Worldwide overview of human infections with Hymenolepis diminuta.

Hymenolepis diminuta is a zoonotic cestode parasitizing the small intestine of rodents (definitive hosts). Humans can accidentally enter into the life cycle of this tapeworm via the ingestion of infected insects (intermediate hosts) containing cestode cysticercoids in their body cavity. More than two centuries after the first record in humans, there are no accurate estimates of the number of human cases around the world. In order to have a more precise idea about the number of human cases with H. diminuta and the current status of the disease (hymenolepiasis) worldwide, we conducted a literature review of published records on human infection with H. diminuta. One thousand five hundred and sixty-one published records of infection with H. diminuta from 80 countries were identified. This review presents an estimate of the number of human cases with H. diminuta and a current overview of the prevalence, geographic distribution, symptoms, diagnosis, exposure to infective stages, and therapeutic approaches for this underestimated zoonotic tapeworm.

The role of chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) as intermediate hosts in the transmission of Hymenolepis microps (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea) from the willow ptarmigan Lagopus lagopus (Aves: Tetraonidae).

The cestode Hymenolepis microps is an intestinal parasite of tetraonid birds, including the willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus). This parasite is able to maintain a high prevalence and intensity throughout the year, even in a subarctic environment in bird populations with relatively low host densities, indicating effective transmission routes. Willow ptarmigan consume mainly vegetal material and active consumption of invertebrates is confined to the first two or three weeks of life. Ptarmigan are infected by different species of ectoparasites, of which two species of feather lice, Lagopoecus affinis and Goniodes lagopi, are the most abundant. In this study, we explored the hypothesis that feather lice may be suitable intermediate hosts for H. microps. We applied histological techniques and light microscopy to investigate lice for the presence of larval cestode stages (cysticercoids). We found 12 cysticercoid-like structures inside chewing lice collected on L. lagopus hosts harbouring H. microps. In addition, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening of Ischnocera lice DNA, targeting the 18S rRNA gene of the cestode, showed positive results for two different short fragments of the 18S rRNA gene of H. microps which were sequenced from lice collected on birds. Both independent lines of evidence support the hypothesis that Ischnocera lice might be suitable intermediate hosts in the life cycle of H. microps in L. lagopus.

Effect of Mass Stool Examination and Mass Treatment For Decreasing Intestinal Helminth and Protozoan Infection Rates in Bolivian Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Bolivia is one of the countries with a high intestinal helminth and protozoan infection rate. Despite the high prevalence of the parasitic infection, nationwide preventive measures for Bolivian children have not yet been implemented. We evaluated the effect of mass stool examination and treatment as a strategy for decreasing the infection rate. This study was conducted between 2013 and 2015 in children aged 2-18 years. A total of 2,033 stool samples (575 in 2013, 815 in 2014 and 642 in 2015) were collected and examined using the formalin-ether medical sedimentation method. As an anthelminthic medicine, nitazoxanide was given to all infected children within 2 months post-examination, each year. The effect of mass stool examination and treatment was evaluated based on the changes in the overall or individual parasitic infection rates during the study period. The overall parasitic infection rate decreased significantly from 65.2% in 2013 to 43.0% in 2015; a 22.2 percentage point decrease (P<0.001). Protozoan infection accounted for a large portion of the parasitic infections, in the following rates: 62.4% in 2013, 49.3% in 2014, and 41.0% in 2015. The rate of the most common helminth infection, Hymenolepis nana, decreased significantly from 9.0% in 2013 to 6.4% in 2014 to 3.4% in 2015 (P<0.001). Prevalence of the most common pathogenic protozoan infection, Entamoeba histolytica, decreased significantly from 19.0% in 2013 to 3.0% in 2015 (P<0.001). Conversely, the rate of Giardia intestinalis increased significantly from 16.5% in 2013 to 21.2% in 2015 (P<0.01). Mass stool examination and treatment for intestinal helminth and protozoan infections was effective for decreasing the overall parasitic infection rate in the study population, excluding Giardia intestinalis. Further studies on the long-term effect of mass stool examination and treatment for decreasing all intestinal parasitic infection rates in Bolivian children are needed.

School-based prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors in rural communities of Sana'a, Yemen.

Yemen is a developing country overwhelmed with a triad of poverty, diseases and social conflicts. Moreover, the majority of its population live in rural communities and suffer from intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs). Therefore, the present school-based, cross-sectional survey aimed to detect the prevalence of such infections and associated risk factors among schoolchildren in the rural communities of Bani Alharith, Hamdan and Bani Hushaysh districts of Sana'a, north of Yemen. Socio-demographic data and certain behavioral risk factors as well as stool samples were collected from 1218 schoolchildren from ten randomly schools in the study area. Fresh stool samples were examined for parasites by direct saline and iodine preparations and after concentration with formol-ether technique. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 54.8%, with a higher frequency of protozoal than helminthic infections (37.6 vs. 17.2%, respectively). Parasite species recovered were Entameba histolytica (21.5%), Giardia lamblia (16.1%), Ascaris lumbricoides (8.3%), Hymenolepis nana (5.3%), Schistosoma mansoni (2.6%), Trichuris trichiura (0.5%) and Enterobius vermicularis (0.4%). Univariate analysis showed that the male gender and illiteracy of fathers and/or mothers were the socio-demographic factors significantly associated with higher infection rates. The illiteracy of mothers was also confirmed as an independent risk factor by multivariable analysis. On the other hand, not washing hands before eating, not washing fruits and vegetables before consumption, eating uncovered food and not clipping fingernails were the risk behaviors significantly associated with higher infection rates, with the last three ones being confirmed as independent risk factors. Therefore, control measures should include regular treatment of protozoal infections and deworming of schoolchildren, promotion of hygiene in rural schools through health education programs, regular inspection of schoolchildren for personal hygiene practices and the provision of a healthy school infrastructure.

Infección por Hymenolepis nana en una comunidad indígena del estado Bolívar, Venezuela / Hymenolepis nana infection in an indigenous community from Bolívar State, Venezuela

Introducción: la himenolepiosis es una parasitosis intestinal causada por el género Hymenolepis. De las dos especies que pueden afectar al hombre, H. nana es la más común. Su distribución es cosmopolita, pero más frecuente en regiones tropicales. Objetivos: en junio de 2014 se realizó un estudio transversal para determinar la prevalencia de himenolepiosis en habitantes de la comunidad indígena Itopoicon del estado Bolívar, Venezuela. Métodos: fueron evaluadas 136 muestras fecales procedentes de igual número de personas, mediante las técnicas de examen directo, Kato, Willis y sedimentación espontánea. Se llenó una ficha de control de cada participante con datos de identificación y clínico-epidemiológicos de interés. Resultados: un total de 118 habitantes (86,8 por ciento) resultaron parasitados. De ellos, 26 (19,1 por ciento) tenían infección por helmintos intestinales, siendo Hymenolepis nana el helminto más comúnmente diagnosticado con 19 casos (14 por ciento). De los 19 casos de himenolepiosis, 17 ocurrieron en niños y dos en adultos, siendo la diferencia estadísticamente significativa (x2= 14,26 g.l.= 7 p< 0,05). Con relación al género no se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p> 0,05). Se determinó una amplia variedad de manifestaciones clínicas (generales, toxico-alérgico o intestinales) en los habitantes con H. nana. Conclusiones: se determinó una elevada prevalencia (14 por ciento) de infección por H. nana en una comunidad indígena del estado Bolívar, Venezuela, siendo ambos géneros afectados por igual pero con un predominio en los niños menores de 10 años. La mayoría de los casos presentó sintomatología(AU)

Introduction: hymenolepiasis is an intestinal parasitic disease caused by the genus Hymenolepis. Of the two species affecting humans, H. nana is the most common. Its distribution is cosmopolitan, but more frequent in tropical regions. Objectives: a cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2014 to determine the prevalence of hymenolepiasis among dwellers from the indigenous community of Itopoicon, Bolívar State, Venezuela. Methods: evaluation was performed of 136 stool samples from an equal number of persons using the techniques known as direct examination, Kato, Willis and spontaneous sedimentation. A control card was filled in for each participant, containing identification details and data of clinical and epidemiological interest. Results: a total 118 inhabitants (86.8 percent) were positive for parasites. Of these, 26 (19.1 percent) had intestinal helminth infection, Hymenolepis nana being the most commonly diagnosed helminth with 19 cases (14 percent). Of the 19 cases of hymenolepiasis, 17 were children and 2 were adults, the difference being statistically significant (2= 14.26 g.l. = 7 p< 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found with respect to gender (p> 0.05). A wide range of clinical manifestations (general, toxic and allergic or intestinal) were found among people with H. nana. Conclusions: ahigh prevalence (14 percent) of H. nana infection was found in an indigenous community from Bolívar State in Venezuela. Both sexes are equally affected, but there is a predominance of children under 10 years of age. Most cases were symptomatic(AU)

Prevalence of Giardia intestinalis and Hymenolepis nana in Afghan refugee population of Mianwali district, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Present study aimed to investigate prevalence of Giardia intestinalis and Hymenolepis nana in Afghan refugees visiting Central Health Unit (CHU), Kot Chandana (Mianwali, Northern Punjab) during two years period (February 2007 to December 2009). METHODS: A total of 687 stool samples were collected from different age groups of both genders. Samples were processed under sterile conditions after gross examination. Microscopic examination was done on same day along with eggs (H. nana), cyst and trophozoites (G. intestinalis) detection after staining. RESULTS: The prevalence of G. intestinalis was significantly higher (x2=59.54, p<0.001) than that of H. nana. Females were found more likely to be infected as compared to males (OR: 1.40, 95% CI=1.03-1.92). Prevalence of both parasites decreased with age and highest prevalence was observed in young individuals belonging to 1-15 years of age group (41.8% and 48.7% respectively for H. nana and G. intestinalis, p<0.001). Abdominal distress (OR: 1.13, 95%CI=0.83-1.53), vomiting (OR: 1.13, 95%CI=1.13-1.81) and rectal prolapse (OR: 4.26, 95%CI=1.38-13.16) were the gastro-intestinal clinical symptoms observed in G. intestinalis. Whereas, bloody diarrhea (OR: 1.56, 95%CI=1.00-2.43) and rectal prolapse (OR: 5.79, 95%CI=1.87-17.91) were associated with H. nana infections. CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal parasitic infections are common among Afghan refugees and serious preventive measures should be implemented to promote the safety and healthy lifestyle of these people.

A survey of intestinal parasites including associated risk factors in humans in Panama.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal parasitic infections are among the most common infections worldwide, leading to illness with serious and long lasting implications in children and immunocompromised people. Transmission of intestinal parasites is more frequent in tropical and sub-tropical areas where sanitation is poor and socioeconomic conditions are deficient. Panama is a country where climate and social conditions could be reflected in a high number of people infected with intestinal parasites. The presence, prevalence, and distribution of intestinal parasites in this country have been approached to date only in very restricted areas and population groups, but the impact of intestinal parasite infections at the national level is unknown. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey between 2008 and 2010 to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites across Panama. Overall, 14 municipalities in seven provinces of Panama were surveyed. The presence of eggs, cysts, and larvae was assessed by microscopy in 1123 human fecal samples using a concentration technique. A questionnaire to identify risk factors associated with the frequency of intestinal parasites in the study population was also prepared and performed. Overall, 47.4% of human samples presented parasites. Variables including community type, age group, occupation, co-presence of commensals and socioeconomic factors (use of shoes and type of sanitation) were significantly associated with intestinal parasites (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The preliminary data obtained in the current study, showing a high prevalence of fecal-oral transmitted parasites in Panama, place intestinal parasitism as a major health problem in this country. Specific interventions should be planned for the indigenous population, the group most afflicted by intestinal parasites.

[Parasitological monitoring as part of epidemiological surveillance of helminthiasis in the Russian Federation].

The paper presents data on the prevalence of helminthiasis in Russia on the basis of the State Reports on the sanitary and epidemiological situation in the Russian Federation. It comparatively characterizes morbidity rates in 2010-2012. Morbidity analysis has revealed the main reasons for the prevalence of parasitic diseases and the possible ways of their elimination.

Prevalence of ittestinal parasites among food handlers in western Iann / La prevalencia de parasitos intestinales entre los manipuladores de alimentos en el oeste de Iran

Parasitic infection is one of the problems that affect human health, especially in developing countries. In this study, all of the fast food shops, restaurants, and roast meat outlets of Khorramabad (Western Iran) and all the staff employed by them, some 210 people, were selected through a census and their stools were examined for the presence of parasites. The parasitological tests of direct wet-mount, Lugol's iodine staining, formaldehyde-ether sedimentation and Trichrome staining techniques were performed on the samples. The data was analyzed with a chi-square test and logistic regression was selected as the analytical model. The results showed 19 (9%) stool specimens were positive for different intestinal parasites. These intestinal parasites included Giardia lamblia 2.9%, Entamoeba coli 4.3%, Blastocystis sp. 1.4%, and Hymenolepis nana 0.5%. There was a significant difference between the presence of a valid health card, awareness of transmission of intestinal parasites, participation in training courses in environmental health with intestinal parasites (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the rate of literacy and gender among patients infected with intestinal parasites (p > 0.05). To control parasitic infection in food handlers, several strategies are recommended such as stool examinations every three months, public education, application of health regulations, controlling the validity of health cards and training on parasitic infection transmission. In this regard, the findings of the present study can be used as a basis to develop preventive programs targeting food handlers because the spread of disease via them is a common problem worldwide.

Infección parasitaria es uno de los problemas de salud humana, especialmente en los países en desarrollo. En este estudio, todas las tiendas de comida rápida, restaurantes, y tiendas de carne asada en Khorramabad (oeste de Irán) y todo el personal que trabaja en ellos, incluyendo 210 personas fueron seleccionadas a través de los censos y las heces fueron examinadas para detectar la presencia de parásitos. La prueba parasitológica directa de mojado de montaje, la tinción de Lugol's yodo, sedimentación formaldehído-éter y tricrómicas técnicas de tinción se realizaron sobre las muestras. Los datos fueron analizados con la prueba de chi-cuadrado y regresión logística seleccionado como el modelo analítico. Los resultados mostraron 19 (9%) muestras de heces fueron positivos para diferentes parásitos intestinales. Los parásitos intestinales incluyen Giardia lamblia 2.9%, Entamoeba coli 4.3%, Blastocystis sp. 1.4%, Hymenolepis nana 0.5%. Hubo diferencia significativa entre la presencia de la tarjeta sanitaria válida, el conocimiento de la transmisión de los parásitos intestinales, la participación en cursos de formación en materia de salud ambiental con parásitos intestinales (p < 0.05). No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre la tasa de alfabetización y el sexo entre los pacientes infectados con parásitos intestinales (p > 0.05). Para controlar la infección parasitaria en los manipuladores de alimentos se recomiendan varias estrategias, tales como examen de heces cada tres meses, la educación pública, se aplican las normas sanitarias, el control de validez de la tarjeta sanitaria y la transmisión formación infección parasitaria. En este sentido, los resultados del presente estudio se pueden utilizar como una base para desarrollar programas de prevención dirigidos a los manipuladores de alimentos debido a la propagación de enfermedades a través de ellos es un problema común en todo el mundo.

[Evaluation of epidemiological situation of cestode infections in Poland in the years 1997-2006 on the basis of data from san-epid stations]. / Analiza sytuacji epidemiologicznej tasiemczyc w Polsce w latach 1997-2006 na podstawie danych z wojewódzkich stacji san-epid.

Between 1997-2006, 3,523 intestinal cestode infections were registered in Poland. Among them 2,748 were caused by Taenia saginata, 41 by T. solium, 533 by Taenia species, 20 by Hymenolepis nana, 5 by Hymenolepis diminuta, 11 by Diphyllobothrium latum, 3 by Dipylidium caninum. Moreover, 350 cases of cystic echinococcosis and 8 cases of cysticercosis were also registered. The obtained results confirmed decreasing frequency of intestinal cestodoses in Poland.

Epidemiología de himenolepiosis y otras parasitosis intestinales en una comunidad suburbana de Escuque, Trujillo-Venezuela / Himenolepiosis Epidemiology and other intestinal parasites in a suburban community of Escuque, Trujillo-Venezuela

Las parasitosis intestinales son enfermedades desasistidas de los países en vías de desarrollo, en comunidades sub-urbanas, rurales, marginales e indígenas, desfavorecidas por la atención médica calificada. En Venezuela se estima una prevalencia de 7 por ciento para Hymenolepis nana. El presente estudio epidemiológico de prevalencia en el sector Fray Ignacio Álvarez, Escuque-Trujillo, fue diseñado para determinar la ocurrencia las parasitosis intestinales, de Hymenolepis nana, correlacionar las variables epidemiológicas (Graffar-Méndez Castellano) con las parasitosis intestinales y evaluar la confiabilidad del método de Kato Katz, utilizando como método gold standard el Formol-Tritón-Éter (FTE), en el hallazgo de Hymenolepis nana. Se encuestaron a 319 personas y se realizaron 224 Kato Katz y 224 Formol-Tritón-Éter. Las condiciones higiénico-sanitarias y los síntomas gastrointestinales compatibles con himenolepiosis fueron frecuentes en la comunidad, pero sólo 2,2 por ciento (5/224) fueron positivos por formol-tritón-éter. El 50,2 por ciento, de los individuos encuestados se encuentran en pobreza relativa. El riesgo de prevalencia a estar infectado por cualquier parásito, se relacionó con el estrato socioeconómico IV y V (riesgo de prevalencia=11,03; 95 por ciento; P= 0,012), con el mayor índice de Graffar (riesgo de prevalencia=21,04; 95 por ciento; P= 0,000) y con la menor instrucción de la madre (riesgo de prevalencia=26,32; 95 por ciento; P=0,012). El Método Graffar-Méndez Castellano es confiable para estimar la probabilidad de los individuos de estar infectados con parasitosis intestinales; por el contrario, el método de Kato-Katz no es confiable para la determinación de Himenolepis nana ni de otros céstodes, por lo que en estudios de prevalencia de parasitosis intestinales debe emplearse otras técnicas coprológicas de concentración

The intestinal parasitosis are neglected diseases of developing countries in sub-urban, rural, indigenous and marginalized communities, disadvantaged by qualified medical care. In Venezuela is estimated a 7 percent of prevalence for Hymenolepis nana. This epidemiological study of prevalence in the Fray Ignacio Alvarez sector, Escuque-Trujillo, was designed to determine the occurrence of intestinal parasitosis, of Hymenolepis nana, correlate epidemiological variables (Graffar Mendez Castellanos) with the I intestinal parasitosis and assess the reliability Kato Katz method, using as the gold standard method Formol-Triton-ether, in finding Hymenolepis nana. It were surveyed 319 people and conducted 224 Kato Katz and 224 Formol-Triton-ether. The sanitary-hygienic conditions and gastrointestinal symptoms consistent with himenolepiosis were common in the community, but only 2.2 percent (5 / 224) were positive for Formol-Triton-ether. The 50.2 percent of individuals surveyed were in relative poverty. The prevalence of risk to be infected by any parasite was related to IV and V socioeconomic status (prevalence of risk = 11.03, 95 percent, P = 0.012), with the highest rate of Graffar (prevalence of risk = 21.04, 95 percent, P = 0.000) and with the least education of the mother (prevalence of risk = 26.32, 95 percent, P = 0012). The Graffar Méndez Castellanos method is reliable to estimate the probability of being infected individuals with intestinal parasitosis; by contrast, Kato-Katz method is unreliable for determining neither Himenolepis nana nor other Cestoda and consequently for prevalence studies of intestinal parasite diseases must be employed other coprology concentration techniques

Role of the employment status and education of mothers in the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in Mexican rural schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal parasitic infections are a public health problem in developing countries such as Mexico. As a result, two governmental programmes have been implemented: a) "National Deworming Campaign" and b) "Opportunities" aimed at maternal care. However, both programmes are developed separately and their impact is still unknown. We independently investigated whether a variety of socio-economic factors, including maternal education and employment levels, were associated with intestinal parasite infection in rural school children. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 12 rural communities in two Mexican states. The study sites and populations were selected on the basis of the following traits: a) presence of activities by the national administration of albendazole, b) high rates of intestinal parasitism, c) little access to medical examination, and d) a population having less than 2,500 inhabitants. A total of 507 schoolchildren (mean age 8.2 years) were recruited and 1,521 stool samples collected (3 per child). Socio-economic information was obtained by an oral questionnaire. Regression modelling was used to determine the association of socio-economic indicators and intestinal parasitism. RESULTS: More than half of the schoolchildren showed poliparasitism (52%) and protozoan infections (65%). The prevalence of helminth infections was higher in children from Oaxaca (53%) than in those from Sinaloa (33%) (p < 0.0001). Giardia duodenalis and Hymenolepis nana showed a high prevalence in both states. Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Entamoeba hystolitica/dispar showed low prevalence. Children from lower-income families and with unemployed and less educated mothers showed higher risk of intestinal parasitism (odds ratio (OR) 6.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6-22.6; OR 4.5, 95% CI 2.5-8.2; OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.5-7.4 respectively). Defecation in open areas was also a high risk factor for infection (OR 2.4, 95% CI 2.0-3.0). CONCLUSION: Intestinal parasitism remains an important public health problem in Sinaloa (north-western Mexico) and Oaxaca (south-eastern Mexico). Lower income, defecation in open areas, employment status and a lower education level of mothers were the significant factors related to these infections. We conclude that mothers should be involved in health initiatives to control intestinal parasitism in Mexico.

Prevalence and intensity of intestinal parasitic infections in relation to nutritional status in Mexican schoolchildren.

Undernutrition and intestinal parasitic infections affect childhood development and morbidity in many developing countries. Undernutrition may increase susceptibility to parasitic infections which in turn impair the nutritional status of the host. The relationship between intestinal parasitic infections and nutritional status in 400 Mexican schoolchildren was investigated. More than half of the children in the study showed intestinal parasites and polyparasitism. The prevalence of helminth infections was significantly higher in Oaxaca than in Sinaloa (P < 0.05). Z scores for weight-for-age (WA) and height-for-age (HA) were much lower in children of Oaxaca than in Sinaloa (P < 0.001). A significantly higher Z score for weight-for-height (WH), WA, and HA were found in non-infected versus infected children (P < 0.05). Higher prevalences of intestinal infections were found in children with lower HA and WA than in normally nourished children (P < 0.05). Higher intensities of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura were found in the schoolchildren of Sinaloa than in Oaxaca (P < 0.01). Negative and significant associations were found between Hymenolepis nana and T. trichiura infection (eggs per gram) and nutritional status. Intestinal parasitic infections may be regarded as main risk factors associated with poor nutritional status in Mexican schoolchildren.

Overview of hymenolepis diminuta infection among Thai patients.

CONTEXT: Hymenolepis diminuta infection is a very rare cestode infection. Until present, fewer than 500 cases have been observed worldwide. OBJECTIVE: The author performed a literature review on the reports of H diminuta in Thailand in order to summarize the characteristics of this infection among Thai patients. DESIGN: This study was designed as a descriptive retrospective study. A literature review of the papers concerning H diminuta infections in Thailand was performed. RESULTS: According to this study, there have been at least 6 reports in the literature of 10 individual cases of H diminuta infection, of which 1 case was lethal. Of 4 cases that documented patients' age, the ages ranged from 20 months to 55 years. Of 5 cases that documented patients' sex, 3 were males and 2 were females. Most (9/10) were asymptomatic; however, there was 1 inpatient case, concomitant with metastatic cholangiocarcinoma. Antiparasitic drugs were prescribed in 3 cases: niclosamide in 2 cases and praziquantel in 1 case. The 2 patients receiving niclosamide passed the parasites after treatment. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the H diminuta infection is a rare cestode infection that is sporadically reported in Thailand. The diagnosis of H diminuta infection is usually by accident during a field survey. The prognosis outcome is usually good, and the treatment does not appear to affect outcome, as there is good survival without treatment.

[Intestinal parasite infections and schistosomiasis in a poor urban area, in townships of the sugar cane belt and in villages of the semi-arid area of North-East Brazil]. / Parasitoses intestinales et schistosomose en milieu urbain, en région semi-aride du Nord-Est du Brésil.

We determined the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections between 1993 and 1998 in the populations of a poor quarter of Recife (Pernambuco), in two townships in the sugar cane belt and in three villages of the semi-arid area far from the coast. Intestinal schistosomiasis was present in the sugar-growing area but was not observed in the populations inland that use dams to provide irrigation and fishing. Ascaris was very common in the city and the sugar cane belt and large numbers of hookworms were observed, especially in the sugar-growing area. These nematodes were very rare in the semi-arid area. This distribution probably results from both climatic conditions and human behavior. The high frequency of Amoeba cysts demonstrates that the peasants, farmers and fisherman living in these areas have poor hygiene practices. There are probably many, complex relationships between education, income, lifestyle and intestinal parasite infections.

Estudio epidemiológico de la infección por hymenolepis nana en la provincia de Ciego de Avila, Cuba / Epidemiological study on hymenolepis nana infection in Ciego de Avila Province, Cuba

An epidemiological study on H. nana infection was carried out in Ciego de Avila province, Cuba, fron 1981 to 1995. In this 15 years period 3,108,422 stool samples were examined for parasites, H. nana eggs were found in 250 (0,008 percent). Seasonal influence of this parasitism was not detected. There were more cases in children than in adults, with males prevaling over females. The more frequent symptoms and signs were abdominal pain, diarrhea and anorexia which relationships with food habits, dwelling characteristics, children day care center and school orchards are analyzed

Infecciones por taenia sp y otros cestodos intestinales en pacientes de consultorios y hospitales públicos del sector norte de Santiago de Chile: 1985-1994 / Taenia sp and other intestinal cestode infections in individuals from public outpatient clinics and hospitals from the north sector of Santiago, Chile: 1985-1994

During 1985-1994 period, 70,642 parasitological stool examinations were perfomed. The exam was made to each patient which presenting gastrointestinal symptoms or nutritional problems, specially in children. 59,960 out of the 70,642 examinations corresponded to 1 month -15 years old chidren, 4,280 to 16-30 years old individuals and 6,402 to up to 30 years old adults. The infection rates (x 100,000) were: taenia sp, 86; hymenolepis nana, 1,165; diphyllobotrium sp, 4 and hymenolepis diminuta, 1. In this period, 11 cases of infection by taenia saginata were detected, and none taenia solium infection. Although infections rates by intestinal cestodes were higher in males than females, in the taenia sp. infection the difference was not statistical significative. Médico-veterinary control of animals slaughtered in abbatoirs and the improvement of sanitary conditions in the last two decades have contributed to the control of most of human intestinal cestodiases

Las helmintiasis intestinales en la República Mexicana / Intestinal helminthiases in the Mexican Republic

En la República Mexicana se han realizado escasos trabajos dirigidos a determinar la frecuencia de las helmintiasis intestinales en humanos. Sin embargo, con los pocos trabajos confiables de que se dispone, realizados de 1981 a 1992, es posible señalar que la ascariasis, tricocefalosis, uncinariasis e himenolepiasis, se encuentran presentes en forma significativa con porcentajes de infección del 11,2 por ciento, 1,7 por ciento, 0,15 por ciento y 1,8 por ciento, respectivamente. Con la información vertida en este artículo y obtenida de las encuestas realizadas en el período mencionado anteriormente, se puede señalar que las infecciones intestinales por helmintos están presentes en forma significativa en la República Mexicana. Sin lugar a dudas, esto es debido a que aún persisten los factores que contribuyen a la diseminación de las helmintiasis, tales como fecalismo, pobreza, malos hábitos higiénicos, manejo inadecuado de alimentos y bebidas, y en general deficiencias en las condiciones de saneamiento ambiental