Parasitic contamination of fresh vegetables sold in open markets: a public health threat / Contaminação parasítica de vegetais frescos vendidos em mercados abertos: uma ameaça para a saúde pública

Vegetables eating raw are a leading source of transmission of infective forms of pathogenic internal parasites among human beings. This research was conducted from April to October, 2017 to assess the parasitic contamination of vegetables sold at main vegetable markets in districts Lower Dir and Peshawar, Pakistan. Eight hundred specimens of different vegetables were purchased and soaked in physiological saline solution, shaken with a mechanical shaker for 20 minutes and processed by sedimentation concentration method. Results revealed that only 19.7% (n=158/800) of the vegetables were found to be contaminated with single or multiple parasite species. Ascaris lumbricoides (the large round worm) 12.3% (n=99/800) was the most commonly detected pathogen and Taenia saginata (the beef tapeworm) 1.62% (n=13/800) was the least frequently detected one. Interestingly, significant p value (p>0.05 at 95%CI) between the number of examined and contaminated for all the variables studied including education status of the vendors, markets location, type of vegetables, means of display, washed before display, washing source of water and market type. The findings of this study evidenced that consumption of raw vegetables possesses great risk of getting parasitic infections in Lower Dir and Peshawar districts, Pakistan. Instructing the sellers and the public about parasitic disease transfer and their hygiene can reduce the infection rate of parasites of human origin.

Os vegetais crus são a principal fonte de transmissão de formas infecciosas de parasitas internos patogênicos entre os seres humanos. Esta pesquisa foi realizada de abril a outubro de 2017 para avaliar a contaminação parasitária de vegetais vendidos nos principais mercados de vegetais nos distritos de Lower Dir e Peshawar, Paquistão. Oitocentos exemplares de diferentes vegetais foram adquiridos e embebidos em solução salina fisiológica, agitados em agitador mecânico por 20 minutos e processados pelo método de concentração por sedimentação. Os resultados revelaram que apenas 19,7% (n = 158/800) das hortaliças estavam contaminadas com uma ou várias espécies de parasitas. Ascaris lumbricoides (o verme redondo grande) 12,3% (n = 99/800) foi o patógeno mais comumente detectado e Taenia saginata (a tênia da carne) 1,62% (n = 13/800) foi o menos freqüentemente detectado. Curiosamente, valor de p significativo (p> 0,05 em IC de 95%) entre o número de examinados e contaminados para todas as variáveis estudadas incluindo escolaridade dos vendedores, localização dos mercados, tipo de vegetais, meios de exposição, lavado antes da exposição, fonte de lavagem de água e tipo de mercado. Os resultados deste estudo evidenciaram que o consumo de vegetais crus possui grande risco de contrair infecções parasitárias nos distritos de Lower Dir e Peshawar, no Paquistão. Instruir os vendedores e o público sobre a transferência de doenças parasitárias e sua higiene pode reduzir a taxa de infecção de parasitas de origem humana.

Differential effects of asymptomatic Ascaris lumbricoides, Schistosoma mansoni or hook worm infection on the frequency and TGF-beta-producing capacity of regulatory T cells during active tuberculosis.

Helminth induced expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) may take part in suppressing protective host responses during tuberculosis (TB), although Tregs functionality and link to TB disease severity remains unexplored. We investigated the species-specific effect of helminths on frequency and TGF-ß producing capacity of Tregs, and possible connection to TB disease severity. 89 pulmonary TB patients (PTB) and 69 community controls (CCs) from Gondar, Ethiopia, were included. Clinical disease severity was graded by TB score, and flow cytometry used to characterize Treg frequency and functionality measured as their TGF-ß-producing capacity. In helminth positive PTB patients (Helminth+PTB+) compared to helminth negative PTB or CCs, TGF-ß+ Tregs were significantly increased mainly in hookworm coinfection whereas S. mansoni increased TGF-ß+ Tregs in CCs. Treatment of TB and helminths decreased TGF-ß+ Tregs in Helminth+PTB+ at 2 months follow-up. There were no overall differences in the frequency of Tregs in CCs or PTB unless stratification on TB disease severity was performed. At inclusion Helminth+PTB+ had increased frequency of Tregs already at low disease severity, and TGF-ß+ Tregs correlated to intermediate-to-high disease severity. In conclusion, helminth specific increase of TGF-ß+ Tregs in PTB patients was correlated to TB disease severity and was restored following anti-helminth treatment.

Expression of Ascaris lumbricoides putative virulence-associated genes when infecting a human host.

BACKGROUND: Ascaris lumbricoides is the most common causative agent of soil-transmitted helminth infections worldwide, with an estimated 450 million people infected with this nematode globally. It is suggested that helminths are capable of evading and manipulating the host immune system through the release of a spectrum of worm proteins which underpins their long-term survival in the host. We hypothesise that the worm overexpresses these proteins when infecting adults compared to children to cirvumvent the more robust defence mechanisms of adults. However, little is known about the parasite's genes and encoded proteins involved during A. lumbricoides infection. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the expression profile of putative virulence-associated genes during an active infection of adults and children. METHODS: In this study, quantitative PCR was performed to evaluate the expression profile of putative virulence-associated genes in A. lumbricoides isolated from infected children and adults. The study was initiated by collecting adult worms expelled from adults and children following anthelminthic treatment. High-quality RNA was successfully extracted from each of six adult worms expelled by three adults and three children, respectively. Eleven putative homologues of helminth virulence-associated genes reported in previous studies were selected, primers were designed and specific amplicons of A. lumbricoides genes were noted. The expression profiles of these putative virulence-associated genes in A. lumbricoides from infected adults were compared to those in A. lumbricoides from infected children. RESULTS: The putative virulence-associated genes VENOM, CADHERIN and PEBP were significantly upregulated at 166-fold, 13-fold and fivefold, respectively, in adults compared to children. Conversely, the transcription of ABA-1 (fourfold), CATH-L (threefold) and INTEGRIN (twofold) was significantly suppressed in A. lumbricoides from infected adults. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the expression profile of the putative virulence-associated genes, we propose that the encoded proteins have potential roles in evasion mechanisms, which could guide the development of therapeutic interventions.

Prevalence of intestinal parasite infections and associated risk factors among patients of Jimma health center requested for stool examination, Jimma, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal parasitic infections are still a serious public health problem in poor and developing countries like Ethiopia. Local epidemiological data is crucial to design and monitor prevention and control strategies. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections and associated risk factors among patients requested for stool examination at Jimma health center, Southwest, Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a total of 384 patients in Jimma health center, Southwest, Ethiopia. Stool samples were collected and examined using direct wet-mount and formal-ether concentration techniques. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square (X2) test and SPPS Version 24 and P Value<0.05 was considered for statistically significance. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasite infections was found to be 79(20.6%). The infection rate was slightly higher in females 261(68%) than in males 123(32%). Eight types of intestinal parasites were identified and the highest prevalence was Giardia lamblia 25(6.5%) followed by A. lumbricoides 22(5.7%). Single parasitic infection was found among 67(17.4%) of the patients and double infection was 12(3.1%). Shoe wearing habits, Status of fingernail, Handwashing before a meal and after defecation, Source of water for bathing and drinking were significant factors(p<0.05) for intestinal parasitic infection. CONCLUSION: A relatively low prevalence of intestinal parasite infections was observed among patients of Jimma health center requested for the stool examination.

Soil-transmitted helminth infections among pre-school aged children in Gamo Gofa zone, Southern Ethiopia: Prevalence, intensity and intervention status.

BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminths (STH), i.e., Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworms are among the most prevalent Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Ethiopia. Although pre-school aged children pay a high morbidity toll associated with STH infections, evidence on prevalence, intensity and intervention status is lacking in Ethiopia. This study, therefore, aimed to address these gaps to inform decision made on STH. METHODS: We did a community-based cross-sectional study in five districts of Gamo Gofa zone, Southern Ethiopia; in January 2019. Data were collected using pre-tested questionnaire, and the Kato-Katz technique was used to diagnose parasites eggs in stool. Then, collected data were edited and entered into EpiData 4.4.2, and exported to SPSS software (IBM, version 25) for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 2462 PSAC participated in this study. Overall, the prevalence of STH was 23.5% (578/2462) (95% confidence interval (CI) = 21.8%-25.2%). As caris lumbricoides was the most prevalent (18.6%), followed by Trichuris trichiura (9.2%), and hookworms (3.1%). Of the total, 7.4% PSAC were infected with two STH species. Most of the positive cases with STH showed low infection intensities, while 15.1% ascariasis cases showed moderate infection intensities. The study found that 68.7% of PSAC were treated with albendazole. Also, household's level data showed that 39.4% used water from hand-dug well; 52.5% need to travel ≥30 minutes to collect water; 77.5% did not treat water, and 48.9% had no hand washing facility. In addition, almost 93% care givers achieved less than the mean knowledge and practice score (≤5) on STH prevention. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that significant proportions of pre-school aged children are suffering from STH infections despite preventive chemotherapy exist at the study area. Also, gaps in the interventions against STH were highlighted. Thus, a call for action is demanding to eliminate STH among PSAC in Ethiopia by 2030.

Molecular evidence of hybridization between pig and human Ascaris indicates an interbred species complex infecting humans.

Human ascariasis is a major neglected tropical disease caused by the nematode Ascaris lumbricoides. We report a 296 megabase (Mb) reference-quality genome comprised of 17,902 protein-coding genes derived from a single, representative Ascaris worm. An additional 68 worms were collected from 60 human hosts in Kenyan villages where pig husbandry is rare. Notably, the majority of these worms (63/68) possessed mitochondrial genomes that clustered closer to the pig parasite Ascaris suum than to A. lumbricoides. Comparative phylogenomic analyses identified over 11 million nuclear-encoded SNPs but just two distinct genetic types that had recombined across the genomes analyzed. The nuclear genomes had extensive heterozygosity, and all samples existed as genetic mosaics with either A. suum-like or A. lumbricoides-like inheritance patterns supporting a highly interbred Ascaris species genetic complex. As no barriers appear to exist for anthroponotic transmission of these 'hybrid' worms, a one-health approach to control the spread of human ascariasis will be necessary.

Whipworm and roundworm infections.

Trichuriasis and ascariasis are neglected tropical diseases caused by the gastrointestinal dwelling nematodes Trichuris trichiura (a whipworm) and Ascaris lumbricoides (a roundworm), respectively. Both parasites are staggeringly prevalent, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas, and are associated with substantial morbidity. Infection is initiated by ingestion of infective eggs, which hatch in the intestine. Thereafter, T. trichiura larvae moult within intestinal epithelial cells, with adult worms embedded in a partially intracellular niche in the large intestine, whereas A. lumbricoides larvae penetrate the gut mucosa and migrate through the liver and lungs before returning to the lumen of the small intestine, where adult worms dwell. Both species elicit type 2 anti-parasite immunity. Diagnosis is typically based on clinical presentation (gastrointestinal symptoms and inflammation) and the detection of eggs or parasite DNA in the faeces. Prevention and treatment strategies rely on periodic mass drug administration (generally with albendazole or mebendazole) to at-risk populations and improvements in water, sanitation and hygiene. The effectiveness of drug treatment is very high for A. lumbricoides infections, whereas cure rates for T. trichiura infections are low. Novel anthelminthic drugs are needed, together with vaccine development and tools for diagnosis and assessment of parasite control in the field.

Obstrucción intestinal por Áscaris lumbricoides / Intestinal obstruction due to Ascaris lumbricoides infection

Fundamento: la parasitosis más frecuente y cosmopolita de todas las helmintiasis humanas es la ocasionada por Áscaris lumbricoides. Se estima que, alrededor de un cuarto de la población mundial está infectada y cerca de 60 000 personas fallecen anualmente a consecuencia de ello. El ser humano se infecta al ingerir los huevos larvados del parásito.Objetivo: presentar un caso con el diagnóstico de obstrucción intestinal por Áscaris lumbricoides. Presentación del caso: paciente femenina de 19 años de edad, con antecedentes de salud, sin antecedentes quirúrgicos. Acudió al servicio de urgencias por presentar desde hace dos días vómitos, en número de entre cinco y seis diarios, al examen físico se constataron síntomas y signos de deshidratación, con cuadro de abdomen agudo oclusivo. Conclusiones: la oclusión intestinal por Áscaris lumbricoides es una enfermedad poco frecuente en adultos y muy rara en Cuba en la actualidad(AU)

Background: the most frequent and cosmopolitan parasitosis of all human helminthiasis is that caused by Ascaris lumbricoides. It is estimated that around a quarter of the world's population is infected and about 60,000 people die annually as a result. The human being becomes infected by ingesting the larvae eggs of the parasite. Objective: to present a case with the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction by Ascaris lumbricoides. Case report: a 19-years-old female patient with a health history, with no surgical history. He went to the emergency department for presenting two days vomiting, in number between five and six daily, physical examination was confirmed symptoms and signs of dehydration, with acute abdominal occlusive symptoms.Conclusions: intestinal occlusion by Ascaris lumbricoides is a rare disease in adults and very rare in Cuba at present(AU)

Enteroparasites in Preschool Children on the Pacific Region of Nicaragua.

The aim of this study was to determine for the first time the prevalence of enteroparasites in preschool children originating from the seven departments of the Pacific region in Nicaragua. One stool sample of each of 1,217 children, from 6 months to 5 years of age, was collected and personal data were recorded on delivery of the container. Samples fixed in 10% formalin were processed by a formol-acetate concentration and a modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique. The overall prevalence of enteroparasite infections was 68.2% with a total of at least 20 species. Blastocystis hominis (45.5%), Giardia intestinalis (31.7%), Trichuris trichiura (8.2%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (5.2%) were the most prevalent protozoa and helminth species in the total study as well as in all departments. Protozoan prevalence presented a statistically significant difference by gender (male: 69.6%; female: 46.7%; P < 0.001), and males presented a higher T. trichiura infection rate than females (male: 9.9%; female 6.4%; P < 0.035). Protozoan prevalence increased with age with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Helminths were always more prevalent in urban areas (P < 0.0002). Protozoan infections result statistically higher than helminth infections so that water-based transmission could be suspected. Based on the differences with respect to species and parasite prevalence between the seven departments in the Pacific region of Nicaragua, the exploration of local factors associated with the transmission of enteroparasites should also be considered to reduce infection.

Quantitative PCR and Digital PCR for Detection of Ascaris lumbricoides Eggs in Reclaimed Water.

The reuse of reclaimed water from wastewater depuration is a widespread and necessary practice in many areas around the world and must be accompanied by adequate and continuous quality control. Ascaris lumbricoides is one of the soil-transmitted helminths (STH) with risk for humans due to its high infectivity and an important determinant of transmission is the inadequacy of water supplies and sanitation. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a limit equal to or lower than one parasitic helminth egg per liter, to reuse reclaimed water for unrestricted irrigation. We present two new protocols of DNA extraction from large volumes of reclaimed water. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and digital PCR (dPCR) were able to detect low amounts of A. lumbricoides eggs. By using the first extraction protocol, which processes 500 mL of reclaimed water, qPCR can detect DNA concentrations as low as one A. lumbricoides egg equivalent, while dPCR can detect DNA concentrations as low as five A. lumbricoides egg equivalents. By using the second protocol, which processes 10 L of reclaimed water, qPCR was able to detect DNA concentrations equivalent to 20 A. lumbricoides eggs. This fact indicated the importance of developing new methodologies to detect helminth eggs with higher sensitivity and precision avoiding possible human infection risks.

Eritema nudoso asociado a parasitismo por Ascaris lumbricoides. Presentación de caso / Nudose erythema associated to Ascaris lumbricoides parasitism. Cases presentation

Introducción: El Eritema nudoso es una paniculitis, de relativa frecuencia, que se expresa como manifestación de trastornos internos de gran envergadura, como las enfermedades del tejido conectivo, las enfermedades infecciosas y el cáncer. Es por ello, que los pacientes que lo presenten, deben ser estudiados cuidadosamente en busca de la causa.Objetivo: Presentar un caso clínico de Eritema nudoso resaltando el diagnóstico de la causa parasitaria y su tratamiento.Presentación de Caso: Se muestra el caso de una paciente femenina de 29 años, de raza blanca, residente en un municipio rural (Jatibonico), profesora de escuela primaria, sin antecedentes patológicos, quien acude a consulta por eritema elevado muy doloroso en la superficie anterior de ambos miembros inferiores, malestar general y artralgias. Se le diagnosticó clínicamente un eritema nudoso, y durante varios meses se realizaron complementarios para establecer la posible causa; se encontró solo un parasitismo intestinal por Ascaris lumbricoides. Recibió tratamiento médico con antiparasitarios, y desapareció el eritema. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico clínico certero, más la búsqueda constante de la causa del eritema nudoso y el tratamiento del parasitismo encontrado, llevaron a la solución del problema de la paciente. El eritema nudoso siempre debe ser estudiado por la posibilidad de ser un síndrome reactivo a procesos graves(AU)

Introduction: Nudose erythema is a panniculitis, of relative frequency, that it is expressed like a manifestation of internal disorders of great significance, like the illnesses of the connective tissue, the infectious diseases and the cancer. So the patients that show it, must be studied carefully in search of the cause. Objective: To Present a nudose erythema clinic case highlighting the diagnose of parasitical cause. Cases presentation: Is show the case of a white female patient, 29 years old, resident at rural municipality (Jatibonico), elementary school teacher, without pathological past health history, that assist at the consult for nodular due to a high very painful erythema on the anticus surface of both inferior members, general discomfort and arthralgia. Was clinically diagnosed a nudose erythema, and during several months were performed complementary to establish the possible cause, finding only an intestinal parasitism for Ascaris lumbricoides. He received medical treatment with antiparasitcs, disappearing the erythema. Conclusions: The accurate diagnostic, furthermore, a constantly cause searching of the cause of the nudose erythema plus the treatment of parasitism found, solve the patients problem. Nudose erythema always must be studied due to the possibility to be a reactive syndrome of seriously ill process(AU)

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care center at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Parasitic infections affect tens of millions of pregnant women worldwide, and directly or indirectly lead to a spectrum of adverse maternal and fetal/placental effects. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections and associated risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care center in Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Bahir Dar city, northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional hospital based study was conducted from November 2013 to January 2014 among 384 pregnant women. Stool samples were examined for the presence of trophozoites, cysts, oocysts, and ova using direct, formal-ether sedimentation, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen techniques. RESULTS: An overall prevalence of 31.5 % intestinal parasite infections was recorded. Eight different species of intestinal parasites were found: two protozoan and six helminth species. The highest prevalence was due to Giardia lamblia (13.3 %) followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (7.8 %), hookworm (5.5 %), Ascaris lumbricoides (2.9 %), Schistosoma mansoni (2.9 %), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.6 %), Taenia spp. (0.8 %), and Hymenolepis nana (0.3 %). CONCLUSIONS: A relatively high prevalence of intestinal parasite infections was observed among pregnant women. Routine stool examination and provision of health education are required for early medical intervention that would affect the pregnant mothers and their foetuses.

Effect of anthelminthic treatment on helminth infection and related anaemia among school-age children in northwestern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Information about improvements in the health status of population at-risk of helminth infection after anthelminthic treatment helps to evaluate the effectiveness of the large scale deworming program. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of anthelminthic treatment on the prevalence and intensity of intestinal helminth infection, haemoglobin level and prevalence of anaemia among school-age children. METHODS: A total of 403 children attending Tikur Wuha Elementary School in Jiga, northwestern Ethiopia were enrolled in this study between February and March 2011. Formol-ether concentration and Kato-Katz methods were used to examine stool for intestinal helminth infections at baseline and one month after anthelminthic treatment. Haemoglobin level was measured using Hemocue machine at baseline and one month after anthelminthic treatment. RESULTS: Out of 403 school children examined, 15.4 % were anaemic and 58.3 % were infected with intestinal helminths at baseline. Hookworms (46.9 %), Schistosoma mansoni (24.6 %), Ascaris lumbricoides (4.2 %) and Trichuris trichiura (1.7 %) infections were common. The odds of anaemia was higher among children infected with helminths (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.83, 95 % CI = 1.92, 7.62) especially in those infected with hookworm (aOR = 2.42, 95 % CI = 1.34, 4.39) or S. mansoni (aOR = 2.67, 95 % CI = 1.46, 4.88) and two or more helminth species (aOR = 7.31, 95 % CI = 3.27, 16.35) than those uninfected with intestinal helminths at baseline. Significant reduction in prevalence of helminth infection (77.0 %) and increment in mean haemoglobin level (+3.65 g/l) of children infected with helminths was observed one month after anthelminthic treatment. The increase in haemoglobin level after anthelminthic treatment was significantly positively associated with the age, but negatively associated with the haemoglobin level at baseline. The change in mean haemoglobin level was significantly higher among undernourished than normal children. Percent reduction in the prevalence of anaemia among children infected with helminths was 25.4 % after anthelminthic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides evidence that anthelminthic treatment of school-age children infected with intestinal helminth can improve haemoglobin level in addition to reducing the prevalence and intensity of helminth infections one month after treatment. This suggests that deworming of children may benefit the health of children in sub-Sharan Africa where hookworm and S. mansoni infections are prevalent.

Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Schistosoma mansoni Infections in Ethiopian Orthodox Church Students around Lake Tana, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and Schistosoma mansoni infections are the major neglected tropical diseases that result in serious consequences on health, education and nutrition in children in developing countries. The Ethiopian Orthodox church students, who are called Yekolotemari in Amharic, live in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. Moreover, they are not included in the national STH control programs. Thus, STH and S. mansoni infections prevalence is unknown. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 384 students in June 2014 to determine STH and S. mansoni infections prevalence. Moreover, the knowledge of students about STH and S. mansoni was assessed. Data on knowledge and clinical symptoms were collected using structured questionnaires via face to face interview. Stool specimens were examined by formol-ether concentration method. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of intestinal helminths infections was 85.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 82.1-89%). STHs infections prevalence was 65.6% (95% CI: 60.7-70.2%). The prevalence of hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura were 31.8% (95% CI: 27.3-36.6%), 29.4% (25-31%) and 3.1% (1.8-5.4%), respectively. On the other hand, S. mansoni prevalence was 14.3% (95% CI: 11.1-18.1%). Majority of students infected with S. mansoni had bloody stool with crud odds-ratio of 2.9 (95% CI: 1.5-5.5). Knowledge assessment showed that 50 (13%) and 18 (4.9%) of the respondents knew about transmission of STH and S. mansoni, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of STH and S. mansoni infections were high thus de-worming program should include the students of Ethiopian Orthodox churches. Furthermore, provision and use of sanitary facilities, health education for students to create awareness of parasitic infections and improved personal hygiene should be in place.

Household and personal factors are sources of heterogenity in intestinal parasite clearance among Mexican children 6-15 months of age supplemented with vitamin A and zinc.

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out among Mexico children aged 6-15 months to determine how household characteristics modify vitamin A and zinc supplementation efficacy on Ascaris lumbricoides, Giardia intestinalis and Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar infection durations. Children assigned to receive vitamin A every 2 months, a daily zinc supplement, a combined vitamin A-zinc supplement or a placebo were followed for 1 year. Parametric hazard models were fit to infection durations stratified by personal and household factors. Children supplemented with vitamin A and zinc combined from households lacking piped water and children in all three treatment arms from households with dirt floors had longer G. intestinalis and A. lumbricoides infection durations than their counterparts, respectively. Shorter E. histolytica/E.dispar durations were found among zinc-supplemented children of mothers who had <6 years of education and no indoor bathrooms. Heterogeneity in supplementation efficacy among children may reflect differences in exposure risk and baseline immune responses.

Pancreatitis aguda por Ascaris lumbricoides / Acute pancreatitis by Ascaris lumbricoides

No disponible

Complicaciones quirúrgicas de la ascaridiasis en la infancia / Surgical complications of childhood ascariasis

Introducción: La infestación por áscaris consttuye un problema de salud pública importante en áreas endémicas, provocando en algunos casos complicacionesque requieren la intervención del cirujano. El propósito del presente estudio es analizar las complicaciones quirúrgicas de la ascaridiasis,en nuestro medio.Diseño, lugar y partcipantes: se realizó un estudio descriptvo retrospectvo de los pacientes que presentaron complicaciones quirúrgicas debido a lainfestación por A. lumbricoides de enero de 1999 a marzo de 2015 que fueron tratados en la unidad de cirugía pediátrica del hospital general San Juande Dios.Resultados: Ingresaron 47 pacientes con infestación por áscaris, comprendidos en las edades de 1 a 13 años. Hubo 39 pacientes con obstrucción intestnal,7 con ascaridiasis en el colédoco y 1 con apendicits por áscaris. El diagnóstco de los 39 pacientes con oclusión intestnal por áscaris fue clínicoy con rayos X simple de abdomen, 19 resolvieron con tratamiento médico y 20 requirieron de tratamiento quirúrgico. Los pacientes con áscaris en elcolédoco fueron diagnostcados por USG a 1 se le logró extraer el áscaris por CPRE mientras que a los 6 restantes fue necesario la exploración de la víabiliar por laparotomía. El diagnóstco de la apendicits secundario a la obstrucción por áscaris se realizó trans operatoriamente. La morbilidad observadafue del 21% (10/47) de los pacientes: 8 presentaron respuesta infamatoria sistémica y 2 dehisencias de la anastomosis intestnal. La mortalidadfue del 2% (1/47): un paciente con fallo orgánico múltple por sepsis abdominal y desnutrición.Conclusiones: en este estudio, las complicaciones de la infestación por áscaris fueron la obstrucción intestnal, obstrucción de la vía biliar y apendicits...

Introducton: In endemic areas, ascariasis is an important public health problem. In cases of severe infestaton, some cases need to be surgically treated.The aim of this study is to analyze surgical complicatons of childhood ascariasis in our insttuton.Design, Place and Partcipants: A retrospectve study of all patents with ascariasis, from 1999 to 2015, evaluated in the surgical pediatric unit at SanJuan de Dios General Hospital.Results: We analyzed 47 patents with ascariasis, age range 1 to 13 years old. There were 39 patents with intestnal obstructon due to ascariasis, 7 withcholedochal ascariasis and 1 with appendiceal ascariasis. Diagnosis of intestnal obstructon due to ascariasis was made with clinical evaluaton andplain abdominal radiography. Of the 39 patents with abdominal obstructon, 19 resolved with medical treatment and 20 required surgical interventon.Patents with choledochal ascariasis were diagnosed by ultrasonography. In one patent, extracton of the worm was possible with endoscopic retrogradecholangiopancreatography, in the remaining 6 patents, open common bile duct exploraton was required. Diagnosis of the appendiceal ascariasiswas made during appendectomy without previous clinical suspicion. Serious morbidity was 21% (10/47): 8 patents with severe infammatory responseand 2 anastomosis dehiscences. Mortality was 2% (1/47), a patent with multple organ failure, abdominal sepsis and malnourishment. Morbidity andmortality occurred only in patents with intestnal obstructon due to ascariasis. Conclusions: In this study, complicatons of ascariasis were intestnal obstructon, choledochal obstructon and acute appendicits...

Ascaris lumbricoides infection and parasite load are associated with asthma in children.

INTRODUCTION: Association between Ascaris lumbricoides infection and asthma is a controversial subject that has been studied by several authors based on the hygiene theory. This work contributes to better understanding this issue. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional study involving 1,004 children from a neighborhood of low socioeconomic status in Campina Grande, Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Asthma was diagnosed using the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. Intestinal parasitosis was diagnosed by parasitological examination (the Ritchie technique), and parasite load determined by the Kato-Katz technique. The statistical analysis was descriptive, and hypotheses were tested according to odds ratios. RESULTS: A total of 260 children were infected with A. lumbricoides, and 233 had asthma. Light parasite loads were significantly associated with asthma (wheezing more than three times per year); p = 0.003, OR = 0.41(IC 0.22 - 0.75), while the heavy parasite loads were not; p = 0.002, OR = 2.37(IC 1.35 - 4.18). Similar results were observed in almost all the symptoms of asthma. No association was found with maternal educational level. CONCLUSION: In children living in urban areas of low socioeconomic status, a light parasite load of A. lumbricoides is a protective factor against asthma and its symptoms. Meanwhile, heavy parasite load is a risk factor and contributes to the high prevalence of asthma and its symptoms among these children.