Blastocystis spp. and Other Intestinal Parasites in Polish Soldiers Deployed to Lebanon and Iraq.

Intestinal parasitic infections are one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide, particularly in developing countries. A distinct group at increased risk of infection is military personnel deployed overseas for extended periods, typically six months at a time. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. and other intestinal parasites in Polish military personnel returning from deployments to Lebanon (n = 206) and Iraq (n = 220). In this group of subjects, we found Blastocystis spp. (13.6%), Dientamoeba fragilis (3.3%), Entamoeba coli (0.9%), and Endolimax nana (0.5%). Entamoeba histolytica sensu lato and Chilomastix mesnili infections were detected only in one soldier returning from Lebanon and Iraq, respectively. Blastocystis subtype (ST) 3 was predominant in soldiers returning from Lebanon, followed by ST2 and ST1. ST1 infection was predominant in soldiers returning from Iraq, followed by ST3 and ST2. Our study affirms that, deployment abroad is of no influence of the prevalence of parasitic protozoa. However, it would be worth to monitor parasite infection in military personnel returning from tropical zone even if they have no actual symptoms. In addition, it is very important to determine the subtypes of Blastocystis-this may help to clearly define their pathogenicity, especially considering the scarcity of studies on Blastocystis genotypes in Iraqi and Lebanese residents.

Dermatological and Molecular Evidence of Human Cercarial Dermatitis in North-Eastern Poland.

Swimmer's itch or human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) appears as a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to larval (cercariae) flatworm parasites of the family Schistosomatidae. In our study, two cases of HCD were analyzed; both of them were reported in people swimming in Lake Pluszne. In the summer of 2018, a sample of 397 snails was collected at swimming sites in that area. Five Lymnaea stagnalis (1.9%) were found to host cercariae of bird schistosomes. Positive samples were selected by amplification of the Internal Transcribed Spacers (ITS) gene region. Sequence analysis confirmed that they were homologous with European isolates of Trichobilharzia szidati. The cases reported in this article are the first confirmed cases of HCD in this lake. This study demonstrates that there is a rationale for conducting screening studies of regions with a high recreational potential.

Epidemiology of scabies in relation to socio-economic and selected climatic factors in north-east Poland.

INTRODUCTION: Scabies is a contagious parasitic disease, a skin infestation caused by Scaroptes scabieri, tiny mites that burrow under the skin. Outbreaks of scabies can be difficult to control and require the implementation of appropriate control programme. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to analyze the epidemiology of scabies in north-east Poland, considering socio-economic and selected climatic factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis was based on data reports (n=26,362) obtained from the Polish National Health Fund (NFZ) for the period 2007-2014. Monthly climate data were collected from the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management/National Research Institute (IMGW-PIB) in Warsaw, including data on temperature and relative humidity. Additionally, the influence of socio-economic factors on the prevalence of scabies was analyzed. Data on population size, medical staff, and unemployment rate were obtained from the Central Statistical Office (GUS) in Warsaw, and analyzed using SPSS Statistics 24.0 programme. RESULTS: The age group of 10-19 years showed the highest infestation rates. Seasonality of scabies was demonstrated. The highest numbers of cases were reported during the autumn and winter months. There was a significant negative correlation (rho = -0.499; p<0.001) between air temperature and the incidence of scabies, and a positive correlation (r = 0.532; p<0.001) between relative humidity and the number of cases reported. A rise in the unemployment rate also caused an increase in the scabies incidence rate (r = 0.294; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that an improvement of socio-economic conditions may contribute to a reduction in the number of scabies infections. The possibility should be considered of monitoring the parameters, such as air temperature and humidity, particularly when scabies outbreaks occur.

Human Permanent Ectoparasites; Recent Advances on Biology and Clinical Significance of Demodex Mites: Narrative Review Article.

BACKGROUND: Demodex is a genus of mites living predominantly in mammalian pilosebaceous units. They are commonly detected in the skin of face, with increasing numbers in inflammatory lesions. Causation between Demodex mites and inflammatory diseases, such as rosacea, blepharitis, perioral and seborrhoeic dermatitis or chalazion, is controversially discussed. Clinical observations indicate a primary form of human Demodex infection. The aim of this review was to highlight the biological aspects of Demodex infestation and point out directions for the future research. METHODS: We conducted a broad review based on the electronic database sources such as MEDLINE, PubMed and Scopus with regard to the characteristics of the Demodex species, methods of examination and worldwide epidemiology, molecular studies and its role in the complex human ecosystem. RESULTS: Demodex mites are organisms with a worldwide importance as they act in indicating several dermatoses, under certain conditions. However, correlations between Demodex and other parasites or microorganisms occupying one host, as well as interactions between these arachnids and its symbiotic bacteria should be considered. There are few methods of human mites' examination depending on purpose of the study. Nevertheless, paying attention must be needed as polymorphism of Demodex species has been reported. CONCLUSION: Overall, the present review will focus on different aspects of Demodex mites' biology and significance of these arachnids in human's health.

The prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis infections in the population of Warminsko-Mazurskie voivodeship (North-Eastern Poland)

INTRODUCTION: Trichomonas vaginalis is considered to be the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection. Trichomoniasis is not a reportable disease and due to this fact only estimates can be made about its incidence AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of T. vaginalis in the female population of north-eastern Poland as well as to conduct an epidemiological analysis on the basis of the data from the years of 2009 ­ 2015 derived from the registers of the National Health Fund MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study 300 women aged 19 ­ 50 were examined. Two vaginal swabs were taken from each patient. The first swab was used to prepare microscope slides, and stained with Giemsa stain. The second swab was used for a diagnostic immunochromatographic rapid test (OSOM Trichomonasis test). Each woman was also asked to complete a questionnaire. Additionally, on the basis of the data from the National Health Fund, epidemiological analysis was conducted. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS Statistics ver. 24 using Fisher test RESULTS: T. vaginalis infection was confirmed in two women. The diagnosis of trichomoniasis was confirmed as a result of T.vaginalis antigen detection with the use of immunochromatographic diagnostic test (OSOM Trichomonas test). The data from the National Health Fund show that 160 cases of trichomoniasis were reported, of which women accounted for 135 (84%), and men for 25 (16%). The highest infection rate was found in women aged 50 ­ 59 and those over 60 years old CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the prevalence of T. vaginalis infection remains low, the infection occurs mainly in elderly women. However, one should pay attention to the differences in the detection of T. vaginalis connected with a particular method used. Conducting screen tests on a larger scale using more advanced tests would allow a more accurate assessment of the scale of the problem in our country