Occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in pigs in the State of Pará, Brazil / Ocorrência de anticorpos contra Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum em suínos no estado do Pará, Brasil

Abstract We investigated the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum antibodies in pigs raised in the Northeast of Pará, Brazil. At Study I, convenience sampled 151 pigs at two slaughterhouses, with and without state inspection; and Study II, which assessed 159 pigs with probabilistic sampling from nine pig farms. Serological analysis was performed using indirect fluorescent antibody test for T. gondii and N. caninum with a cutoff of 64 and 50, respectively. Overall, 6.77% pigs were seropositive for T. gondii and 5.16% for N. caninum. In Study I, pigs slaughtered with and without state inspection presented similar occurrence for both coccidia (p>0.05). Study II found an association between N. caninum seropositivity and sludge discarded into the soil, feeding pigs with animal-based protein, subsistence system, and absence of nipple drinkers. No association was found for T. gondii. Pigs from Pará are a potential source of T. gondii infection to humans. To our best knowledge, this is the first study to report anti-N. caninum antibodies in the serum of pigs in Pará State, Brazilian Amazon.

Resumo Foi investigada a ocorrência de anticorpos contra Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum em suínos criados no nordeste do Pará, Brasil. No Estudo I, foram amostrados 151 porcos em dois matadouros, com e sem inspeção estadual. O Estudo II avaliou 159 suínos com amostragem probabilística de nove granjas de suínos. Para sorologia, utilizou-se o teste de imunofluorescência indireta para T. gondii e N. caninum com ponto de corte de 1:64 e 1:50, respectivamente. No geral, 6,77% dos suínos foram soropositivos para T. gondii e 5,16% para N. caninum. No Estudo I, suínos abatidos em matadouros com e sem inspeção estadual apresentaram ocorrência semelhante para ambos os coccídios (p> 0,05). Os animais amostrados de Belém, Benevides, Marituba, Bujaru, Castanhal e Igarapé-Miri foram positivos para T. gondii, enquanto os soropositivos para N. caninum foram encontrados em Belém, Bujaru, Castanhal e Santo Antônio do Tauá. O Estudo II encontrou associação entre soropositividade de N. caninum e esterco descartado no solo, alimentação dos suínos com proteína de origem animal, criação de subsistência e ausência de bebedores tipo "nipple". Não foi encontrada associação para T. gondii. A carne suína apresenta potencial risco de transmissão de T. gondii para os habitantes da região. De acordo com nosso conhecimento, este é o primeiro relato de anticorpos anti-N. caninum em suínos no estado do Pará, Amazônia brasileira.

Aspectos epidemiológicos de coccidiosis intestinales en comunidad rural de la Península de Paraguaná, estado Falcón, Venezuela / Epidemiological aspects of intestinal coccidiosis in a rural community of Paraguaná peninsula, Falcon state, Venezuela

Resumen Introducción: Las coccidiosis intestinales ocasionadas por Cryptosporidium, Cystoisospora belli y entre abril- junio de 2015, se realizó un estudio prospectivo, descriptivo y transversal para Cyclospora cayetanensis constituyen patologías parasitarias de alta relevancia en la Salud Pública. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia y parámetros epidemiológicos de coccidiosis intestinales en 188 habitantes de "El Hato", Estado Falcón, Venezuela. Metodología: Para la identificación de los probables factores de riesgos asociados a las coccidiosis intestinales se usó una ficha encuesta-epidemiológica. El diagnóstico parasitológico se realizó con el método directo y la coloración de Kinyoun. Resultados: La prevalencia global de parasitosis intestinales fue 64,36%, siendo Blastocystis spp. el taxón más frecuentemente observado (39,89%). La prevalencia de coccidios intestinales fue 37,23%, observándose prevalencias de 32,98% para Cyclospora cayetanensis, 26,60% para Cryptosporidium spp. y 3,19% para Cystoisospora belli. Con la aplicación del análisis de regresión logística múltiple se determinó como potenciales factores de riesgo independientes significativamente involucrados en la transmisión de las entero-coccidiosis: lavado inadecuado de manos [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1,89], el consumo de "comidas rápidas" (OR=1,26), empleo del agua más frecuentemente para aseo personal y lavado de vestimentas (OR=2,88), tener un nivel socio-económico bajo (nivel IV/V-Graffar) (OR=1,41), nivel de instrucción de la madre (primaria/secundaria) (OR=0,53), que se realice limpieza del hogar interdiario (OR=2,95), y que se posea animales (OR=2,06). Conclusiones: Los hallazgos de esta investigación muestran que las infecciones ocasionadas por los coccidios intestinales aun representan un problema de salud pública en las áreas rurales de Venezuela.

Abstract Introduction: Intestinal coccidioses caused by Cryptosporidium sp., Cystoisospora belli and Cyclospora cayetanensis are parasitic diseases of major clinical importance in Public Health. Objective: Between April to June 2015, a prospective, descriptive and cross-sectional survey was designed to determine the prevalence and epidemiological profiles of intestinal coccidioses in 188 inhabitants of "El Hato", Falcon State, Venezuela. Methods: Probable risk factors for intestinal coccidioses were identified by using epidemiological questionnaires. The diagnosis of coccidian infection was made by direct wet-mounting and Kinyoun staining. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 64.36%, and Blastocystis spp. was the most prevalent taxa (39.89%). Enterococcidioses prevalence was 37.23%, detecting prevalence values of 32.98% for Cyclospora cayetanensis, 26.60% for Cryptosporidium spp. and 3.19% for Cystoisospora belli. Multiple logistic regression analysis allowed us to determine as independent potential risk factors for transmission of these enterococciodioses: inappropriate hand washing [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.89], fast food consumption (OR=1.26), major use of water for personal and clothes washing (OR=2.88), low socio-economic status (level IV/V-Graffar) (OR=1.41), mother's educational status (primary/secondary school) (OR=0.53), non-daily home cleaning (OR=2.95), and keeping domestic animals (OR=2.06). Conclusions: Findings of this study showed that infections caused by intestinal coccidian infections are still remains as a serious health problem in rural areas of Venezuela.

Identification of opportunistic enteric parasites among immunocompetent patients with diarrhoea from Northern India and genetic characterisation of Cryptosporidium and Microsporidia.

Purpose: Enteric parasitic infestation is a major public health problem in developing countries. Parasites such as Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora spp., Cystoisospora spp. and Microsporidia may cause severe diarrhoea among immunocompromised patients. There is scanty data on their frequency among immunocompetent patients. Accordingly, we studied the frequency of enteric opportunistic parasites among immunocompetent patients with diarrhoea from northern India; we also performed genetic characterisation of Cryptosporidia and Microsporidia among them. Patients and Methods: Stool samples from 80 immunocompetent patients with diarrhoea, and 110 healthy controls were examined. Parasites were detected by direct microscopy, modified acid-fast (Kinyoun’s) and modified trichrome stain. Polymerase chain reaction – restriction fragment length polymorphism was used for genetic characterisation of selected species such as Cryptosporidia and Microsporidia. Results: Enteric parasites were detected in 16/80 (20%) patients (mean age 28.8 ± 20 years, 45, 56% males) and in 2/110 (1.8%) healthy controls (P = 0.00007). Parasites detected were Cryptosporidium spp. (8/16, 50.0%), Cystoisospora spp. (4/16, 25%), Microsporidia (1/16, 6.25%), Cyclospora spp. (1/16, 6.25%) and Giardia spp. (1/16, 6.25%). One patient had mixed infection with Cystoisospora spp. and Giardia spp. The species of Cryptosporidia and Microsporidia detected were Cryptosporidium hominis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi, respectively. Parasites were more often detected in younger patients (≤20 years of age) than in older. Most of the parasite infected patients presented with chronic diarrhoea. Conclusion: Opportunistic enteric parasitic infestation was more common among immunocompetent patients with diarrhoea than healthy subjects. Special staining as well as molecular methods are essential for appropriate diagnosis of these parasites.

Intestinal Parasitic Infections among HIV/AIDS Patients with Diarrhoea at Rural Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital Of Maharashtra.

Background and Objective: Opportunistic intestinal parasites usually cause mild and self- limiting infections in immunocompetent individuals but in the case of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) they cause severe, chronic or frequent gastrointestinal disease. The spectrum of intestinal parasites causing infections in PLHA varies from country to country and region to region within the country. Therefore it is very necessary to know the relative frequencies of specific intestinal parasites causing diarrhoea in PLHA in different regions of the country to devise appropriate management strategies. The present study was conducted with an aim to document the prevalence pattern of various intestinal parasites in PLHA in rural tertiary care teaching hospital of Maharashtra. Methods: Stool samples collected from HIV infected individuals with diarrhoea were screened for the presence of intestinal parasites by standard parasitological protocol. Results and Interpretation: The incidence of HIV infection was high in age group 26-35 years followed by 16-25 years age group. The incidence of HIV infection was high in males as compared to females. Out of 124 stool samples screened, 44 (35.48%) showed presence of intestinal parasites. Cryptosporidium parvum followed by Entamoebahistolytica and Isospora belli were the most common intestinal parasite. Conclusion: Opportunistic intestinal parasitic infections still pose as a problem in rural parts of India. This underscores the importance of screening of stool samples of PLHA. It can be also suggested that along with prompt diagnosis and treatment of opportunistic infection, clean potable water supply, improved sanitation and health education is necessary for preventing opportunistic infection in PLHA.

Spectrum of opportunistic infections in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients.

Background & Objectives: Opportunistic infections are common complication seen in HIV infected patients. The type of pathogens responsible for OIs varies from country to country and even from region to region within the same country. Therefore it is important to know the relative frequencies of specific OIs in different parts of the country for appropriate management strategies. This study was designed with an aim to document the pattern of opportunistic infections in HIV infected patients. Methods: The study included 152 HIV positive patients. Depending on the patient’s clinical features, specimens were collected and processed as per standard microbiological protocol for demonstration or isolation of pathogens. Results: In the present study, out of 152 HIV infected patients, 92(60.5%) were males and 60(39.5%) were females. Opportunistic infections were noted in 106 (69.7%) patients. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was the most common bacterial pathogen. Cryptosporidium parvum followed by Isospora belli and Entamoeba histolytica were the major parasites demonstrated in stool of HIV infected patients. Candida spp. was the predominant mycotic pathogen. Conclusion: In HIV infection opportunistic infections account for a considerable proportion of mortality and morbidity. It also necessitates toxic and expensive therapies. The early diagnosis and adequate management of opportunistic infections can slow down the progression to AIDS and need for antiretroviral therapy.

Oocyst shedding by green-winged-saltator (Saltator similis) in the diagnostic of coccidiosis and Isospora similisi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) / Eliminação de oocistos por trinca-ferro-verdadeiro (Saltator similis) no diagnóstico da coccidiose e Isospora similisi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae)

Diurnal periodicity is a phenomenon that has been observed in coccidian of Isospora parasites of passerines, which have been eliminated great number of oocysts at dusk. The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of periodicity of oocysts presence in the green-winged-saltator Saltator similis, and its use in the diagnosis of coccidiosis in wild birds in captivity. A total of 220 fecal samples were collected from birds, apprehended from illegal trading and kept in quarantine in CETAS∕IBAMA, in the morning and late afternoon, from May to November 2010. It was observed that 1.82% of the samples collected in the morning were positive, while 31.36% of samples were positive in the late afternoon. In addition, the number of oocysts shed was greater in the afternoon. Therefore, it was concluded that the sampling in the late afternoon provided greater reliability for the diagnosis of coccidiosis in green-winged-saltators. Moreover, in this study a new isosporoid coccidian parasite from the green-winged-saltator S. similis was observed and is herein described. Isospora similisi n. sp. oocysts are spheroidal to sub-spheroidal, 27.5 × 25.9 µm, with a smooth and bi-layered wall, ∼1.2 mm. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but splinter-like or comma-like granules are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal or slightly ovoidal, 17.4 × 12.2 mm. A stieda body and substieda body are present. The sporocyst residuum is composed of granules of different sizes. Sporozoites are vermiform with a single refractile body and a nucleus. This is the fourth description of an isosporoid coccidium infecting S. similis and the sixth description from Cardinalidae.

A periodicidade diurna é um fenômeno que tem sido observado em coccídios do gênero Isosporaparasitas de pássaros, os quais eliminam uma maior quantidade de oocistos ao entardecer. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a periodicidade de eliminação de oocistos pelas fezes no trinca-ferro-verdadeiro Saltator similis, e sua utilização no diagnóstico da coccidiose. Foram colhidas 220 amostras fecais de aves oriundas de apreensões do tráfico de animais silvestres e mantidas na quarentena do CETAS∕IBAMA, nos períodos da manhã e ao entardecer, de maio a novembro de 2010. Observou-se que 1,82% das amostras colhidas no período da manhã foram positivas, enquanto que 31,36% das amostras colhidas foram positivas ao entardecer, onde o maior número de oocistos foi observado no período da tarde. Portanto, concluiu-se que a colheita de amostras ao entardecer oferece maior confiabilidade para o diagnóstico da coccidiose. Além disso, descreve-se um novo coccídio do trinca-ferro-verdadeiro S. similis. Isospora similisi n. sp. possui oocistos esféricos a subesféricos, 27,5 × 25,9 µm, com parede dupla e lisa, ∼1,2 µm. A micrópila e o resíduo do oocisto estão ausentes, porém pequenos grânulos estão presentes. Os esporocistos são elipsóides ou levemente ovóides, 17,4 × 12,2 µm. Os corpos de Stieda e substieda estão presentes. O resíduo do esporocisto está presente e os esporozoítos possuem um corpo refrátil posterior e um núcleo. Esta é a quarta espécie isosporóide descrita de S. similise a sexta descrição na família Cardinalidae.

Cyclospora cayetanensis: Un coccidio emergente / Cyclospora cayetanensis: An emerging coccidian / Cyclospora cayetanensis: Um coccídio emergente

Cyclospora cayetanensis es un protozoo coccidio con diversa prevalencia a nivel mundial que causa cuadros con diarrea acuosa y voluminosa tanto en pacientes inmunocompetentes como inmunocomprometidos. En estos últimos, además de producir cuadros entéricos más severos, puede cursar con compromisos biliares. Su distribución es cosmopolita, jugando un rol importante en su transmisión, el suelo, el agua y los alimentos contaminados, especialmente las verduras ingeridas crudas. El hombre, único reservorio constatado hasta el presente, elimina con las heces ooquistes inmaduros, que evolucionan en el ambiente transformándose en ooquistes maduros infectivos. Como otros coccidios, presenta un ciclo evolutivo complejo con formas sexuada y asexuada de reproducción en un único hospedador. El diagnóstico se basa fundamentalmente en el hallazgo de ooquistes ácido alcohol resistentes variables en materia fecal. Se han desarrollado métodos moleculares para su detección tanto en muestras fecales como ambientales y de alimentos.

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a coccidian protozoon with several prevalence worldwide that causes watery and voluminous diarrhea conditions both in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. In the latter, apart from originating more severe enteric diseases, it can occur with billiary involvement. Its distribution is cosmopolitan, with soil, water and contaminated food, especially consumption of raw vegetables, playing an important role in its transmission. Man, the only reservoir recorded so far, eliminates immature oocytes in feces, which evolve in the environment becoming infective- mature oocytes. Like other coccidians, it presents a complex evolutionary cycle with sexed and unsexed forms of reproduction in a single host. Diagnosis is mainly based on findings of variable acid-alcohol resistant variables in feces. Molecular methods have been developed for its detection in fecal samples and in environmental and food samples as well.

Cyclospora cayetanensis é um protozoo coccídio com diversa prevalência em nível mundial que causa quadros com diarreia aquosa e volumosa tanto em pacientes imunocompetentes como imunocomprometidos. Nestes últimos, além de produzir quadros entéricos mais severos, pode cursar com compromissos biliares. Sua distribuição é cosmopolita, tendo um papel importante na sua transmissão o solo, a água e os alimentos contaminados, especialmente as verduras ingeridas cruas. O homem, único reservatório constatado até o presente, elimina com as fezes oocistos imaturos, que evoluem no ambiente transformando-se em oocistos maduros infectivos. Como outros coccídios apresenta um ciclo evolutivo complexo com formas sexuada e assexuada de reprodução num único hospedeiro. O diagnóstico se baseia fundamentalmente no achado de oocistos ácido-álcool resistentes variáveis em matéria fecal. Foram desenvolvidos métodos moleculares para sua detecção tanto em amostras fecais quanto ambientais e de alimentos.

Frequency of species of the Genus Eimeria in naturally infected cattle in Southern Bahia, Northeast Brazil / Frequência de espécies do gênero Eimeria em bovinos naturalmente infectados no Sudeste da Bahia, Nordeste do Brasil

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of species of the genus Eimeria species in naturally infected bovines in Southern Bahia, Northeast Brazil. The study population comprised 117 Zebu crossbred cattle that belonged to 10 dairy herds with extensive or semi-extensive production systems. The modified Gordon and Whitlock technique was used to determine positive samples and number of oocysts per gram of feces. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-square test with Yates correction and a 95 percent confidence interval. Thirty-nine cattle (33.33 percent) were positive, and ten different species were identified in infected animals: E. bovis (24.79 percent); E. canadensis (8.55 percent); E. zuernii (6.83 percent); E. ellipsoidalis (5.99 percent); E. cylindrica (3.42 percent); E. auburnensis (3.42 percent); E. brasiliensis (2.56 percent); E. bukidnonensis (1.71 percent); E. alabamensis (0.85 percent), and E. subspherica (0.85 percent). Higher parasitism was observed in animals up to one year of age (p = 0.005), but no animal presented clinical signs of the disease. As the presence of clinical eimeriosis was not evidenced and all animals were Zebu crossbred cattle from extensive or semi-extensive production systems, further studies should be conducted to investigate the effects of these factors on disease development.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a presença de espécies do gênero Eimeria em bovinos naturalmente infectados, na região Sudeste da Bahia, Nordeste do Brasil. A população do estudo incluiu 117 bovinos mestiços de raças Zebuínas que pertenciam a 10 fazendas leiteiras com sistemas de produção extensivo ou semiextensivo. A técnica de Gordon e Whitlock modificada foi utilizada para determinar as amostras positivas e o número de oocistos por grama de fezes. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando o teste do qui-quadrado com correção de Yates e intervalo de confiança de 95 por cento. Trinta e nove animais (33,33 por cento) foram positivos, e dez diferentes espécies foram identificadas nos animais infectados: E. bovis (24,79 por cento), E. canadensis (8,55 por cento), E. zuernii (6,83 por cento), E. ellipsoidalis (5,99 por cento ), E. cylindrica (3,42 por cento), E. auburnensis (3,42 por cento), E. brasiliensis (2,56 por cento), E. bukidnonensis (1,71 por cento), E. alabamensis (0,85 por cento) e E. subspherica (0,85 por cento). Maior parasitismo foi observado em animais com até um ano de idade (p = 0,005), mas nenhum animal apresentou sinais clínicos que fossem compatíveis com a parasitose. Como não foi observado presença de eimeriose clínica e como todos os animais eram mestiços zebuínos e pertencentes ao sistema de criação extensivo ou semiextensivo, novos estudos devem ser conduzidos para comprovar a influência desses fatores no surgimento da doença.

Prevalence of intestinal coccidian in preschool children from San Felix City, Venezuela / Prevalencia de coccidios intestinales en niños pre-escolares de San Félix, Venezuela

Many epidemiological aspects of intestinal coccidiosis in Bolivar State are not known. There are no studies done in apparently health children. The purpose of this study was to determine intestinal coccidian prevalence in preschool children attending the S.E.U. Teresa de la Parra preschool located in San Felix, Bolivar State, Venezuela. The universe included 109 children, and 73 were included in the study. A spontaneous evacuation fecal sample was collected from each child, preserved in 10% formaldehyde, and analyzed by a formaldehyde-ether technique, and Kinyoun stain. Sixty seven percent of the universe was evaluated (73/109). Eighty seven point seven percent of the children were infected by some parasite and/or commensal. Ten enteroparasite species were diagnosed, and Blastocystis hominis (37%) and Giardia lamblia (27.4%) were the most frequent of the protozoa. Among the helminthes, the most common were Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura with 35.6% each. Prevalence of intestinal coccidian was 10.9% and Cryptosporidium spp. was the only one diagnosed in eight cases (10.9%). The infection did not show any age predilection, but there was a gender bias, since 87.5% of those infected were females. Only three of the cases (37.5%) with Cryptosporidum spp. had diarrhea. In conclusion, a relative high rate of intestinal coccidiosis in the preschool children evaluated was determined.

En el estado Bolívar se desconocen muchos aspectos epidemiológicos de las coccidiosis intestinales. En niños aparentemente sanos no se tiene ningún estudio. El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de coccidios intestinales en niños matriculados en el pre-escolar U.E.E. Teresa de la Parra de San Félix, estado Bolívar. El universo fue de 109 niños y la muestra estudiada de 73. Se obtuvo una muestra fecal por evacuación espontánea de cada pre-escolar, la cual fue preservada en formol al 10% y analizada mediante la técnica formol-éter y coloración de Kinyoun. Se evaluó el 67% del universo (73/109). El 87,7% de los niños estaba infectado por algún parásito y/o comensal. Se diagnosticaron un total de 10 especies de enteroparásitos, siendo Blastocystis hominis con 37% y Giardia lamblia con 27,4% los más frecuentes, dentro de los protozoarios. Entre los helmintos los más comunes fueron Ascaris lumbricoides y Trichuris trichiura con 35,6% cada uno. La prevalencia de coccidios intestinales fue 10,9%, siendo Cryptosporidium sp. el único diagnosticado con 8 casos (10,9%). La infección no tuvo predilección por la edad pero si con relación al género, siendo el femenino el más afectado (87,5%). Sólo en tres de los casos (37,5%) con Cryptosporidium sp. se presentó diarrea. En conclusión, se determinó una prevalencia relativamente elevada de coccidiosis intestinal en los preescolares evaluados.

Infecciones parasitarias intestinales y factores asociados a la infección por coccidias en pacientes adultos de un hospital público de Lima, Perú / Parasite intestinal infection and factors associated with coccidian infection in adults at public hospital in Lima, Peru

Objective: To evalúate the frequency of intestinal parasites and risk factors associated with coccidian infection in patients cared for at a public hospital in Lima-Peru. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using reports of the parasitology laboratory. Patients included were >18 years, who gave at least one faecal sample for parasitologic evaluation. Logistic regression was used to calcúlate Odd Ratios (OR) and 95 percent) confidence intervals. Results: 2.056 patients were included in the analysis, 55.2 percent> of them were males and 334 (16.3 percent) were HlVpositive. Overall, Blostocystis hominis was the most frequent parasite (35.4 percent). The multivariate model adjusted for sex shows that HIV infection (OR = 4.53; 95 percentCI: 3.03-6.77), being hospitalized (OR = 2.42; 95 percentCI: 1.06-5.52), and age ≥ 40 years (OR = 0.57; 95 percentIC: 0.37-0.86) were associated with coccidian mfection. Conclusions: Blostocystis hominis was the most frequent parasite in HIV positive and negative patients. Being hospitalized and HIV infection were risk factors for coccidian infection, but age ≥ 40 years was a protective factor.

Objetivos: Evaluar la frecuencia de parásitos intestinales y factores asociados a la infección por coccidias en un hospital público de Lima-Perú. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, realizado con los reportes del Laboratorio de Parasitología. Se incluyeron pacientes de > 18 años, ambulatorios u hospitalizados, que tuvieron al menos una muestra de heces evaluada. Usando regresión logística, se calcularon OR e IC al 95 por ciento. Resultados: Se incluyó 2.056 pacientes en el análisis; 55,2 por ciento fueron varones y 334 (16,3 por ciento) fueron seropositivos para VIH. La infección parasitaria más frecuente fue Blastocystis hominis (35,4 por ciento). El modelo multivariado ajustado por sexo mostró que la infección por VIH (OR = 4,53), estar hospitalizado (OR = 2,42) y la edad ≥ 40 (OR = 0,57) estuvieron asociados con infección por coccidias. Conclusiones: Blastocystis hominis se aisló frecuentemente en pacientes con y sin infección por VIH. Estar hospitalizado y ser seropositvo para VIH fueron factores de riesgo para infección por coccidias, mientras la edad ≥ 40 años fue un factor protector.

Parásitos intestinales en la población del Instituto Nacional del Menor, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela / Intestinal parasites in population of Instituto Nacional del Menor, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela

Entre los meses de Junio y Agosto del 2005 se realizó un estudio para determinar la prevalencia de parasitosis intestinales en niños, niñas y adolescentes pertenecientes a las siete dependencias del Instituto Nacional del Menor de Ciudad Bolívar. Se determinó una prevalencia de parasitosis intestinales de 45,7% (48/105). No hubo diferencias con relación al sexo de los afectados. A menor edad mayor prevalencia de parasitosis. El Centro de Diagnóstico y Tratamiento de Varones fue la dependencia más afectada con 75% de parasitosis entre sus usuarios, seguido del Jardín de infancia Negro Primero con 53,8%. Los protozoarios fueron más comunes que los helmintos. Se diagnosticaron 11 especies de enteroparásitos, siendo Blastocystis hominis (26,7%) y Giardia lamblia (13,3%) los más frecuentes. De los parasitados, 66,7% se encontraron monoparasitados y 33,3% poliparasitados. En conclusión, se determinó una elevada prevalencia de parasitosis intestinales en niños, niñas y adolescentes que forman parte de los programas del Instituto Nacional del Menor en Ciudad Bolívar, Estado Bolívar. La prevalencia de parasitosis intestinales fue independiente de la edad y el sexo de los evaluados. El Centro de Diagnóstico y Tratamiento para varones (75,0%) y el jardín de infancia Negro Primero (53,8%) fueron las dependencias donde se diagnosticó el mayor porcentaje de casos.

A study to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children and teenagers pertaining to the seven dependencies of the Instituto National del Menor of Ciudad Bolivar was made, between the months of June and August 2005. A prevalence of intestinal parasitism of 45.7% (48/105) was determined. There were no differences in relation to sex of the affected. The lower the age, the greater the prevalence of parasitism. The Centro de Diagnostico y Tratamiento de Varones was the most affected dependency with 75% of parasitism among its users, followed by the Negro Primero Kindergarten with 53.8% and The Home of Females with 47.1%. Eleven species of enteroparasites were diagnosed, being Blastocystis hominis with 26.7% and Giardia lamblia with 13.3% the most frequent. Of the parasited ones, 66.7% were monoparasited and 33.3% polyparasited. In conclusion, a high prevalence of intestinal parasitism in children and teenagers that form part of the Instituto National del Menor programs in Ciudad Bolivar, Bolivar State, was determined. The prevalence of intestinal parasitism was independent of age and sex of the evaluated ones. The Centro de Diagnostico y Tratamiento de Varones (75%) and Negro Primero kindergarten (53.8%) were the dependencies where the greater number of cases was diagnosed.