Estudo retrospectivo da contaminação por enteroparasitas e bactérias patogênicas em cédulas de dinheiro / Retrospective study of contamination by enteroparasites and pathogenic bacteria in money bills

Introdução: Diariamente, estamos rodeados por microrganismos, e diversas situações favorecem essa aproximação. Nesse contexto, as cédulas de dinheiro se destacam como possível fonte de transmissão de patógenos, como enteroparasitas e bactérias, uma vez que são manuseadas por inúmeras pessoas. Objetivo e Método: Em vista disso, este estudo teve como objetivo elaborar um levantamento dos estudos realizados nos últimos 20 anos referentes à contaminação das cédulas de dinheiro por enteroparasitas e bactérias patogênicas. Resultados: Os resultados demonstraram que os enteroparasitas identificados com maior frequência nos estudos foram Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoebacoli (não patogênico) e ancilostomídeos. Com relação à pesquisa de bactérias, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiellasp, Escherichia coli e Enterobactersp foram as mais detectadas. Esses dados evidenciam que existe a contaminação das cédulas de dinheiro por bactérias e enteroparasitas, confirmando seu papel como possível fonte de contaminação. Conclusão: Dessa forma, ressalta-se a importância da melhora nos hábitos de higiene básica como estratégia para limitar o ciclo desses patógenos.

Introduction: Every day, we are surrounded by microorganisms, and several situations favor this approximation. In this context, money bills are a possible source for pathogens transmission, such as enteroparasites and bacteria, as they are handled by countless people. Objective and Method: Thus, we carried out a survey study considering the last 20 years of research related to money bills contamination by enteroparasites and pathogenic bacteria. Results: The results showed that the most frequently identified entheroparasites in the studies were Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba coli (not pathogen), and hookworms. Regarding the bacteria research, the most frequently detected were Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella sp, Escherichia coli and Enterobacter sp. Conclusion: Data shows that money bills contamination by bacteria and enteroparasites exists, confirming its role as a contam-ination source. Thereby, the importance of better basic hygiene habits as a strategy to limit the pathogen's cycle is reinforced.

Ascariasis complicada en un infante / Complicated ascariasis in an infant

Introducción: La ascariasis es una enteroparasitosis con alta prevalencia en la población pediátrica tercermundista, la cual puede asociarse a otras enfermedades intestinales y tener graves complicaciones que requieren tratamiento quirúrgico. Objetivo: Informar el caso de un infante operado por coinfección de ascariasis intestinal y fiebre tifoidea complicadas. Presentación del caso: Paciente masculino de 9 años de edad asistido y operado en el hospital provincial N´gola Kimbanda de la provincia Namibe, Angola, por presentar evidencia clínica de peritonitis aguda generalizada por perforación intestinal de causa tifoidea y por cuyo orificio salían además áscaris lumbricoides vivos. Su evolución no fue satisfactoria y falleció 24 horas después de la operación. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico y tratamiento quirúrgico oportuno de la coinfección letal de ascariasis y fiebre tifoidea complicadas permitirá disminuir la morbilidad y mortalidad por esta prevalente asociación(AU)

Introduction: Ascariasis is an enteroparasitosis with high prevalence in the third-world pediatric population, which can be associated with other bowel diseases and have serious complications that require surgical treatment. Objective: Report the case of an infant operated by the co-infection of complicated intestinal ascariasis and typhoid fever. Case presentation: 9-year-old male patient attended and operated at N'gola Kimbanda Provincial Hospital in Namibe Province, Angola, after presenting clinical evidence of generalized acute peritonitis due to intestinal perforation of typhoid-causing and through which live ascaris lumbricoide also came out. His evolution was unsatisfactory and he died 24 hours after the operation. Conclusions: The timely diagnosis and surgical treatment of lethal co-infection of complicated ascariasis and typhoid fever will reduce morbidity and mortality from this prevalent association(AU)

Pneumothorax Due to Ascaris lumbricoides Larvae / Neumotórax originado por larvas de Ascaris lumbricoides

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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.

Resultados de exámenes coproparasitlógicos en el departamento de Santa Bárbara, Honduras / Coproparasitological test results in Santa Barbara, Honduras

Antecedente: Las parasitosis intestinales son un problema de salud pública en nuestro país, actualmente la epidemio - logia no es la adecuada, seguimos utilizando estadística de otros países. Objetivo: Identiicar las características de los exámenes de heces del departamento de Santa Bárbara en el año 2015. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal descriptivo. Se analizó los reportes mensuales de los exámenes de heces en el departamento de Santa Bárbara en Honduras de 6 laboratorios que dependen de la Secretaría de Salud en el período comprendido desde mayo a diciembre del 2015. Resultados: De las 2234 muestras analizadas la frecuencia de parasitosis intestinales fue de 51.2%. Se encontró un porcentaje de infección de A. lumbricoides 15.1%, E. nana 12.1%, T. trichiura 7.7%, E. coli 6.8%, E. histolytica/dispar 5.2% G. lamblia 4.9%, Uncinarias del humano 3.2% y B. hominis 2.7%. Discusión: Información similar se ha encontrado en otras regiones del país, aunque se necesitan más estudios para completar la epidemiologia de los distintos departamentos...(AU)

Cost-effectiveness of scaling up mass drug administration for the control of soil-transmitted helminths: a comparison of cost function and constant costs analyses.

BACKGROUND: The coverage of mass drug administration (MDA) for neglected tropical diseases, such as the soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), needs to rapidly expand to meet WHO's 2020 targets. We aimed to compare use of a cost function to take into account economies of scale to the standard method of assuming a constant cost per treatment when investigating the cost and cost-effectiveness of scaling up a STH MDA programme targeting Ascaris lumbricoides. METHODS: We fitted a cost function describing how the costs of MDA change with scale to empirical cost data and incorporated it into a STH transmission model. Using this cost function, we investigated the consequences of taking into account economies of scale on the projected cost-effectiveness of STH control, by comparison with the standard method of assuming a constant cost per treatment. The cost function was fitted to economic cost data collected as part of a school-based deworming programme in Uganda using maximum likelihood methods. We used the model to investigate the total reduction in the overall worm burden, the total number of prevalent infection case-years averted, and the total number of heavy infection case-years averted. For each year, we calculated the effectiveness as the difference between the worm burden or number of cases and the number in absence of treatment. FINDINGS: When using the cost function, the cost-effectiveness of STH control markedly increased as the programme was scaled up. By contrast, the standard method (constant cost per treatment) undervalued this and generated misleading conclusions. For example, when scaling up control in the projected district from 10% to 75% coverage of at-risk school-age children, the cost-effectiveness in terms of prevention of heavy burden infections was projected to increase by over 70% when using the cost function, but decrease by 18% when assuming a constant cost per treatment. INTERPRETATION: The current exclusion of economies of scale in most economic analyses must be addressed if the most cost-effective policies for the control of neglected tropical diseases are to be formulated. These findings are also relevant to other large-scale disease interventions. FUNDING: GlaxoSmithKline, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Partnership for Child Development, and Wellcome Trust.

Intestinal parasites in children and soil from Turbaco, Bolívar and associated risk factors / Parásitos intestinales en niños y suelo de Turbaco, Bolívar y factores de riesgo asociados

Objective To determine the frequency of intestinal parasites in children and soil from Turbaco- Bolívar and associated risks factors. Methods Analytical study in which 390 children between 2 and 12 years old from 10 neighborhoods of Turbaco were included, whose legal representatives gave informed consent. Three serial samples of feces and 10 soil samples were processed. Risk factors were determined through an interview. Physicochemical and structural characteristics of soils were also evaluated. Results Parasites were found in 30.5 % of children. 162 parasites were observed; the most frequent protozoan was Endolimax nana (30.3 %) and in terms of helminthes, the most frequent was Ascaris lumbricoides (4.9 %). No statistical association between age or sex and intestinal parasites (p>0.05) or between risk factors and intestinal parasites (p>0.05) was found. Low frequencies of intestinal parasites were encountered in soil samples, being more common Entamoeba spp., Giardia spp., and Ascaris lumbricoides. Neighborhoods of Turbaco had sandy dry soil with low content of ions, low conductivity and low organic matter. Conclusion This study showed a low frequency of intestinal parasites in feces and soils. Despite this, pathogenic parasites were found which can affect the health of the population. Besides this, a high percentage of intestinal parasites that are transmitted through feces were detected indicating fecal contamination and low level of hygiene.(AU)

Objetivo Determinar la frecuencia de parásitos intestinales en niños y suelos de Turbaco -Bolívar y su asociación con factores de riesgo. Métodos Estudio analítico realizado en Turbaco-Bolívar. Fueron Incluidos 390 niños entre 2 y 12 años de 10 barrios, cuyos representantes legales dieron un consentimiento informado. Fueron procesadas 3 muestras seriadas de heces fecales y 10 muestras de suelos. Los factores de riesgo fueron evaluados a través de una entrevista. Además se determinaron las características fisicoquímicas y estructurales de los suelos. Resultados Se encontraron parásitos en 30,5 % de los niños. Se observaron 162 parásitos, siendo Endolimax nana (30,3 %) el protozoo más frecuente y Ascaris lumbricoides (4,9 %) el helminto más frecuente. No se encontró asociación estadística entre la edad, el sexo y los factores de riesgo con la presencia de parásitos intestinales (p>0,05). Se encontró una baja frecuencia de parásitos en las muestras de suelo, siendo más comunes Entamoeba spp., Giardia spp. y Ascaris lumbricoides. Los barrios de Turbaco tuvieron suelo arenoso, seco con bajo contenido de iones, baja conductividad y poca materia orgánica. Conclusión Este estudio determinó una baja frecuencia de parásitos intestinales en heces y suelos. Sin embargo, se encontraron parásitos patógenos que pueden afectar la salud de la población. Se detectó un alto porcentaje de parásitos que son transmitidos a través de las heces indicando contaminación fecal y bajo nivel de higiene.(AU)

Prevalence and risk factors related to intestinal parasites among children in Department of Rio San Juan, Nicaragua.

BACKGROUND: The present study was carried out to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections among children in Department of Rio San Juan (Nicaragua), to explore the extent of polyparasitism, and to identify the risk factors that might favour transmission of these parasites. METHODS: A coprological study of single stool specimen, collected at random from 382 children (167 boys and 215 girls) aged 2-15 years from two municipalities, and a questionnaire, concerning demographic and epidemiological data on sanitary and behavioural habits, was filled in to identify risk factors. RESULTS: About 93% of the children presented infection. Blastocystis hominis, the most frequently protozoa, and Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm, the most prevalent helminths. Polyparasitism (85.4%[326/382]), with the highest percentages detected in females (p=0.001), in the 6-11 year age group (p<0.001) and having a rural background (p<0.001). A firm relationship between any parasite and age (OR=1.2, p=0.036) and rural background (OR=0.3, p=0.027) was detected. Living in rural areas and drinking river water were also positively associated with each of the STH species detected, and walking barefoot was also associated with hookworm infection. CONCLUSIONS: Government efforts should be focused on controlling the risk factors associated with these enteroparasites, with health education programmes in rural areas of Nicaragua.

Prevalence and predictors of intestinal parasites among food handlers in Yebu Town, southwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: As a result of urbanization, eating and drinking from food service establishments is becoming a common practice in developing countries like Ethiopia, which increases the chances of food borne diseases. The health status and hygiene practices of food handlers are the major determinants of food contamination. In developing countries where there are poor regulatory systems for food hygiene, food handlers are often appointed without screening for possible infections associated with poor hygiene like intestinal parasites. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at determining the prevalence and predictors of intestinal parasites and assessing the hygiene practices among food handlers in Yebu Town, southwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a total of 118 food handlers in Yebu Town in January 2011. Fresh stool specimens were collected and processed using both direct wet mount and Formol ether concentration techniques. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites among the study subjects was 44.1% (52/118). Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm spp were the predominant parasites identified from the stool of study participants. Age above 35 years (AOR: 4.8, 95% CI: 1.1, 21.8), no regular practice of washing hands before a meal (AOR: 7.8, 95% CI: 2.8, 24.8), and untrimmed finger nail (AOR: 14.7, 95% CI: 2.8, 75.4) were independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection among the food handlers. CONCLUSION: The present study showed high prevalence of intestinal parasites among the study subjects. The study also revealed poor personal hygiene like poor practice of hand washing and poor finger nail hygiene. Therefore, much has to be done to improve the personal hygiene of the food handlers. Pre-placement and periodic screening of food handlers for parasites and prompt treatment, and health education on regular trimming or cleaning of fingernails would be the way forward for prevention of food borne diseases.

Studies on the potential and public health importance of non-biting synanthropic flies in the mechanical transmission of human enterohelminths.

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed at examining the potential of non-biting synanthropic filth flies to acquire naturally eggs of human intestinal helminths from unsanitary sites, and its attendant public health importance. METHODS: Body surface washings and gut contents of flies caught foraging while infected human faeces lay exposed at a garbage dump in Iperu, Ogun State, Nigeria and within 24 hours subsequently after removal of faeces from the dump were examined parasitologically by the formol-ether concentration technique. The viability of helminth eggs isolated from flies was determined by incubation under laboratory conditions. RESULTS: A total of 303 flies were examined: Musca domestica (107; 35.3%), Chrysomya megacephala (125; 41.3%) and Musca sorbens (71; 23.4%). Eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura isolated from exposed human faeces were recovered from the body surfaces and or gut contents of flies caught before (141; 77.5%) and after removal of exposed faeces (44; 36.4%). Eggs of Taenia sp. were isolated only from the gut contents of three C. megacephala flies caught after removal of exposed faeces. Significantly more (p<0.05) eggs were recovered from fly gut contents than body surfaces and from flies caught before than after removal of exposed faeces. 93.1% (552; from exposed faeces) and 57.4% (408; from flies) of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura eggs were viable. CONCLUSIONS: Synanthropic flies may, because they carry viable eggs acquired naturally from unsanitary sites, be involved in the epidemiology of human intestinal helminthiases.

Desenmascaramiento del antígeno T por larvas de Trichinella spiralis y Ascaris lumbricoides / T antigen unmasking by Trichinella spiralis and Ascaris lumbricoides larvae / Desmascaramento do antigeno T por larvas de Trichinella spiralis e Ascaris lumbricoid

La activación T es causada por cambios en la estructura de la membrana de los glóbulos rojos (GR), que producen la aglutinación de esas células transformadas con la mayoría de los sueros de adultos ABO compatible. La unión del antígeno T con su anticuerpo específico desencadena poliaglutinación, hemólisis, trombocitopenia y trombosis. El objetivo del trabajo fue estudiar el efecto de larvas de A. lumbricoides y T. spiralis sobre el desenmascaramiento del antígeno T eritrocitario. Se trabajó con 3 concentrados de larvas L1/ L2 de A. lumbricoides (CLAL), y 6 de Larvas Musculares de T. spiralis (LM): CLAL1 y LM1: 450-500 larvas/mL; CLAL2 y LM2: 900-1000 larvas/mL; CLAL3 y LM3: 1800-2000 larvas/mL; LM4: 3000-3500 larvas/mL; LM5: 7500-8000 larvas/mL; LM6: 20.000 larvas/mL. Se utilizaron GR Grupo O en medio enzimático. Los GR se incubaron con igual volumen de CLAL/ LM y los GR Controles con solución fisiológica durante 120 minutos a 37 ºC. Se realizaron Pruebas de Aglutinación en Placa y en Tubo, enfrentando GR Tratados y Controles a sueros de adulto y de cordón. Los resultados mostraron que 2 de las 5 suspensiones de GR Tratados con CLAL3 y 1 de las 5 Tratadas con LM6, aglutinaron con suero de adulto, pero no con suero de cordón. Los GR incubados con los concentrados restantes y los Controles no aglutinaron con ninguno de los sueros. Se concluye que es importante continuar estos estudios para relacionar la activación T con las dosis infectantes en ascariosis y triquinosis, particularmente en patologías que cursen con déficit de ácido siálico.

T activation is caused by changes in the structure of red blood cells (RBC) membrane producing the agglutination of these transformed cells with the majority of adult ABO compatible sera. The union of T antigen with its specific antibody unleashes polyagglutination, haemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and thrombosis. The aim of the present work was to study the effect of A. lumbricoides and T. spiralis larvae on erythrocyte T antigen unmasking. Work was performed on 3 L1/ L2 larvae concentrates of A. lumbricoides (ALLC) and 6 muscle larvae concentrates of T. spiralis (ML): ALLC1 and ML1: 450-500 larvae/ mL; ALLC2 and ML2: 900-1,000 larvae/ mL; ALLC3 and ML3: 1,800-2,000 larvae/ mL; ML4: 3,000-3,500 larvae/ mL; ML5: 7,500-8,000 larvae/ mL; ML6: 20,000 larvae/ mL. Group O RBC in enzymatic medium were used. RBC were incubated with an equal volume of ALLC/ ML and the Controls with physiological solution for 120 minutes at 37 ºC. Plate and Tube Agglutination Tests were made, facing Treated RBC and Controls against adult and cord human sera. The results showed that 2 of the 5 RBC suspensions treated with ALLC3 and 1 of the 5 RBC suspensions treated with LM6 agglutinated with serum from adult, but not cord serum. RBC incubated with the remaining concentrates and Control suspensions were not agglutinated with any of the sera. It can be concluded that it is important to continue these studies to correlate T activation with infective dose in ascariosis and trichinosis, particularly in pathologies that course with sialic acid deficiency.

Ativação T é causada por alterações da estrutura do membrana dos glóbulos vermelhos (GV), que produz a agregação dessas células transformadas com a maioria dos soros de adultos ABO compatível. A União de antígeno T com o anticorpo específico desencadeia poliaglutinação, hemólise, trombocitopenia e trombose. O objetivo do trabalho foi estudar o efeito de larvas da A. lumbricoides e T. spiralis sobre o desmascaramento do antígeno T eritrocitário. Trabalhou-se com 3 concentrados de larvas L1 / L2 da A. lumbricoides (CLAL) e 6 de larvas musculares da T. spiralis (LM): CLAL1 y LM1: 450-500 larvas/mL; CLAL2 LM2: 900-1000 larvas/mL; CLAL3 y LM3: 1800-2000 larvas/mL; LM4: 3000-3500 larvas/mL; LM5: 7500-8000 larvas/mL; LM6: 20.000 larvas/mL. Foram utilizados eritrócitos Grupo O em meio enzimático de bromelina O sedimento globular foi incubado com igual volume de CLAL / LM e o de GR Controles com solução fisiológica durante 120 minutos a 37 ºC. Foram realizados Testes de Aglutinação em Placa e em Tubo, enfrentando os GV Tratados e Controles a soros humanos de adulto e de cordão. Se utilizaron GV Grupo O en medio enzimático. Os GV foram incubados com igual volume de CLAL/ LM e os GV Controles com solução fisiológica durante 120 minutos a 37 ºC. Realizaram-se Provas de Aglutinação em Placa e em Tubo, enfrentando GV Tratados e Controles a soros de adulto e de cordão. Os resultados mostraram que 2 das 5 suspensões de GV Tratadas com CLAL3 e 1 das 5 Tratadas com LM6, aglutinaram com soro de adulto, mas não com soro de cordão. Os GV incubados com as concentrações restantes e os Controles não aglutinaram com nenhum dos soros. Conclui-se que é importante continuar estes estudos para relacionar a ativação T com as doses infectantes em ascaríase e triquinose, particularmente em patologias que cursem com déficit de ácido siálico. controles, não aglutinaram com nenhum dos soros.

Exposición del antígeno T eritrocitario por acción de Ascaris lumbricoides / Exposure of erythrocyte T antigen by Ascaris lumbricoides action / Exposição do antígeno T eritrocitário por ação de Ascaris lumbricoides

La poliaglutinabilidad de los glóbulos rojos puede deberse al desenmascaramiento del antígeno T críptico debido a la acción de neuraminidasas microbianas que eliminan residuos terminales de ácido siálico en la membrana del hematíe. En experiencias preliminares se demostró que Ascaris lumbricoides capta ácido siálico del eritrocito y que las suspensiones globulares en medio enzimático, incubadas con este parásito, pierden totalmente la capacidad de agregación. El objetivo fue estudiar la exposición del antígeno T eritrocitario, por acción de A. lumbricoides sobre la carga aniónica de glóbulos rojos deficientes en ácido siálico. Se trabajó con 48 extractos de ejemplares adultos del parásito ([EA]) y un concentrado de larvas L1/ L2 ([CLAL]):1300-1500 larvas/mL). Se utilizaron eritrocitos Grupo O en medio enzimático de bromelina (GRB) y eritrocitos Control en medio salino (GRC). El sedimento globular de GRB se incubó con igual volumen de [EA]/ [CLAL] y el de GRC con solución fisiológica durante 120 minutos a 37 ºC. Se realizaron Pruebas de Aglutinación en Placa y en Tubo, enfrentando los GRB y GRC a sueros humanos de adulto y de cordón. Los resultados mostraron que el 33,33% de los GRB incubados con [EA] y el 66,67% de los GRB incubados con [CLAL] aglutinaron con suero de adulto, pero no con suero de cordón. Los GRC no aglutinaron con ninguno de los sueros. Es la primera vez que se comunica la exposición del antígeno T eritrocitario por acción de un parásito. La activación T podría producir autoaglutinación y hemólisis en el hombre adulto y representaría un factor de riesgo transfusional en la población infantil.

Red cell polyagglutination may be due to the unmasking of the cryptic T antigen by the action of microbial neuraminidases, which remove terminal sialic acid residues in the erythrocyte membrane. Previous experiences showed that Ascaris lumbricoides capture erythrocyte sialic acid and thatglobular suspensions in enzymatic medium, incubated with this parasite, completely lost the ability to aggregate. The aim of this work was to study the erythrocyte T antigen exposure by A. lumbricoides action on the anionic charge of sialic acid deficient red cells. Studies were done on 48 adult specimen parasite extracts ([AE]) and an L1/ L2 larvae concentrate ([ALLC]: 1300-1500 larvae/mL). Group O red cells in bromelain enzymatic medium (RCB) and Control erythrocytes in saline medium (RCC) were used. The RCB sediment was incubated with an equal volume of [AE]/ [ALLC] and the RCC sediment with physiological solution during 120 minutes at 37 ºC. Plate and Tube Agglutination Tests were performed, contrasting RCB and RCC with adult and cord human sera. The results showed that 33.33% of the RCB incubated with [AE] and 66.67% of the RCB incubated with [LCAL] agglutinated with serum from adult, but not cord serum. RCB were not agglutinated with any of the sera. It is the first time that erythrocyte T antigen exposure by a parasite action is communicated. T activation could produce autoagglutination and haemolysis in the adult and would represent a transfusion risk factor in the child population.

A poliaglutinabilidade dos glóbulos vermelhos pode ser resultado do desmascaramento do antígeno críptico T devido à ação de neuraminidases microbianas que eliminam resíduos terminais de ácido siálico na membrana da hemácia. Em experiências preliminares foi demonstrado que Ascaris lumbricoides capta ácido siálico do eritrócito e que as suspensões globulares em meio enzimático, incubadas com esta parasita, perdem totalmente a capacidade de agregação. O objetivo foi estudar a exposição do antígeno T eritrocitário, por ação de A. lumbricoides sobre a carga aniônica de glóbulos vermelhos deficientes em ácido siálico. Trabalhou-se com 48 extratos de exemplares adultos da parasita ([EA]) e um concentrado de larvas L1/ L2 ([CLAL]):1300-1500 larvas/mL). Foram utilizados eritrócitos Grupo O em meio enzimático de bromelina (GVB) e eritrócitos Controle em meio salino (GVC). O sedimento globular de GVB foi incubado com igual volume de [EA]/ [CLAL] e o de GVC com solução fisiológica durante 120 minutos a 37 ºC. Foram realizados Testes de Aglutinação em Placa e em Tubo, enfrentando os GVB e GVC a soros humanos de adulto e de cordão. Os resultados mostraram que 33,33% dos GVB incubados com [EA] e 66,67% dos GVB incubados com [CLAL] aglutinaram com soro de adulto, mas não com soro de cordão. Os GVC não aglutinaram com nenhum dos soros. É a primeira vez que se comunica a exposição do antígeno T eritrocitário por ação de uma parasita. A ativação T poderia produzir autoaglutinação e hemólise no homem adulto e representaria um fator de risco transfusional na população infantil.

Protozoarios y helmintos intestinales en adultos asintomáticos del estado Zulia, Venezuela / Intestinal protozoa and helminths in asymptomatic adults in the Zulia state, Venezuela

Los estudios de prevalencia de enteroparásitos generalmente se efectúan en población infantil, por ser la más susceptible a estas infecciones; sin embargo, para evaluar la situación en adultos se realizó la presente investigación. Se efectuó el examen coproparasitológico a 95 personas asintomáticas mayores de 18 años, provenientes de 3 diferentes localidades del estado Zulia, Venezuela. Las muestras fecales se sometieron al examen microscópico con SSF-Lugol y método de concentración con formol-éter. 64 individuos (67,36%) presentaron una o varias especies de parásitos intestinales y de éstos, el 81,25% presentaba al menos un parásito patógeno para los humanos. 31 individuos presentaron más de una especie parasitaria (poliparasitismo), con un máximo de 3 especies por hospedador. Se identificaron 7 especies de protozoarios intestinales incluyendo patógenos y comensales, así como 2 especies de helmintos. Predominaron los casos de protozoosis (93) sobre las helmintiasis (10). La mayor frecuencia correspondió a Blastocystis sp. entre los protozoarios y Ascaris lumbricoides entre los helmintos, así mismo, existió un predominio de A. lumbricoides y Trichuris trichiura en la comunidad Los Pescadores, al comparar las tres comunidades estudiadas. La asociación parasitaria más frecuente fue Blastocystis sp. con varias amibas. Este estudio detectó una elevada prevalencia de protozoarios intestinales y particularmente de Blastocystis sp.

Prevalence studies for intestinal parasites are usually performed on children, since they are the most susceptible to these infections; however, this research was conducted to assess the situation in adults. Stool examination was performed on 95 asymptomatic persons over 18 years old, from three different locations in the state of Zulia, Venezuela. Fecal samples were submitted to microscopic examination with SSF-Lugol and the concentration method with formalin ether. Sixty-four individuals (67.36%) had one or more species of intestinal parasites and of these, 81.25% had at least one parasite pathogenic for humans. Thirty-one individuals had more than one parasite species (polyparasitism), with a maximum of three species per host. Seven intestinal protozoa species were identified, including pathogens and commensals, as well as 2 species of helminths. Protozoosis cases predominated (93) over helminths (10). The greatest frequencies corresponded to Blastocystis sp. among protozoa and Ascaris lumbricoides among helminths; also, there was a predominance of A. lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura in the community Los Pescadores, when comparing the three communities studied. The most frequent parasitic association was Blastocystis sp. with several amoebas. This study found a high prevalence of intestinal protozoa and particularly Blastocystis sp.

Perfil enteroparasitológico dos habitantes de uma cidade do Nordeste do Brasil / Enteroparasitological profile of inhabitants from a city of Northeast Brazil

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A elevada prevalência de parasitoses em países subdesenvolvidos e em desenvolvimento, é responsável por quadros clínicos variáveis, os quais, frequentemente, encontram-se associados à diarreia crônica e à desnutrição.O objetivo deste estudo foi traçar o perfil enteroparasitológico dos habitantes de um município do nordeste do Brasil. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo, com dados secundários, realizado no período de janeiro de 2009 a janeiro de 2010. Todas as informações foram obtidas por meio dos laudos dos exames coproparasitológicos.Para a análise estatística, utilizou-se os testes Qui-quadrado e Exato de Fisher, com o auxílio do programa estatístico R. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5% (p < 0,05).RESULTADOS: Observou-se que 42,07% da amostra analisada possuíam pelo menos uma espécie de parasita intestinal, além disso, que o helminto Ascaris lumbricóides e o protozoário Endolimaxnana foram os parasitas mais frequentes nesses exames positivos,com porcentagem de 6,93% e 13,59%, respectivamente. Constatou-se também que os parasitas ancilostomídeos e Giardia lamblia estiveram mais frequentes nos homens e o parasita Endolimax nana nas mulheres, e que o parasita Giardia lamblia foi o mais frequente nos pacientes menores de cinco anos de idade.CONCLUSÃO: Verificou-se ser alta a frequência de indivíduos parasitados, bem como que espécies de parasitas com potencial patogênico fazem parte do perfil parasitológico da referida população.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The high prevalence of parasitic diseases in underdeveloped and developing countries is responsible for variables clinical symptoms, which often are associated with chronic diarrhea and malnutrition. The objective of this study was to obtain the enteroparasitological profile of inhabitants from a city of Northeast Brazil. METHOD: A retrospective study using secondary data was carried out, from January 2009 to January 2010. All information was obtained through the results of coproparasitological samples. The data were processed and analyzed using the Chi-square and Fisher Exact test, of the statistical software R. The level of significance was 5 % (p < 0.05).RESULTS: It was observed that 42.07% of the sample had at least one species of intestinal parasite, the helminth Ascaris lumbricoides and protozoa Endolimax nana were the most frequently positive in these tests, with a percentage of 6.93% and 13.59% respectively. It was also found that the parasites Giardia lamblia and hookworms were the most frequent in males and Endolimax nana was the most frequent in females. The parasite Giardia lamblia was the most frequent in patients under five years old. CONCLUSION: We found high frequency of infected individuals and the parasite species with potential pathogenic are presentat the profile of this population.