Endoparasitism of Golden Retrievers: Prevalence, risk factors, and associated clinicopathologic changes.

Endoparasitism is a common disease in dogs throughout their lifetime despite the widespread availability of inexpensive diagnostic tests and effective treatments. The consequences of host parasite interactions in otherwise apparently healthy dogs remains largely unknown. This cross-sectional study used complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and fecal flotation data collected from 3,018 young dogs (<3 years of age) enrolled within the Morris Animal Foundation Golden Retriever Lifetime Study (GRLS) to determine the prevalence of endoparasitism and compare bloodwork values of parasite positive and negative participants using logistic regression. Variables including age, gender, reproductive status, and geographic region at the time of evaluation were assessed to identify potential associations. To the authors' knowledge, a comprehensive assessment of clinicopathological changes associated with endoparasite infection in a large cohort has not been completed in the recent decade. The overall prevalence of endoparasitism was 6.99% (211/3018). Dogs who were parasite positive had statistically lower albumin (P = 0.004), lower RBC count (P = 0.01), higher neutrophil count (P = 0.002), and higher platelet count (P <0.001) as compared to parasite negative dogs. It was also concluded that dogs living in rural areas were more likely to have endoparasites than those living in suburban areas. Epidemiological data is crucial for the design and monitoring of prevention and control strategies. Identification of endoparasites by fecal testing is an essential tool to identify susceptible and resistant animals that can act as spreaders and reservoirs of intestinal parasites thereby enabling appropriate therapy and reducing the risk of new infection to animals and humans. Further epidemiological studies are needed to prevent, monitor, and develop new strategies to control endoparasites.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites and molecular characterization of Giardia intestinalis, Blastocystis spp. and Entamoeba histolytica in the village of Fortín Mbororé (Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina).

BACKGROUND: Intestinal parasites (IPs) are widely distributed worldwide and are one of the major contributors to gastrointestinal disease. Their prevalence is associated with poor access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of IPs, including soil-transmitted helminths (STH), and their relation to socioeconomic characteristics, as well as a first approach to molecularly characterize the types of Giardia intestinalis, Blastocystis spp. and Entamoeba histolytica present in an indigenous community from Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural settlement of Fortin Mbororé between January and March 2018. Socioeconomic variables, household characteristics, and stool and blood samples were collected. Standard coprological techniques were used to analyze stool samples, and a complete hemogram was performed on the blood samples. Giardia intestinalis microscopy-positive samples were genetically typed by the ß-giardin (bg) gene. Molecular identification of Blastocystis spp. subtypes and E. histolytica were carried out by amplification and sequencing of a partial fragment of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA). RESULTS: The overall prevalence of IPs was 92.7%, with 72.0% specifically for hookworm. IPs were significantly more prevalent in preschool- and school-age children (P < 0.05). No formal education (P = 0.035), the presence of unimproved floors (P = 0.001) and overcrowding (P = 0.005) were significantly associated with IP infection. Hookworm was associated with anemia (P = 0.019). Molecular characterization revealed the presence of E. histolytica sub-assemblages AII (12.5%), AIII (87.5%) and BIV (100%); one case of sub-assemblage D for G. intestinalis; and the presence of subtypes ST1 (14.8%), ST2 (14.8%) and ST3 (70.4%) of Blastocystis spp. CONCLUSIONS: Protozoans detected in this study are transmitted mainly through water contaminated with fecal matter, evidencing the need to improve the quality of water and sanitation for the inhabitants of Fortín Mbororé. Molecular characterization showed that domestic animals can be implicated in the zoonotic transmission of G. intestinalis and Blastocystis spp. to humans. A hyperendemic area for STH was found, with hookworm prevalence greater than 50%. Therefore, improvements in WASH as well as mass deworming programs need to be implemented in this area to control and decrease the prevalence of IPs in general and STH in particular.

Effects of intestinal parasite infection on hematological profiles of pregnant women attending antenatal care at Debre Markos Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: Institution based prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal parasitosis is a common disease that causes misery and disability in poor populations. The number of individuals affected is staggering. From two billion peoples who harbor parasites worldwide, 300 million suffer severe morbidity and more than 25% of pregnant women are infected with hookworm, which causes intestinal bleeding and blood loss, and has been most commonly associated with anemia. Intestinal parasite infection during pregnancy has been associated with iron deficiency, maternal anemia, and impaired nutritional status, as well as decreased infant birth weight. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effects of intestinal parasite infection on hematological profiles of pregnant women attending antenatal care in Debre Markos Referral Hospital from December 2017 to February 2019. METHOD: A prospective cohort study design was conducted among 94 intestinal parasite-infected pregnant women as an exposed group and 187 pregnant women free from intestinal parasite were used as a control group. The effect of intestinal parasites on hematological profiles of pregnant women was assessed at Debre Markos Referral Hospital antenatal care ward. Socio-demographic data and nutrition status were assessed by using structured questionnaires and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), respectively. Two ml of venous blood and 2 gm of stool samples were collected to analyze the hematological profiles and detect intestinal parasites, respectively. Wet mount and formol-ether concentration (FEC) techniques were used to detect intestinal parasites. Hematological profile was analyzed using Mind ray BC-3000 plus instrument. Data were double entered into EpiData version 3.1 software and exported to SPSS version 24 software for analysis. Results were presented using tables and graphs. Associations of hemoglobin levels with intestinal parasitic infections were determined using binary logistic regression models. P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean hematological profile difference between parasite-infected and parasite-free pregnant women was computed using independent t-test. RESULTS: In the present study, the predominant parasites identified were Entamoeba histolytica, hookworm, Giardia lamblia, Schistosoma mansoni, and Ascaris lumbricoides. About 8.2% of intestinal parasite-infected pregnant women had mild anemia while 4% had moderate anemia. Only 1.2% of intestinal parasite-free pregnant women developed moderate anemia. The mean HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, and MCHC values of intestinal parasite-infected pregnant women were 12.8g/dl, 38.2%, 94.7fl, 33.1pg and 34.7g/dl, respectively. But the mean HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH and MCHC values of pregnant women who were free from intestinal parasites were 14.4 g/dl, 39.8%, 94.9fl, 33.9pg and 35.5g/dl, respectively. Anemia was strongly associated with hookworm (AOR = 21.29, 95%CI: 8.28-54.75, P<0.001), S.mansoni (AOR = 63.73, 95% CI: 19.15-212, P<0.001) and A.lumbricoide (AOR = 14.12, 95% CI 3.28-60.65, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Intestinal parasitic infection in pregnant women caused adverse impact on hematological profiles and was an independent predictor of anemia. Intestinal parasitic infection significantly decreased pregnant the level of HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, and MCHC values. To minimize maternal anemia deworming could be good before pregnancy.

Plasma Endotoxin Levels Are Not Increased in Schistosoma mansoni-Infected Women without Signs or Symptoms of Hepatosplenic Disease.

Elevated circulating endotoxin levels in the plasma of patients with advanced hepatosplenic schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mansoni have been reported, possibly caused by parasite egg-induced intestinal mucosal breaches facilitating bacterial access to the bloodstream. Neither endotoxin levels in people with S. mansoni but without hepatosplenic disease nor the impact of treatment on endotoxin levels have been described. We used a methodically optimized Limulus amebocyte lysate assay to measure plasma endotoxin in community-dwelling women from an S. mansoni-endemic area without clinical hepatosplenic disease. We found no difference in baseline mean plasma endotoxin levels between those with (n = 22) and without (n = 31) infection (1.001 versus 0.949 EU/mL, P = 0.61). Endotoxin levels did not change in schistosome-infected women after successful treatment (1.001 versus 1.093 EU/mL, P = 0.45) and were not correlated with circulating anodic antigen or stool egg burden. Our findings do not support the hypothesis that translocating eggs in S. mansoni infection introduce bacterial sources of endotoxin to the circulation.

Parasitic infections represent a significant health threat among recent immigrants in Chicago.

Parasitic infections are likely under-recognized among immigrant populations in the USA. We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate if such infections have health impacts among recent immigrants in Chicago and to identify predictive factors for parasitic infections. A total of 133 recent immigrants were enrolled, filling out a standardized medical questionnaire and providing blood and stool samples. Appriximately 12% of subjects (15/125) who provided a blood or stool sample for testing were found to have evidence of current or prior infection with a pathogenic parasite, of which Toxocara spp. (8 subjects, 6.4%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (5 subjects, 4%) were most commonly identified. Parasitic infection was more likely among subjects who had immigrated within the previous 2 years and those with a self-reported history of worms in the stool. The most useful surrogate markers identified for parasitic infections were an elevated immunoglobulin E level (seen in 46.7% (7/15) of subjects with parasitic infections and 20% (22/110) of uninfected individuals, p = 0.04) and the presence of Blastocystis hominis cysts on Ova & Parasite exam (detected in 38.5% (5/13) of subjects with parasitic infections who provided a stool sample and 5.1% (5/98) of uninfected subjects, p = 0.002). Our study found that parasitic infections may be common in recent US immigrants, which highlights an important health disparity among a vulnerable population that merits further study. Additionally, clinical risk factors, symptoms, and laboratory findings traditionally thought to be associated with parasites were commonly found but not predictive of infection in this study population.

Haemo- and endoparasites of indigenous chickens reared in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria

Poultry production as one of the major sources of protein in Nigeria is constrained by parasitic diseases including haemo- and gastrointestinal (GI) parasites. The haemo- and endoparasites of indigenous chickens reared in Gwagwalada market, Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria were studied. Blood and fecal samples were collected from 108 chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) between April­August, 2017. Thin blood smear, and floatation and sedimentation techniques were used for the blood and fecal samples, respectively. Of the 108 local chickens examined, 49 were males, while 59 were females. Overall, female chickens had higher infection rate with haemoparasites (53.1%) that males (46.9%). The blood parasites found mostly were Plasmodium spp., with a prevalence 54.6%, occurring in both male and female chickens examined. It was further revealed that endoparasites infected 60.8% of the female local chicken and 39.2% of the male. The mostly occured Ascaridia spp. with prevalence 35.2%; the least was Strongyloides avium (0.9%). Also, Eimeria spp. occysts were found in 8 (7.4%) of the chickens. This study provides basic information on the haemo- and endoparasites constantly infecting local breed of chickens reared in Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT- Abuja.

Across and within breed differences in the relationship between packed cell volume and fecal egg count in growing meat goat and hair sheep males naturally and artificially infected with gastrointestinal nematodes.

The relationship between packed cell volume (PCV) and fecal egg count (FEC) in different breeds of meat goats and hair sheep infected with gastrointestinal nematodes, including Haemonchus contortus, was characterized. Growing males from eight commercial and two research farms (one Kiko, Spanish, Dorper, and St. Croix; three Boer; four Katahdin) in the southcentral United States were evaluated in a central performance test with ad libitum intake of a 50% concentrate pelleted diet. There were 84 Boer, 55 Kiko, and 57 Spanish goats and 52 Dorper, 129 Katahdin, and 49 St. Croix sheep. During adaptation, animals were dewormed then dosed with 10,000 infective H. contortus larvae. PCV and FEC were determined before deworming (i.e., natural infection potentially with multiple internal parasites) and 21, 28, 35, 42, and 49 days after artificial infection. Effects of species, breed, and year were analyzed with mixed effects models including day of sampling post dosing as a repeated measure and FEC and FEC × breed as covariates. Moreover, differences in correlation coefficients between PCV and logarithmic FEC (lnFEC) among species, breed, year, and day of sampling were evaluated. Breed affected (P ≤ 0.001) PCV in goats (24.8, 27.2, and 26.0% for Boer, Kiko, and Spanish, respectively; SEM = 0.42) and sheep (29.8, 26.7, and 31.0% for Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix, respectively; SEM = 0.28). There were effects of FEC × breed (P ≤ 0.029) on PCV for Boer, Kiko, Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix (-0.31, -0.33, -0.46, -0.46, and - 0.49% per 1000 eggs, respectively) but not for Spanish goats (P = 0.451). With all data, PCV and lnFEC with natural infection were highly correlated (P < 0.001) for Boer and Kiko goats and Dorper and Katahdin sheep (r = -0.59, -0.67, -0.77, and - 0.84, respectively) but not for Spanish goats or St. Croix sheep (P ≥ 0.323). Correlation coefficients for artificial infection with H. contortus were significant (P ≤ 0.002) except for Spanish goats, although values were lower (-0.40, -0.21, -0.23, -0.47, and - 0.28 for Boer, Kiko, Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix, respectively) compared with natural infection. In conclusion, PCV was not related to FEC in Spanish goats infected either naturally or artificially, and the nature of the relationship varied among breeds of goats and sheep. Based on the magnitude of the FEC × breed coefficient, sheep incurred a relatively greater reduction in PCV as FEC increased, and correlation coefficients indicate stronger relationships with natural than artificial infection.

Detection of α-defensin in eosinophils in helminth-infected mouse model.

α-defensin is a potent antimicrobial peptide secreted from intestinal mucosal epithelial cells, such as Paneth cells, and affects not only bacteria but also parasites and fungi. Recently, human eosinophils have also been shown to produce α-defensin, but no studies have been done on other animals. In this study, we attempted to detect α-defensin protein in mouse eosinophils infiltrating the intestinal mucosa during a helminth infection using Zamboni fixation and immunohistochemistry. Most of the eosinophils infiltrating the intestinal mucosa during helminth infection were positive for α-defensin. The expression level of α-defensin mRNA was 50 fold that in the control. Meanwhile, the number of Paneth cells was doubled, and their α-defensin fluorescence intensity was increased. These results suggested that eosinophils are also important producers of α-defensin, such as Paneth cells in mice, and that α-defensin produced from eosinophils might be involved in defensive mechanisms against helminths. Moreover, the experimental system used in this study is a good model to study the generation of α-defensin by eosinophils.

Parasitic profile of traction equids in the semi-arid climate of Paraíba State, Northeastern, Brazil / Perfil parasitário de equídeos de tração em clima semiárido do Estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the parasitological profiles of traction equids from the semi-arid climate of Paraíba (PB) State. We analyzed 96 equids that performed traction work, with no defined breed, males and females, and all older than 24 months. Among the analyzed animals, 51% were donkeys, 41.7% mules, and 7.3% horses. Fecal material and blood were collected for parasitological examination and to determine the packed cell volume (PCV), respectively. The samples were sent to the Veterinary Parasitology Laboratory, Veterinary Hospital - IFPB, Sousa-PB campus, and epidemiological questionnaires were provided to the owners. It was observed that 83.3% of equids tested positive for gastrointestinal parasites. Strongylidae was the most prevalent parasite (83.3%), followed by Giardia sp. (5.3%), and Eimeria sp. (2.1%). The mean eggs per gram (EPG) value of the fecal samples was 1143. Fecal analysis revealed that 78.9% of the larvae were from "small strongyles". The presence of ectoparasites was not observed in the studied animals. The answers to our questionnaire revealed that 69.8% of the animals had never been dewormed and that the remaining 31.2% had only been dewormed once. We concluded that the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among traction equids in the municipality of Sousa-PB is high.

Resumo Objetivou-se determinar o perfil parasitológico de equídeos carroceiros no município de Sousa, Sertão da Paraíba. Foram analisados 96 equídeos que realizavam trabalho de tração, sem raça definida, machos e fêmeas, idade superior a 24 meses. Dentre os animais analisados 51% foram asininos, 41,7% muares e 7,3% equinos. Foi coletado material fecal para exames coproparasitológicos e sanguíneo para determinação do volume globular (VG), encaminhados ao Laboratório de Parasitologia Veterinária, Hospital Veterinário - IFPB, campus Sousa-PB. Foi aplicado questionários epidemiológicos aos proprietários. Observou-se que 83,3% dos equídeos carroceiros foram positivos nos exames parasitológicos fecais. Os Estrongilídeos foram os parasitos mais prevalentes (83,3%), seguidos por Giardia sp. (5,3%). e Eimeria sp. (2,1%). A média de OPG dos equídeos carroceiros foi 1143. Nas coproculturas, constatou-se que 78,9% das larvas eram de "pequenos estrôngilos". Não foi observada a presença de ectoparasitas. Em 69,8% dos animais nunca haviam sido vermifugados e os demais 31,2% apenas uma vez. Concluiu-se que é alta a prevalência de parasitos gastrintestinais em equídeos carroceiros do município de Sousa-PB.

Parasitic profile of traction equids in the semi-arid climate of Paraíba State, Northeastern, Brazil.

The objective of this study was to determine the parasitological profiles of traction equids from the semi-arid climate of Paraíba (PB) State. We analyzed 96 equids that performed traction work, with no defined breed, males and females, and all older than 24 months. Among the analyzed animals, 51% were donkeys, 41.7% mules, and 7.3% horses. Fecal material and blood were collected for parasitological examination and to determine the packed cell volume (PCV), respectively. The samples were sent to the Veterinary Parasitology Laboratory, Veterinary Hospital - IFPB, Sousa-PB campus, and epidemiological questionnaires were provided to the owners. It was observed that 83.3% of equids tested positive for gastrointestinal parasites. Strongylidae was the most prevalent parasite (83.3%), followed by Giardia sp. (5.3%), and Eimeria sp. (2.1%). The mean eggs per gram (EPG) value of the fecal samples was 1143. Fecal analysis revealed that 78.9% of the larvae were from "small strongyles". The presence of ectoparasites was not observed in the studied animals. The answers to our questionnaire revealed that 69.8% of the animals had never been dewormed and that the remaining 31.2% had only been dewormed once. We concluded that the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among traction equids in the municipality of Sousa-PB is high.

Intestinal parasites: Associations with intestinal and systemic inflammation.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate associations between intestinal parasitic infection with intestinal and systemic inflammatory markers in school-aged children with high rates of obesity. Plasma concentrations of C-Reactive Protein (CRP), leptin, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 were measured as systemic inflammation markers and count of stool leukocytes as marker of intestinal inflammation in 291 children (6-10 years). Intestinal parasitic infection was measured by stool examination. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the odds of having high inflammatory markers for each parasite or group of parasites as compared to parasite-free children while adjusting for sex, age, mother's educational level and percentage of body fat. The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and intestinal protozoa infections was 12% and 36%, respectively. Parasitic infection was not associated with CRP, IL-6, IL-10 or TNF-α. Children infected with Ascaris lumbricoides (aOR: 5.91, 95% CI: 1.97-17.70) and Entamoeba coli (aOR: 8.46, 95% CI: 2.85-25.14) were more likely to have higher stool leucocytes than parasite-free children. Children with multiple infections (aOR: 10.60, 95% CI: 2.85-25.14) were more likely to have higher leptin concentrations than parasite-free children. Intestinal parasitic infection was not associated with systemic inflammation, but was associated with intestinal inflammation. Having multiple infections were associated with higher leptin concentrations.

Prevalence of and risk factors for malaria, filariasis, and intestinal parasites as single infections or co-infections in different settlements of Gabon, Central Africa.

BACKGROUND: Malaria, filariasis, and intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are common and frequently overlap in developing countries. The prevalence and predictors of these infections were investigated in three different settlements (rural, semi-urban, and urban) of Gabon. METHODS: During cross-sectional surveys performed from September 2013 to June 2014, 451 individuals were interviewed. In addition, blood and stool samples were analysed for the presence of Plasmodium, filarial roundworm, intestinal protozoan, and helminth infections. RESULTS: Intestinal parasitic infections (61.1%), including intestinal protozoa (56.7%) and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) (22.2%), predominated, whereas Plasmodium falciparum (18.8%), Loa loa (4.7%), and Mansonella perstans (1.1%) were less prevalent. Filariasis and STHs were mainly found in rural settlements, whereas a higher plasmodial infection prevalence rate was observed in the periurban area. The most common IPI was blastocystosis (48.6%), followed by ascaridiasis (13.7%), trichuriasis (11.8%), amoebiasis (9.3%), giardiasis (4.8%), and strongyloidiasis (3.7%). Hookworm was detected in one adult from rural Dienga. Adults had a higher prevalence of Blastocystis hominis and STHs, whereas Giardia duodenalis was more frequently observed among children aged below 5 years (P < 0.01). The polyparasitism rate was 41.5%, with 7.0% Plasmodium-IPIs and 1.8% Plasmodium-STH co-infections. The multivariate analysis showed that living in a suburban area, belonging to the age group of 5-15 years, having none or a secondary education, or having an open body water close to home were significant risk factors for malaria (P ≤ 0.01). For STH infections, identified risk factors were drinking untreated water and living in a rural area (P ≤ 0.04). No significant predictors were identified for IPIs and malaria-IPI co-infection. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports a high prevalence of IPIs and intestinal protozoa, but a low rate of malaria-IPI co-infections in the study sites. Improvements in the living conditions of the population such as adequate water supply and proper health education and sanitation should be integrated into control strategies for malaria, STHs, and IPIs.

Serum osteopontin is a biomarker of severe fibrosis and portal hypertension in human and murine schistosomiasis mansoni.

Schistosomiasis is a major cause of fibrosis and portal hypertension. The reason 4-10% of infected subjects develops hepatosplenic schistosomiasis remains unclear. Chronically infected male CBA/J mice reproduce the dichotomic forms of human schistosomiasis. Most mice (80%) develop moderate splenomegaly syndrome (similar to hepatointestinal disease in humans) and 20% present severe hypersplenomegaly syndrome (analogous to human hepatosplenic disease). We demonstrated that the profibrogenic molecule osteopontin discriminates between mice with severe and mild disease and could be a novel morbidity biomarker in murine and human schistosomiasis. Failure to downregulate osteopontin during the chronic phase may explain why hepatosplenic subjects develop severe fibrosis.

Determinants of Iron Deficiency Anemia in a Cohort of Children Aged 6-71 Months Living in the Northeast of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common nutritional disorders worldwide. The aim was to identify the prevalence and incidence of anemia in children and to identify predictors of this condition, including intestinal parasites, social, nutritional and environmental factors, and comorbidities. A population-based cohort study was conducted in a sample of 414 children aged 6-71 months living in Novo Cruzeiro in the Minas Gerais State. Data were collected in 2008 and 2009 by interview and included socio-economic and demographic information about the children and their families. Blood samples were collected for testing of hemoglobin, ferritin and C-reactive protein. Anthropometric measurements and parasitological analyses of fecal samples were performed. To identify risk factors associated with anemia multivariate analyses were performed using the generalized estimating equations (GEE). In 2008 and 2009, respectively, the prevalence rates of anemia were 35.9% (95%CI 31.2-40.8) and 9.8% (95%CI 7.2-12.9), the prevalence rates of iron deficiency were 18.4% (95%CI 14.7-22.6) and 21.8% (95%CI 17.8-26.2), and the incidence rates of anemia and iron deficiency were 3.2% and 21.8%. The following risk factors associated with anemia were: iron deficiency (OR = 3.2; 95%CI 2.0-.5.3), parasitic infections (OR = 1.9; 95%CI 1.2-2.8), being of risk of or being a low length/height-for-age (OR = 2.1; 95%CI 1.4-3.2), and lower retinol intake (OR = 1.7; 95%CI 1.1-2.7), adjusted over time. Nutritional factors, parasitic infections and chronic malnutrition were identified as risk factors for anemia. These factors can be verified in a chronic process and have been classically described as risk factors for these conditions.

[THE MODES OF EVALUATION OF TYPE OF DEHYDRATION IN CHILDREN HOSPITALIZED BECAUSE OF ACUTE INTESTINAL INFECTION].

Every year about 800,000 cases of intestinal infections end in lethal outcome due to dehydration. The different types of dehydration acquire differential approach to correction. Everywhere there is no application of routine detection of osmolarity of blood plasma under exicosis in children in view of absence of possibility of instrumental measurement. The search of techniques is needed to make it possible to indirectly detect types of dehydration in children hospitalized because of acute intestinal infection with purpose to apply rationale therapy of water-electrolyte disorders. The sampling of 32 patients with intestinal infections accompanied with signs of exicosis degree I-III was examined. The detection of osmolarity of blood was implemented by instrumental technique using gas analyzer ABL 800 Flex (Radiometer; Denmark) and five estimate techniques according to results of biochemical analysis of blood. The differences in precision of measurement of osmolarity of blood plasma by instrumental and estimate techniques were compared using Bland-Altman graphic technique. It is established that formula: 2x[Na+kp] + [glucosekp] (mmol/l) is the most recise. Its application provided results comparable with values detected by instrumental mode.

[The effects of intestinal parasites on anemia of children]. / Çocuklarda Baðýrsak Parazitlerinin Anemiye Etkisi.

OBJECTIVE: In this case-control epidemiological study, we aimed to investigate the effects of intestinal parasites on the anemia of children and show the association between intestinal parasites and anemia. METHODS: A total of 50 healthy and 50 malnourished children aged 0-72 months who went to physicians of Tilfindir Primary Health Care Center were enrolled in this study. The stool specimens were examined by using native-lugol, concentration, cellophane tape, and acid fast and trichrome staining methods. The complete blood count was measured by an automatic blood device. RESULTS: A total of 58% of the children were infected with intestinal parasites; 55.2% of these were infected with only one parasite, and 44.8% of them were infected with polyparasites. Also, 50.0% of the children with parasitic infection and 19.0% of children without parasitic infection were anemic. There was a positive association between intestinal parasites and anemia statistically (p<0.05). The mean hemoglobin level of the children with parasitic infection was 11.15±1.30, and the mean hemoglobin level of the children without parasitic infection was 12.13±1.47. There was a significant difference between mean hemoglobin levels of the two groups statistically (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Consequently, this study emphasized that intestinal parasites can affect the anemia of children adversely, and there was a positive association between intestinal parasites and anemia of children.

ANTIOXIDANT ENZYME ACTIVITY AMONG ORPHANS INFECTED WITH INTESTINAL PARASITES IN PATHUM THANI PROVINCE, THAILAND.

Intestinal parasitic infections can negatively impact growth and nutrition in children. The infections can induce oxidative stress, resulting in a variety of illnesses. We measured antioxidant enzyme levels in orphan children infected with intestinal parasites to investigate the influence of nutritional status on antioxidant enzymes. This cross sectional study was conducted at an orphanage in Thailand. Stool samples were obtained from each subject and examined for intestinal parasites. Anthropometric measurements, complete blood count and biochemical parameters, including serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels, were obtained from studied subjects. One hundred twenty-eight children were included in the study. Intestinal parasites were found on microscopic examination of the stools in 36.7% (47/128); 18% (23/128) had a mixed parasite infection. Intestinal protozoa were found in 34.4% of subjects and intestinal helminthes were found in 2.3%. The median GPx level in children infected with intestinal parasites (2.3 ng/ml) was significantly lower than in non-infected children (7.7 ng/ml) (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in SOD levels between the two groups. When comparing GPx levels in children with 1) pathogenic parasites, 2) non-pathogenic parasites and 3) no intestinal parasite infection, GPx levels differed significantly among three groups (2.2 ng/ml, 2.4 ng/ml and 7.7 ng/ml, respectively) (p < 0.05). When separating children by BMI and type of infection, the median SOD level in underweight children infected with pathogenic parasites (107.2 ng/ml) was significantly higher than in underweight children infected with non-pathogenic parasites (68.6 ng/ml) and without intestinal parasite infections (72.2 ng/ml). The present study identified two key findings: low GPx levels in children with intestinal parasitic infections, and the potential impact of malnutrition on some antioxidants.

Malaria and soil-transmitted intestinal helminth co-infection and its effect on anemia: a meta-analysis.

This study aimed to synthesize available evidence on the extent of malaria and soil-transmitted intestinal helminth (STH) co-infections in people living in endemic countries and to explore the effect of interactions between malaria and STHs on anemia. We searched relevant studies in electronic databases up to March 2013. Studies comparing malaria and STH co-infected patients with those not co-infected were included and the effect estimates were pooled using a random-effects model. We identified 30 studies for meta-analyses of which 17 were cross-sectional design. The majority of included studies (80%) were carried out in African countries. Among pregnant women, those infected with hookworm were found to have higher association with malaria infection compared with those without (summary OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.17-1.59; I(2): 0%). Among non-pregnant adults, the summary OR of the association between anemia and the combined malaria and STH was 2.91 (1.38-6.14). The summary OR of the association between anemia and malaria alone was 1.53 (0.97-2.42), while the association between anemia and STH alone was 0.28 (0.04-1.95). There is no good evidence to support a different effect of malaria and STH on anemia. A subgroup analysis showed a higher risk of malaria infection in the primigravidae (summary OR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.3-1.99; I(2): 0%). In conclusion, the malaria-STH co-infection was variable with complex outcomes on anemia.

Risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections in preschoolers in a low socio-economic area, Diamantina, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among preschoolers and to identify the associated risk factors. METHODS: The study is a cross-sectional study nested in a cohort of children who were born and resident in Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil. At the time of the study, all children were aged 60 months ± five months. They were recruited after written informed consent was obtained from parents or guardians. The study was carried out between July 2009 and July 2010. In total 214 children provided a stool sample for examination on intestinal parasitic infections. Information on potential risk factors for parasitosis was obtained from parents and guardians of the children by a questionnaire. Logistic regression was used for analysis. RESULTS: Intestinal parasitic infections were found in 27·5% (n = 59) of children. The boys' infection prevalence (26·1%, n = 36) was slightly lower than the infection prevalence of the girls (30·3%, n = 23), but not statistically different (p = 0·51). Fourteen children, (23·7%) were infected with two or more parasite species and forty-five (76·3%) with single parasites. A low per capita income of family was strongly associated with an increased risk for an infection (OR = 2·89; P = 0.003). Preschoolers whose mothers did not work outside home had a significantly lower risk for infection (OR = 0·41; p = 0·01). CONCLUSION: Intestinal parasite infection is a health problem among Diamantina preschoolers. Poverty was implicated as an important risk factor for infection, while the presence of the mother at home full-time was a protective factor.

Nutritional status, intestinal parasite infection and allergy among school children in northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Parasitic infections have been shown to have deleterious effects on host nutritional status. In addition, although helmintic infection can modulate the host inflammatory response directed against the parasite, a causal association between helminths and allergy remains uncertain. The present study was therefore designed to evaluate the relationship between nutritional status, parasite infection and prevalence of allergy among school children. METHODS: A cross sectional study was performed involving school children in two elementary schools in Gondar, Ethiopia. Nutritional status of these children was determined using anthropometric parameters (weight-for-age, height-for-age and BMI-for-age). Epi-Info software was used to calculate z-scores. Stool samples were examined using standard parasitological procedures. The serum IgE levels were quantified by total IgE ELISA kit following the manufacturer's instruction. RESULT: A total of 405 children (with mean age of 12.09.1 ± 2.54 years) completed a self-administered allergy questionnaire and provided stool samples for analysis. Overall prevalence of underweight, stunting and thinness/wasting was 15.1%, 25.2%, 8.9%, respectively. Of the total, 22.7% were found to be positive for intestinal parasites. The most prevalent intestinal parasite detected was Ascaris lumbricoides (31/405, 7.6%). There was no statistically significant association between prevalence of malnutrition and the prevalence of parasitic infections. Median total serum IgE level was 344 IU/ml (IQR 117-2076, n=80) and 610 IU/ml (143-1833, n=20), respectively, in children without and with intestinal parasite infection (Z=-0.198, P>0.8). The prevalence of self reported allergy among the subset was 8%. IgE concentration was not associated either with the presence of parasitic infection or history of allergy. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of malnutrition, intestinal parasitism and allergy was not negligible in this population. In addition, there was no significant association between the prevalence of allergy and their nutritional status, and parasite infection. Further research prospective observational and intervention studies are required to address the question of causality between nutritional factors, parasites, and allergy.