Gastrointestinal parasites of dogs and foxes in the Zanjan province of Iran: With an emphasis on Echinococcus species.

Canids harbor many zoonotic parasites and play an important role in the spread of parasites in the human environment. Estimation of parasitic infection among canids as definitive hosts may help competent authorities design efficient control programs. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs and foxes with an emphasis on Echinococcus spp. A total of 500 fecal samples of dogs and 30 fecal samples of foxes were studied in the summer, autumn, and winter of 2021 in the Zanjan province using the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique, followed by multiplex PCR. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection was estimated to be 19.05%. The prevalence was 24.8%, 10.2%, and 26.7% in stray, shelter dogs and foxes, respectively. No parasites were found among pet and guard dog samples. PCR results on Taenidae eggs showed that 2.4% of samples were positive for Echinococcus granulosus and none contained E. multilocularis. Noteworthy is that E. granulosus was identified only in stray dog samples. The higher prevalence of E. granulosus infection in stray dogs in this province emphasizes the importance of monitoring the food sources consumed by these animals.

In vivo assessment of the antiparasitic effects of Allium sativum L. and Artemisia absinthium L. against gastrointestinal parasites in swine from low-input farms.

BACKGROUND: Ethno-veterinary practices could be used as a sustainable developmental tool by integrating traditional phytotherapy and husbandry. Phytotherapeutics are available and used worldwide. However, evidence of their antiparasitic efficacy is currently very limited. Parasitic diseases have a considerable effect on pig production, causing economic losses due to high morbidity and mortality. In this respect, especially smallholders and organic producers face severe challenges. Parasites, as disease causing agents, often outcompete other pathogens in such extensive production systems. A total of 720 faecal samples were collected in two farms from three age categories, i.e. weaners, fatteners, and sows. Flotation (Willis and McMaster method), modified Ziehl-Neelsen stained faecal smear, centrifugal sedimentation, modified Blagg technique, and faecal cultures were used to identify parasites and quantify the parasitic load. RESULTS: The examination confirmed the presence of infections with Eimeria spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Balantioides coli (syn. Balantidium coli), Ascaris suum, Oesophagostomum spp., Strongyloides ransomi, and Trichuris suis, distributed based on age category. A dose of 180 mg/kg bw/day of Allium sativum L. and 90 mg/kg bw/day of Artemisia absinthium L. powders, administered for 10 consecutive days, revealed a strong, taxonomy-based antiprotozoal and anthelmintic activity. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlighted the therapeutic potential of both A. sativum and A. absinthium against gastrointestinal parasites in pigs. Their therapeutic effectiveness may be attributed to the content in polyphenols, tocopherols, flavonoids, sterols, sesquiterpene lactones, and sulfoxide. Further research is required to establish the minimal effective dose of both plants against digestive parasites in pigs.

Outcome of parasitological examinations in dogs in Germany: a retrospective survey.

Dog faecal samples examined from January 2019 to December 2019 were retrospectively analysed for frequency of endoparasites. The examinations were performed with several different methods: 29,219 samples were examined by flotation method and sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin concentration (SAFC) technique, 1,330 samples by Baermann-Wetzel migration technique, 12,221 samples using a Giardia coproantigen enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 1,180 samples using a Cryptosporidium coproantigen ELISA, 1,671 samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for Giardia duodenalis and 447 samples by PCR testing for Cryptosporidium spp.. A total of 7.1% of the samples were positive for parasites in the microscopical examination using the flotation method and SAFC technique. The parasites found included Cystoisospora spp. (2.8%), Giardia duodenalis (2.3%), Ancylostomatidae (1.8%), Toxocara canis (1.6%), Trichuris vulpis (0.7%), Toxascaris leonina (0.5%), Capillaria spp. (0.2%), Angiostrongylus vasorum (0.2%), Crenosoma vulpis (0.1%), Taeniidae (0.1%), Sarcocystis spp. (0.03%), Dipylidium caninum (0.01%), Diphyllobothrium latum (< 0.01%), Spirurida (< 0.01%) and Opisthorchiidae (< 0.01%). Using the Baermann-Wetzel migration technique, Angiostrongylus vasorum was found in 0.75% and Crenosoma vulpis in 0.3% of the samples. ELISAs for Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. revealed 13.9% and 1.0% positive faecal samples, and Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. PCRs 19.4% and 2.0%, respectively. Dogs in the first year of life were more frequently infected with parasites than older animals. In the microscopic examination using flotation method and SAFC technique, the significantly highest detection rates were found in dogs up to six months of age (p < 0.001).

Dogs as a source for the spreading of enteric parasites including zoonotic ones in Giza Province, Egypt.

To investigate the impact of domestic and stray dogs on the transmission of zoonotic and other parasites to humans in contact with them, fecal samples were collected from 80 domestic dogs that presented at a clinic with health disturbances and 220 randomly selected stray dogs housed in shelters. The parasitological examination of these samples revealed infection by six zoonotic and four non-zoonotic parasites in varying percentages. The zoonotic parasites included Ancylostoma caninum, Toxocara canis, Dipylidium caninum, Echinococcus granulosus, Cryptosporidium species, and Giardia cysts and trophozoites. The other parasites included Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis, Taenia species eggs, and Isospora canis oocysts. The infection rate was higher in stray dogs (60%) than in domestic dogs (40%). Infected dogs in both groups were generally unhealthy, with poor body condition recorded in 13.8% of domestic dogs and 63.6% of stray dogs. The infection rate was higher (92%) among shelter workers than among domestic dog owners (66.7%). Giardia assemblages A and D from dogs and assemblage A from humans, as well as two isolates of Cryptosporidium canis (C. canis), one from dogs and the other from humans, were submitted in the GenBank with the accession numbers OQ870443, OQ870444, and OQ919265 for Giardia and OQ917532 & OQ915519 for C. canis of dogs & human, respectively. In conclusion, domestic and stray dogs play an essential role in transmitting zoonotic parasites to humans in contact with them, and regular deworming and strict hygienic measures are recommended to minimize their impact on human health.

A Cross-Sectional Survey of Gastrointestinal Parasites in an Ornithological Garden.

Captive birds in collections may be infested with a wide range of parasites. Globally, information on parasitic infections and their health implications in ornithological collections are scarce. In the present study, the prevalence of parasitic infections in an ornithological garden in Tehran was investigated. Samples (n = 109) from various bird species were collected. Direct wet smear, sedimentation, flotation with Sheather's sugar, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen and Giemsa staining were used for parasite screening. Parasites were identified in 57 (52.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 42.9-61.7) samples, with protozoans being the most frequently observed organisms, including Cryptosporidium species, Eimeria species, Isospora species, Trichomonas species, and Histomonas species. Helminths were observed in 29 (26.6%, 95% CI 18.3-34.9) of the samples and included strongyles, Capillaria species, and Raillietina species. Ectoparasites were rarely recovered, but 2 species were identified: the poultry shaft louse (Menopon gallinae) and the fowl tick (Argas persicus). Free-ranging birds were significantly (P < 0.001) more likely to have parasites in their feces than caged birds. Fecal parasitic infections were order dependent and more prevalent in the Anseriformes and Galliformes (P < 0.05). The frequency of gastrointestinal parasites was notable in the investigated collection. In open natural bird gardens, such as in the present study, the probable transmission routes and sources of the parasitic infections are most likely via the free-ranging avian species. It is wise to recommend regular screening of the birds in these gardens to improve preventive control measures. Additionally, parasite genotyping should be considered to clarify our understanding of the epidemiology of zoonotic and nonzoonotic parasites.

Effects of hypertonic solutions on two species of human intestinal parasites during fecal examination.

Aim: Ova and parasite examination by flotation requires hypertonic solutions, which can damage the egg and cyst membranes, leading to false negatives. The authors investigated the harmful effects of ZnSO4 and C12H22O11 solutions on the ova and parasite examination. Materials & methods: The authors processed samples using the Three Fecal Test technique. Aliquots were floated in different pH levels, temperatures and solution densities. Results: Densities above 1.12 g/ml led structures to collapse after 6-10 min. pH neutralization of the ZnSO4 solution did not prevent the parasites from changing. Conclusion: All structures were altered when standard methods were performed. To delay collapse, the parasite floating under 5 °C is highly desirable.

Fecal exams require solutions that can damage the intestinal parasite's shape. This is bad for diagnosis. The authors investigated the harmful effects of these solutions on fecal exams. The authors processed samples using a technique called the Three Fecal Test. Fecal samples were floated in different conditions, including neutral and acidic solutions, high and low temperatures and varying densities of chemical solutions. Densities above 1.12 g/ml altered the structures of parasites. Neutral solutions did not prevent the structures from changing. The structures of all parasites were altered when the usual techniques were performed. Thus, the techniques for diagnosing intestinal parasites in feces must be improved. Temperatures under 5 °C are the best for preventing the destruction of parasite membranes.

Malarial and intestinal parasitic co-infections in indigenous populations of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest.

The Brazilian Amazon rainforest region has a significant prevalence of malarial and intestinal parasitic infections in indigenous populations, accounting for a disproportionate burden. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence and association between malarial and intestinal protozoan and helminth infections in four remote indigenous villages in the Brazilian Amazon Forest. A total of 430 individuals participated in the study, and Plasmodium infections were diagnosed by examination of thick blood smears and PCR. Stool samples 295 individuals (69%) were examined by direct smear and the Kato-Katz technique. The overall prevalence of malaria, intestinal protozoan infection, and intestinal helminth infection was 14.2%, 100%, and 39.3%, respectively. Polyparasitism was predominant (83.7%), and most infected individuals had at least two or more different species of intestinal protozoan and/or helminth parasites. The prevalence of co-infection was 49.5%, and in individuals with intestinal protozoa and helminth infections (34%), Entamoeba. coli, Entamoeba histolytica, and Ascaris lumbricoides were the most common parasites. In individuals with malaria and protozoa infections (10.2%), P. vivax, E. coli, and E. histolytica predominated, and in individuals with malaria, protozoa, and helminth infections (5.4%). P. vivax, E. coli, E. histolytica, and A. lumbricoides predominated. Intestinal polyparasitism was common in the study population, and the presence of helminths was associated with an increased number of intestinal parasitic species. However, Plasmodium infections were neither a risk nor a protective factor for helminth infections; the same was true for helminth infections in relation to Plasmodium. The high prevalence of intestinal polyparasitism with Plasmodium co-infections highlights the need for combining strategies that may help control both malaria and intestinal parasite and generate a health approach aligned with indigenous perspectives.

Epidemiological studies of gastrointestinal parasites infecting dogs in Kwara Central, North Central, Nigeria.

Dogs are the most cosmopolitan pets of humans and as such a means of transmitting zoonotic parasites to their owners. This study was designed to investigate the diversity, prevalence, pattern of infection, intensity of infections, and the risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites of dogs in Kwara Central, North Central, Nigeria. Three hundred and five clinically healthy dogs were sampled. Faecal samples were subjected to the direct smear, simple faecal centrifugation flotation, formol-ether concentration, and the Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining techniques. Oocysts/eggs per gram of faeces were counted using the modified McMaster technique. Data were analysed using univariate logistic regression, multivariate logistic regression, and the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). A p -value of < 0.05 was considered significant for all analyses. One hundred and sixty-six dogs were positive for at least one species of gastrointestinal parasite, representing 54.43% (95% CI: 44.81 - 59.96) of the sampled population. The study identified Cystoisospora species (15.41%), Cryptosporidium species (25.25%), Ancylostoma species (25.25%), Toxocara canis (19.02%), Strongyloides stercoralis (7.54%), Uncinaria stenocephala (6.89%), and Dipylidium caninum (2.30%) as the gastrointestinal parasites infecting dogs in the study area. Coinfection with more than one species of gastrointestinal parasites was a common finding in dogs. The intensity of Cystoisospora spp. among infected dogs ranged between 40 and 980 oocysts per gram of faeces, while that of helminth parasites was 40 - 1560 eggs per gram of faeces. Age, sex, breeds, body condition score, presence of ticks on dogs, the purpose of keeping dog(s), types of housing, types of feed consumed, vaccination status, and treatment with antiparasitics were predators associated with the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites infections. Due to the zoonotic nature of most of the encountered gastrointestinal parasites, there is need for regular antiparasitic treatment, proper dog management, and adequate personal hygiene to prevent zoonosis.

Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs from Cuiabá, Mato Grosso.

Gastrointestinal parasitism by helminths and protozoa poses risks to animal and human health owing to clinical changes and transmission of potentially zoonotic agents. Thus, the present study aimed to verify the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs from the municipality of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil, using coproparasitological tests. From June 2021 to April 2022, faecal samples were collected from domestic dogs at the Veterinary Hospital and Animal Protection Shelters in the Cuiabá municipality. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to the owners and those responsible for the shelters to analyse the factors associated with gastrointestinal parasitism. A total of 353 faecal samples were collected and subjected to parasitological flotation and sedimentation techniques. Data were analysed using the chi-squared test and exploratory factorial analysis. The occurrence of gastrointestinal parasitism was 22.66% and the parasites found alone or in mixed infections were Ancylostoma spp., Trichuris vulpis, Toxocara spp., Dipylidium caninum, Cystoisospora spp., Giardia duodenalis, and coccidia. It was concluded that the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs is frequent, and the variables associated with these infections were source origin, breed, age, coexistence with other animals, and dull fur.

Gastrointestinal parasites in wild rodents in Chiloé Island-Chile.

Gastrointestinal parasites are well-documented in small mammals from north-central Chile, but little is known about endoparasites of rodents in southern Chile. A survey was conducted between January and February 2018 to evaluate gastrointestinal parasites and risk factors of wild rodents that live in rural areas in Northern Chiloé Island, Chile. A total of 174 fecal samples from rodents of six native and one introduced species were collected and examined using the Mini-FLOTAC method. Also, 41 individuals of four native wild rodent species were examined furtherly to determinate adult parasites from gastrointestinal tracts. The overall prevalence of endoparasites was 89.65% (156). Helminth egg types included: Rodentolepis spp., Capillariidae, Trichuris sp., Syphacia sp., oxyurid-type eggs, Strongyloides sp., Spirurid-type eggs, Strongilid-type eggs, Moniliformis sp., and an unidentified nematode egg and larvae. Protozoa comprised coccidia, amoeba, and unidentified cysts. From necropsies, adult parasites involved Syphacia sp. Trichuris sp., Protospirura sp. and Physaloptera sp. In Abrothrix olivacea, individuals with low-body-mass index exhibited reduced infection probability for Spirurid-type and Strongilid-type eggs. Some parasites in this study may affect human health. In rural settings where environmental conditions are changing, more research should be undertaken to understand parasitic infections in wildlife and implications for public health and conservation.

Gastrointestinal parasites in young dogs and risk factors associated with infection.

Young dogs are particularly susceptible to infections with endoparasites. The occurrence of endoparasites was investigated in young dogs from Central Germany between July 2020 and July 2022. In total, 386 fecal samples originating from 171 dogs were examined for the prevalence of endoparasites using a combined flotation- and sedimentation technique and conventional PCR. Overall, in 41.2% (159/386) of the examined samples, endoparasites were detected. The most frequently occurring endoparasites were Giardia duodenalis (29%), Cryptosporidium spp. (9.1%), Cystoisospora spp. (7.3%), and Toxocara canis (6%). Sequencing of G. duodenalis positive samples showed that most infections belonged to the host-specific assemblages C (38.4% (43/112)) and D (35.7% (40/112)). The zoonotic assemblage A was identified in 8% (9/112) of the samples. Moreover, mixed infections were observed as follows: C/D in 5 (4.5%), D/A in 4 (3.6%), and C/A in 3 (2.7%) samples. All assemblage A infections were assigned to the potentially zoonotic subassemblage AI. Co-infections of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. were observed in 3.1% (12/386) of the samples. Analyzing several host factors for their potential association with endoparasitic infection, the origin of dogs, as well as the living environment were identified as the main risk factors for infection with endoparasites. Overall, this study shows a high infection rate with endoparasites, especially G. duodenalis, in young dogs from Germany. The results of this study contribute to further insight into the distribution and potential risk factors associated with endoparasitic infections, as well as the zoonotic potential these parasites may present.

Survey on the prevalence of intestinal parasites in domestic cats (Felis catus Linnaeus, 1758) in central Nepal.

INTRODUCTION: Cats (Felis catus) are the only felines that live in close contact with humans. Since cats can act as vectors, carriers, reservoirs and definitive hosts of many gastrointestinal (GI) parasites, parasitic assessment could contribute to their survival and well-being. AIMS: The current study aimed to assess the diversity and prevalence of GI parasites in domestic and feral cats from Ratnanagar in Chitwan in Central Nepal. METHODS: A total of 107 fresh faecal samples of cats (90 household cats and 17 feral cats) of varied ages and sex were collected and transported to the laboratory. The copromicroscopic examination was carried out following direct wet mount, formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation, saturated salt flotation, acid-fast staining and sporulation techniques. Furthermore, associated risk factors were evaluated to ascertain the predictor of risks for parasitic acquisition. RESULTS: The current study revealed an overall 95.3% prevalence rate with a 100% rate in feral cats and 94.4% in household cats. Altogether, 18 (17 known and one unknown) different species of GI parasites were reported with the helminths (95.3%; 11 species) and the protozoa (55.1%; seven species). Besides age and sex, outdoor lifestyle, absence or unknown history of medication and hunting behaviour of the felines are the predictors of risk. Furthermore, mixed infection was comparatively higher than single infection in the faecal samples. CONCLUSIONS: Cats harbour a higher prevalence and greater diversity of GI parasites, and parasitism varies with age and sex. This finding can be essential for veterinarians and public health authorities for strategic treatment and for assessing the zoonotic transmission of the parasites from these felines. Importantly, an effective medication strategy for cats and owners is recommended.

Intestinal parasite infections associated with sociodemographic and seasonal factors in the Western Amazon.

Intestinal parasites are a constant public health problem in the Amazon region, with a high prevalence of cases related to poor sanitary conditions. We investigated the sociodemographic and seasonal factors associated with human intestinal parasite infections in an area of the Western Amazon, Brazil, from September 2017 to August 2019. Data were collected using a database available at the Diagnostic Support Centre (Centro de Apoio ao Diagnóstico, CAD) of the Municipality of Rio Branco, on positive diagnoses for intestinal parasites. Among the 53,200 samples analysed, 18.3% (n = 9712) were positive. Of these, 96.4% (n = 9363) and 3.6% (n = 349) were protozoan and helminthic infections, respectively. Males showed higher odds ratio (OR) for Enterobius vermicularis infection (OR: 2.3) and giardiasis (OR: 1.9) and lower OR for Endolimax nana (OR: 0.9) and Entamoeba coli (OR: 0.9) infections. Individuals aged ≥ 15 presented higher OR for Strongyloides stercoralis (OR: 3.4), hookworms (OR: 2.3), and almost all protozoan infections than younger individuals. In the dry season, the OR for hookworms (OR: 1.5), Iodamoeba butschlii (OR: 1.4), and Endolimax nana (OR: 1.3) infections was higher than that in the rainy season, including a high chance of polyparasitism (OR: 1.6). We concluded that there was a significant difference between the different types of intestinal parasites, particularly protozoa, with high OR in the dry season and for certain groups.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Intestinal Protozoan Infections in Children with Cancer in Taif, Western Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a category of diseases that cause an individual's immune system to become suppressed. In a case-control study, the current study aims to detect the frequency of intestinal parasites and related risk factors in children with cancer. METHODS: Stool samples were collected from 178 children with cancers (cases) and 150 cancer-free children (controls) who sought treatment for diarrheal episodes at nearby hospitals. Samples were processed by direct smear examination, concentration technique, permanent staining by Lugol's iodine, modified Ziehl-Neelsen, modified trichrome, and chromotrope 2R stains. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 7.3% (24/328), with non-statistically significant differences between cases (7.8%; 14/178) and controls (6.6%; 10/150). Children with leukemia had a higher infection rate (9%; 9/100) than children with lymphoma (6.9%; 3/43) or solid tumors (5.7%; 2/35). Blastocystis sp. (3.3%) was the most common intestinal parasite found in cases, followed by Cryptosporidium sp. (2.2%), Giardia lamblia (1.6%), and Microsporidia sp. (0.5%). For all parasites, no statistical difference was found between the two groups. (p > 0.05). Male gender, young age, non-bottled water use, travel to parasite-endemic areas, living in an urban area, and infrequent hand washing were all associated with intestinal parasitosis, with non-statistical significance observed between the two groups. In children with cancer, intestinal parasites were found to be significantly associated with chronic (p = 0.04) and severe (p = 0.03) diarrhea. CONCLUSIONS: Children with cancer, particularly those with hematological cancers, should be screened for intestinal parasites on a regular basis and treated for their overall health.

Prevalence, risk factors and zoonotic potential of intestinal parasites in dogs from four locations in Morocco.

Dogs can harbor various intestinal parasites that have serious clinical, economic, and zoonotic impact. In Morocco, the epidemiological status of those parasites is largely unknown. This study aimed to obtain data on the prevalence of intestinal parasites in various Moroccan dog populations, to identify associated risk factors, to evaluate people's knowledge regarding zoonotic parasites and to estimate the risk of human infection. A total of 291 fecal samples were analyzed using a 33% Zinc Sulphate (ZnSO4) centrifugal flotation and a sheather's sugar simple flotation techniques. In addition, 100 dog owners were asked to fill out a questionnaire about their knowledge regarding canine zoonotic intestinal parasites. Overall, 58% of sampled dogs were positive for at least one parasite species. Ancylostoma/Uncinaria spp. (31.9%), Toxascaris leonina (27.4%), Toxocara canis (27.1%), Cystoisospora spp. (13.4%) and Giardia spp. (7.2%) were the most frequently isolated parasites. The overall prevalence was associated with the dogs' activity, and feces consistency. More specifically, the prevalence of Ancylostoma/Uncinaria spp., Toxascaris leonina and Cystoisospora spp. was associated with dogs' activity and feces consistency and, additionally with age for Cystoisosporaspp.Toxocara canis prevalence was associated with age and feces consistency, while Giardia spp. prevalence was associated with dogs' activity. A weak awareness among dog owners regarding the zoonotic potential of canine intestinal parasites was noticed (33%) especially when their knowledge was compared to another endemic zoonotic disease, i.e. rabies (85%). Furthermore, the rate of respecting the vaccination protocol (82%) was significantly higher than the rate of respecting the deworming protocol (47%). We conclude that intestinal parasites, including the zoonotic ones, were highly prevalent in the dogs sampled in this study whereas people's knowledge about those parasites was very limited. These findings suggest that the risk of human infection is very likely, which highlights the need for effective control programs and health education.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites of pet dogs in North-Central Algeria.

The prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites in dogs were conducted in Blida, North-Central Algeria. The study was carried out over 131 clinically healthy dogs, from March to June 2019, by coprological methods. Of the 131 collected dogs, 61.07% (n = 80) were found infected by gastrointestinal parasites. Sixty-four dogs were carriers of a single infection with the following parasites Ancylostoma spp (15.27%), Uncinaria spp (14.50%) Toxocara canis (4.58%), Trichuris vulpis (3.82%), Toxascaris leonina (2.29%), Taenia/Echinococcus spp. (2.29%), Mesocestoides spp (0.76%), Cystoisospora spp. (3.05%) and Neospora caninum-like (2.29%). Sixteen dogs harbored mixed infection. Male (OR = 1.18) German shepherds' dogs were more infected (OR = 1.08) by helminthic parasites (OR = 13.64). The frequency of single infections (OR = 6.86) increased with the animal's age (OR = 1.73-3.46). Identifying hookworms, T. canis, and T. vulpis suggests a continuing risk of contamination of pet dogs as a source of human infection with the zoonotic parasites in Blida.

Retrospective Results of Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine Parasitology Laboratory Between 2014-2019

Objective: Parasitic infections emerge as a significant health problem, especially in underdeveloped and developing countries. Epidemiological data play an important role in taking effective measures against parasitic diseases. Methods: Clinical samples (stool, blood, bone marrow and tissue samples, etc.) that were sent to Hacettepe University Hospitals Parasitology Laboratory between 2014 and 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The positivity rates of the parasites detected in this study are as follows; Blastocystis sp. (71.6%), Dientamoeba fragilis (13.3%), Giardia lamblia (4.7%), Echinococcus spp. (1.9%), Enterobius vermicularis (1.8%) and Taenia spp. (0.3%). In this study, four of the patients were found to be positive for Leishmania spp. and two patients for Plasmodium falciparum and four patients for Plasmodium spp. E. histolytica/E. dispar cysts and/or trophozoites examined by Trichrome staining in our study were not detected within six years. Conclusion: According to this data and in the light of the results obtained from different regions of our country, it will be possible to properly direct the necessary strategies for the diagnosis, treatment of parasitic infections and the implementation of preventive measures.

Canine gastrointestinal pythiosis: a case report in Brazilian Pantanal from a diagnostic approach / Pitiose gastrointestinal canina: relato de caso no Pantanal brasileiro a partir de uma abordagem diagnóstica

Pythiosis is caused by an aquatic fungus-like organism (Pythium insidiosum). It is considered an important public health issue as it can affect both animals and humans. This paper reports a case of gastrointestinal pythiosis in a dog. The patient was hospitalized for four days, during which the animal received supportive and symptomatic treatment. But the applied treatment was unsuccessful and the dog's clinical condition worsened, culminating in death. Complementary imaging tests such as radiography and ultrasonography, as well as hematological tests, were performed during the hospitalization period. The definitive diagnosis was reached in the postmortem as macroscopic and microscopic characteristics suggested the presence of intestinal granuloma and accentuated multifocal suppurative necrotic enteritis. Additionally, the histological evaluation revealed morphological structures compatible with P. insidiosum. Also, the results of nested PCR performed showed partial amplification (105 bp) of the ITS1 region of the ribosomal gene of P. insidiosum.(AU)

A pitiose é causada por um organismo aquático semelhante a um fungo (Pythium insidiosum) e considerada um importante problema de saúde pública, pois pode afetar animais e humanos. Este artigo relata um caso de pitiose gastrointestinal em um cão. O paciente ficou internado por quatro dias, período em que o animal recebeu tratamento de suporte e sintomático. No entanto, o tratamento aplicado não teve sucesso e o quadro clínico do cão piorou, culminando com a morte. Exames de imagem complementares, como radiografia e ultrassonografia, bem como exames hematológicos, foram realizados durante o período de internação. O diagnóstico definitivo foi feito na autópsia, pois as características macroscópicas e microscópicas sugeriam a presença de granuloma intestinal e acentuada enterite necrótica multifocal supurativa. Além disso, a avaliação histológica revelou estruturas morfológicas compatíveis com P. insidiosum. Além disso, a nested PCR foi realizada e mostrou amplificação parcial (105 pb) da região ITS1 do gene ribossomal de P. insidiosum.(AU)

Prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections among HIV clients attending Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda.

Introduction: infection with Human Immune deficiency Virus (HIV) increases the risk of opportunistic infections, which aggravates life-long complications. We report the prevalence and the associated factors of intestinal parasites among HIV infected clients attending anti-retroviral therapy (ART) clinic at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, in Uganda. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study that purposefully enrolled 410 HIV infected clients. Stool samples were macroscopically assessed, and analyzed using wet preparations, Formol ether concentration and Modified Ziehl Neelsen (ZN) techniques to identify cysts and ova of intestinal parasites. Further, a questionnaire was used to obtain data on socio-demographic, hygiene and immunologic markers. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the associated factors of intestinal parasitic infection. Results: of the 410 adult HIV sero-positive clients enrolled, 58.0% (238/410) were females. Participants mean age was 26.8 years, (range of 18-59 years). The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 49/410 (11.95%; 95% confidence interval: 10.3 - 14.7). Intestinal parasites isolated were Giardia lamblia (N=10, 20.4%), strongloides stercolaris (N=4, 8.2%), and modified ZN showed Cryptosporidium species (N=35, 71.4%). Hand washing, history of not deworming in the previous 1 year, deteriorating HIV clinical stage and unprotected open water sources were the associated factors. Conclusion: this study reports a high prevalence of opportunistic intestinal parasites. As these are neglected tropical infections, early detection and exploration of the associated factors is key to their proper management.

Intestinal polyparasitism and levels of mucosal anthelmintic SIgA in children from endemic areas in Northeastern Brazil.

Interactions between parasites during co-infections are often complex and can impact immunization and treatment programmes, as well as disease outcomes and morbidity. However, little is known about these interactions and the mechanisms involved. In this study, a coproparasitological survey was carried out in school-age children living in endemic areas of parasitic infection in the state of Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil. Anti-helminth-specific and total secretory immunoglobulin-A (SIgA) levels were measured in stool and saliva samples and were compared in children presenting monoparasitism, polyparasitism (helminths and/or intestinal protozoa) and no infections. The survey showed that protozoa were more prevalent than helminths, and that there was a high frequency of polyparasitism in the studied population, mainly from combinations of protozoan species. Although less frequent, combinations between species of protozoa and helminths were also observed. The levels of salivary SIgA in these co-infected individuals were lower than the average observed in infections with helminths alone. Although the children participating in this survey were asymptomatic, and it was, therefore, not possible to evaluate the impact of salivary SIgA reduction on the diseases, and the study highlights the need for further investigations of co-infections by intestinal parasites and the effects on immune response induced by the interactions between different parasites.