada para el diagnóstico de la amibiasis; se recomiendan para ello, métodos de biología molecular (PCR) o detección de coproantigenos de E. histolytica mediante ELISA. Más recientemente, el aumento en el descubrimiento de casos en humanos de parasitismo por E. moshkovskii, provoca una complicación mayor, pues entonces debe discriminarse entre las tres amibas para realizar un diagnóstico de laboratorio definitivo. Por otro lado, persisten los problemas técnicos en cuanto a un método rápido, sencillo y poco costoso que permita a los laboratorios de rutina distinguir entre E. histolytica, E. dispar y E. moshkovskii. Por los momentos, se recomienda reportar los trofozoítos y/o quistes morfológicamente compatibles con E. histolytica, como complejo Entamoeba o como E. histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii.

The genus Entamoeba contains many species, of which six can live in the large intestine of man: Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba moshkovskii, Entamoeba polecki, Entamoeba coli and Entamoeba hartmanni. The first three are morphologically identical, but only E. histolytica is considered pathogenic, producing amibiasis, whereas E. dispar and E. moshkovskii are considered non-pathogenic. Differentiation between these amoebas cannot be made by microscopic examination, which is the most widely used technique for diagnosing amibiasis. To differentiate, molecular biological methods (PCR) or detection of E. histolytica coproantigens by ELISA are the recommended methods. More recently, an increase in the discovery of human cases of parasitism by E. moshkovskii has provoked a major complication, because laboratory tests should discriminate among the three amoebas for a definitive diagnosis. In addition, technical problems remain regarding a rapid, simple and inexpensive method that allows routine laboratories to distinguish between E. histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii. At present, the recommendation is to report trophozoites and/or cysts morphologically compatible with E. histolytica, as complex Entamoeba or as E. histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii.

Infección por entamoeba histolytica / E. dispar determinada por dos métodos en vendedores de mercados, Honduras / Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar infection determined by two methods in market vendors, Honduras

Antecedentes: Existe dificultad laboratorial para reconocer infecciones por Entamoeba histolytica en Honduras. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar dos métodos de examen de heces para identificación de E. histolytica/E. dispar y determinar frecuencia de otros parásitos intestinales entre vendedores de dos mercados capitalinos. Sujetos y Métodos: A través de una organización no gubernamental que atendía una población de 322 vendedores (Agosto 2005), se les invitó a participar en el estudio previo consentimiento informado. Se examinó una muestra de heces de cada participante por microscopía y por prueba inmunoenzimática colorimétrica (ELISA) para identificar infección por Entamoeba histolytica. Se identificaron otros parásitos intestinales. Resultados: Se estudiaron 117 participantes, 88.8% mujeres y edad media de 37 años. No se reconoció casos de amebiasis invasora aguda por E. histolytica. Del total de treinta y cuatro (29.0%) infeccionespor E. histolytica/E. dispar, 11 (9.4%) se diagnosticaron por microscopía (quistes tetranucleados >10pm de tamaño), 10 (8.5%) por ELISA y13 (11.0%) infecciones adicionales con ambas pruebas. La prueba de ELISA utilizada no diferenció entre especies patógena (E. histolytica) y comensal (E. dispar); su sensibilidad fue 54% con especificidad de 86%. Noventa y siete (82.9%) participantes estaban multiparasitados detectados por microscopía, con especies de helmintos o protozoos patógenos y/o comensales, reflejo de ambiente insalubre. Conclusiones: Se necesitan pruebas confiables de tecnología adecuada aplicables en laboratorios de salud pública para determinar la distribución e importancia de infecciones por E. histolytica y por E. dispar en países en desarrollo como Honduras...

Frecuencia de parasitos intestinales y características epidemiológicas de la población infantil de 1 a 12 años que consulta al ambulatorio urbano tipo II de Cerro Gordo, Barquisimeto, estado Lara: enero-junio 2007 / Frequence of intestinal parasitism and epidemiological characteristics of the 1 to 12 year-old child population treated at the Cerro Gordo type II urban outpatient clinic, Barquisimeto, state Lara: january-june 2007

El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la frecuencia de parasitosis intestinales en el área de influencia del Ambulatorio Urbano Tipo II de Cerro Gordo, Barquisimeto, Estado Lara, realizando un estudio descriptivo transversal. Se evaluaron 106 niños entre 1 y 12 años de edad, realizando a cada uno examen de heces directo y concentrado con la técnica de Ritchie, demostrándo se parasitosis intestinal en 42,5%, predominando en escolares (48,9%), sin diferencias según el género. El agente más frecuente fue B. hominis (42,2%), seguido de G. lamblia (37,8%), Complejo Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar (13,3%), H. nana (11,1%) y A. lumbricoides (4,4%). Se encontró parasitado 41,7% de niños con estado nutricional normal y 35,7% de malnutridos. La presencia de parasitos intestinales mostró relación con la disposición inadecuada de basura (p=0.048). El lavado inadecuado de las manos se relacionó con prurito anal (p=0.008). La calidad inadecuada del agua se relacionó con Blastocistosis (p= 0,025) y comensales (p= 0,035). No hubo relación entre parasitosis intestinales y síntomas gastrointestinales, estrato social, disposición de excretas, presencia de vectores en el hogar, lavado y conservación de alimentos, frecuencia de recolección de basura, lavado de manos, antecedente de tratamiento antiparasitario y familiar parasitado

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine intestinal parasitism in children treated at the “Cerro Gordo” Type II Urban Outpatient Clinic in Barquisimeto, Lara. Feces samples were collected from 106 children (1-12 years old) and analyzed using both direct and Ritchie´s technique analyses, demonstrating intestinal parasitism in 42.5% of the children, predominantly of school age (48.9%), but independent of gender. The most frequent agent was Blastocystis hominis (42.2%), followed by Giardia lamblia (37.8%), Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar Complex (13.3%), Hymenolepis nana (11.1%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (4.4%). For children with a normal nutritional condition, 41.7% had parasites, while this value was 35.7% for nutritionally undernourished children. The presence of intestinal parasites showed relations to the community’s trash collection management program status (p=0.048). Poor hand washing habits were significantly associated with anal pruritus (p=0.008). Inadequate water quality was related to blastocystosis (p= 0.025) and comensals (p= 0.035). The presence of parasites was not associated with specific gastrointestinal symptoms, socioeconomic status, disposition of excreta, presence of vectors in the home, food washing and storage, frequency of garbage collection, washing of hands, family parasitism history and anti-parasite treatment antecedents