Socio-environmental and parasitological aspects of waste pickers in Minas Gerais, Brazil

The increase in the generation of Solid Urban Waste causes social, environmental problems and damages to the population's health. Professionals who work in the collection of recyclable waste are exposed to risks of contamination either by toxic elements or pathogenic organisms. The objective of the work was to estimate the types and prevalence of intestinal parasites inwaste pickers. A field research was carried out from December 2017 to April 2018 with the voluntary participation of 26 waste pickers belonging to three associations in the municipality of Conselheiro Lafaiete, Minas Gerais, Brazil (CAAE: nº 79937817.7.0000.8122). In addition to the application a socio-environmental questionnaire, each volunteer provided a stool sample for laboratory testing the parasitological examination. Of the 26 survey participants, four (15.4%) had a positive result and were infected by the parasites Giardia lamblia, Entamoebacoliand Iodamoeba butschlii. Among the main factors that can contribute to the infection these waste pickersare the ingestion of untreated water for consumption in addition to reduced access to Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) during waste management. One way to control the presence of parasites would be through health and environmental education actions, periodic parasitological examinations and permanent use of PPE.

Revisão integrativa sobre doenças parasitárias em crianças de creches brasileiras / Integrative review on parasitic diseases in children in brazilian day care centers

As parasitoses intestinais constituem um importante problema de Saúde Pública, especialmente entre os pré-escolares, devido à imaturidade do sistema imune. Assim, este estudo objetivou realizar uma revisão integrativa dos estudos publicados entre os anos de 2010 a 2017 sobre parasitoses intestinais e os fatores associados ao desenvolvimento em crianças matriculadas em creches brasileiras. Foi realizada busca bibliográfica através das bases de dados Medline, Lilacs e SciELO, utilizando os descritores: infecção, parasitoses, diarreia e creches, e seus correspondentes em inglês: "infection", "parasitc diseases", "diarrhea" e "child day care centers". No caso das buscas no Medline o descritor Brazil também foi usado. Foram identificados 59 estudos, dos quais 11 foram incluídos no presente trabalho. Foi observado variação de 19,4% a 98,4% de parasitos e, a Giardia duodenalis foi o mais prevalente em crianças entre um e seis anos de idade, gênero masculino, com baixo peso, advindas de residências com alta densidade familiar e nível socioeconômico baixo. As análises mostraram a importância da compreensão dos fatores de risco para a incidência de parasitos, indicando a necessidade da promoção de estratégias efetivas para prevenção e controle das infecções parasitárias no país, visto que, tais infecções influenciam diretamente no desenvolvimento da criança, e em alguns casos, evoluindo a óbito.

Intestinal parasitosis is an important public health issue especially among pre-school children due to the immaturity of their immune system. Thus, this study aimed at carrying out an integrative review of studies published between 2010 and 2017 regarding intestinal parasites and associated factors in children registered in Brazilian day care centers. A bibliographic survey was performed through the Medline, Lilacs, and SciELO databases using the following descriptors: infection, parasitic diseases, diarrhea, and child day care centers, as well as their corresponding translations in Portuguese: "infecção", "parasitoses", "diarreia" and "creches". In the case of Medline searches, the descriptor Brazil was also used. Fifty-nine studies were identified, from which, 11 were included in this study. A variation of 19.4% to 98.4% of parasites could be observed, with Giardia duodenalis being the most prevalent in children between one and six years old, male, with low weight, coming from homes with high family density and low socioeconomic status. The analyzes showed the importance of understanding the risk factors for the incidence of parasites, showing the need to promote effective strategies for the prevention and control of parasitic infections in the country, since such infections have direct influence on the child's development, and in some cases, even evolving to death.

Phosphoinositide-binding proteins mark, shape and functionally modulate highly-diverged endocytic compartments in the parasitic protist Giardia lamblia.

Phosphorylated derivatives of phosphatidylinositol (PIPs) are key membrane lipid residues involved in clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). CME relies on PIP species PI(4,5)P2 to mark endocytic sites at the plasma membrane (PM) associated to clathrin-coated vesicle (CCV) formation. The highly diverged parasitic protist Giardia lamblia presents disordered and static clathrin assemblies at PM invaginations, contacting specialized endocytic organelles called peripheral vacuoles (PVs). The role for clathrin assemblies in fluid phase uptake and their link to internal membranes via PIP-binding adaptors is unknown. Here we provide evidence for a robust link between clathrin assemblies and fluid-phase uptake in G. lamblia mediated by proteins carrying predicted PX, FYVE and NECAP1 PIP-binding modules. We show that chemical and genetic perturbation of PIP-residue binding and turnover elicits novel uptake and organelle-morphology phenotypes. A combination of co-immunoprecipitation and in silico analysis techniques expands the initial PIP-binding network with addition of new members. Our data indicate that, despite the partial conservation of lipid markers and protein cohorts known to play important roles in dynamic endocytic events in well-characterized model systems, the Giardia lineage presents a strikingly divergent clathrin-centered network. This includes several PIP-binding modules, often associated to domains of currently unknown function that shape and modulate fluid-phase uptake at PVs.

Subclinical Enteric Parasitic Infections and Growth Faltering in Infants in São Tomé, Africa: A Birth Cohort Study.

The associations between enteric pathogenic parasites and growth in infants in São Tomé were explored using a refined anthropometric approach to recognize early growth faltering. A birth cohort study was conducted with follow-up to 24 months of age. Microscopic examination for protozoa and soil-transmitted helminths was performed. Anthropometric assessments included: z-scores for weight-for-length (WLZ), length-for-age (LAZ), weight (WAVZ) and length velocities (LAVZ), length-for-age difference (LAD), and wasting and stunting risk (≤-1 SD). Generalized additive mixed effects regression models were used to explore the associations between anthropometric parameters and enteric parasitic infections and cofactors. A total of 475 infants were enrolled, and 282 completed the study. The great majority of infants were asymptomatic. Giardia lamblia was detected in 35.1% of infants in at least one stool sample, helminths in 30.4%, and Cryptosporidium spp. in 14.7%. Giardia lamblia and helminth infections were significantly associated with mean decreases of 0.10 in LAZ and 0.32 in LAD, and of 0.16 in LAZ and 0.48 in LAD, respectively. Cryptosporidium spp. infection was significantly associated with a mean decrease of 0.43 in WAVZ and 0.55 in LAVZ. The underestimated association between subclinical parasitic enteric infections and mild growth faltering in infants should be addressed in public health policies.

Socio-economic burden of parasitic infections in yaks from 1984 to 2017 on Qinghai Tibetan Plateau of China-A review.

Yak is an important animal for the Tibetans at Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau of China. The burden of parasitic diseases has been a major threat to the health of yaks at this region presenting a considerable socio-economic losses and impact to yak production and local nomads. Keeping in view, we collected the published papers from 1984 to 2017 on major parasitic infections in yaks by electronic literature search from five databases including CNKI, Google, PubMed, Science Direct and Web of Science. The prevalence of Eimeria, Babesia, Theileria, Hypodermosis, Cystic echinococcosis, Alveolar echinococcosis, Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Cryptosporidium, Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Toxocara vitulorum, and Fascioliasis infection in yaks was found to be 48.02%, 13.06%, 36.11%, 59.85%, 16.93%, 0.99%, 20.50%, 5.14%, 10.00%, 3.68%, 4.07%, 22.23% and 28.7% respectively. Data presented are contemplated to enhance our current understanding on the major parasitic diseases of yaks at Qinghai Tibetan plateau, China. The main aim of this effort is to ameliorate the effects of the parasitic burden in this specie; so that, the attempts are made to minimize the incidence of these infections in future to raise the socio-economic levels of local community.

Hemolytic, anticancer and antigiardial activity of Palythoa caribaeorum venom

Cnidarian venoms and extracts have shown a broad variety of biological activities including cytotoxic, antibacterial and antitumoral effects. Most of these studied extracts were obtained from sea anemones or jellyfish. The present study aimed to determine the toxic activity and assess the antitumor and antiparasitic potential of Palythoa caribaeorum venom by evaluating its in vitro toxicity on several models including human tumor cell lines and against the parasite Giardia intestinalis. Methods: The presence of cytolysins and vasoconstrictor activity of P. caribaeorum venom were determined by hemolysis, PLA2 and isolated rat aortic ring assays, respectively. The cytotoxic effect was tested on HCT-15 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma), MCF-7 (human mammary adenocarcinoma), K562 (human chronic myelogenous leukemia), U251 (human glyoblastoma), PC-3 (human prostatic adenocarcinoma) and SKLU-1 (human lung adenocarcinoma). An in vivo toxicity assay was performed with crickets and the antiparasitic assay was performed against G. intestinalis at 24 h of incubation. Results: P. caribaeorum venom produced hemolytic and PLA2 activity and showed specific cytotoxicity against U251 and SKLU-1 cell lines, with approximately 50% growing inhibition. The venom was toxic to insects and showed activity against G. intestinalis in a dose-dependent manner by possibly altering its membrane osmotic equilibrium. Conclusion: These results suggest that P. caribaeorum venom contains compounds with potential therapeutic value against microorganisms and cancer.(AU)

Análise parasitológica em estudantes com deficiência intelectual e/ou múltipla (o múltiple) / Parasitological analysis in students with intellectual and/or multiple disabilities

O parasitismo acontece quando há associação de dois seres vivos onde um deles se desenvolve e prejudica de alguma forma o outro ser, chamado hospedeiro (El parasitismo ocurre cuando existe una asociación de dos seres vivos, donde uno de ellos se desarrolla y afecta de algún modo al otro, que se llama huésped). Alguns parasitos como Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar, Giardia lamblia, Hymenolepis nana, Taenia solium, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura e Enterobius vermicularis são transmitidos pela água e/ou (se transmiten por el agua o por) alimentos contaminados e afetam grande parte da população mundial no desempenho (y afectan a una gran parte de la población mundial en el desarrollo) de suas atividades físicas, mentais e sociais, expondo-a a diversas manifestações clínicas que podem gerar elevados níveis (pueden generar altos niveles) de morbidade. Considerando que, aproximadamente, 11% da população brasileira sofrem com algum tipo de deficiência intelectual e/ou múltipla e pouco se tem estudado sobre a ocorrência (y poco se ha estudiado acerca de la existencia) de enteroparasitos nesse grupo populacional, estudos parasitológicos laboratoriais foram realizados em 50 estudantes da Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais (APAE) da cidade de São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Brasil. Do total de amostras analisadas 28 (56%) estavam positivas para um ou mais parasitos e comensais, sendo (uno o más parásitos y comensales, siendo) 5 (17.85%) por G. lamblia, 7 (25.00%) por E. histolytica/E. dispar/E. moschkovskii, 11 (39.28%) por Entamoeba coli, 6 (21.43%) por Balantidium coli, 2 (7.14%) por Endolimax nana e 3 (10.7%) por E. vermicularis. Considerando a elevada frequência de indivíduos parasitados torna-se necessário a busca (se hace necesaria la búsqueda) de investimentos em profilaxia e educação higiênico-sanitária, além da realização (además de la realización) constante de exames parasitológicos, garantindo uma melhor (garantizando una mejor) qualidade de vida à população da APAE de São Mateus.

Parasitism occurs when there is an association between two living beings, in which one develops and in some way harms the other being, called host. Some parasites such as Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar, Giardia lamblia, Hymenolepis nana, Taenia solium, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Enterobius vermicularis are transmitted by contaminated water and/or food and affect a large number of the world population in their physical, mental and social activities, exposing them to diverse clinical manifestations that can generate high levels of morbidity. Considering that approximately 11% of the Brazilian population suffers from some type of intellectual and/or multiple deficiency and little has been studied about the occurrence of enteroparasites in this population group, laboratory parasitological studies were performed in 50 students of the Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais (APAE) of the city of São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Brazil. From the total of the analyzed samples, 28 (56%) were positive for one or more parasites and commensals, of which 5 (17.85%) were positive for G. lamblia, 6 (25.00%) for E. histolytica/E. dispar, 11 (39.28%) for Entamoeba coli, 7 (21.43%) for Balantidium coli, 2 (7.14%) for Endolimax nana and 3 (10.7%) for E. vermicularis. Considering the high prevalence of parasitic infection in this population, it is necessary to seek greater investment in prophylaxis and hygienic-sanitary education, in addition to constantly conducting parasitological examinations that might guarantee a better quality of life for the population of São Mateus APAE.

Demonstration of Trophozoites of G. Lamblia in Ileal Mucosal Biopsy Specimens May Reveal Giardiasis in Patients With Significantly Inflamed Parasite-free Duodenal Mucosa.

In the majority of individuals, infestation with trophozoites of Giardia lamblia (synonymous G. duodenalis or G. intestinalis) leads to a self-limited disease. Whereas most duodenal biopsies with chronic giardiasis show little or no inflammatory reaction, some patients may develop a severe disease with significant mucosal inflammation and various degrees of villous blunting. Occasionally, the histologic changes may resemble those of celiac disease. In this paper, we describe 11 patients, 5 of them female, with chronic giardiasis and demonstrable G. lamblia in ileal biopsies. The median age was 45 years (35 to 62 y), with male patients being at least 10 years younger than female patients. All of the duodenal biopsies showed at least mild villous blunting (grading: mild, marked, or total). In the mucosa an increased number of plasma cells and lymphocytes was observed. Furthermore, varying numbers of granulocytes were found in the lamina propria and in the epithelial layer. In 1 case only, the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes was >40/100 epithelial cells thus mirroring the histologic picture of celiac disease with a flat mucosa (with negative celiac disease-specific serological findings). Interestingly enough, all mucosal biopsy specimens from the duodenum were parasite free. Therefore, giardiasis could only be revealed by the demonstration of trophozoites of G. lamblia in biopsy specimens from the terminal ileum, which had been taken simultaneously or several weeks later. In contrast to duodenal biopsies, the ileal mucosa appeared either normal or only mildly inflamed in this setting. All patients but 1 were symptomatic, with chronic diarrhea being the leading symptom. Symptoms resolved after antibiotic therapy. This study demonstrates that giardiasis may be associated with a significant duodenal pathology in biopsy specimens without discernible parasites. In the cases described here infestation with G. lamblia was only proven histologically by examination of mucosal biopsy specimens taken from the terminal ileum.

Atualidades sobre giardíase / Updates on giardiasis

A giardíase é uma parasitose intestinal amplamente distribuída pelo mundo, com alta prevalência em países em desenvolvimento, inclusive o Brasil. Embora seja uma infecção com bom prognóstico, pode apresentar gravidade em pessoas com desnutrição, fibrose cística ou algumas imunodeficiências. Este artigo tem como objetivo atualizar os principais aspectos da giardíase.

Giardiasis is an intestinal parasite widely distributed around the globe with high prevalence in developing countries, including Brazil. Although it is an infection with a good prognosis may present serious in people with malnutrition, cystic fibrosis or certain immunodeficiencies. The aim of this paper is to perform an update on key aspects of giardiasis.

Factores inmunológicos que pueden influir en la presencia de síntomas clínicos en niños con giardiasis / Immunological factors influencing the presence of clinical symptoms in children with giardiasis

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el perfil de la respuesta inmune según sintomatología intestinal en niños con giardiasis. Se realizó un estudio transversal clínico, inmunológico y parasitológico en 182 escolares (6-7 años) de la región de Barlovento, Estado Miranda. La evaluación clínica fue realizada haciendo énfasis en los síntomas intestinales y evaluación antropométrica. Se realizaron exámenes de heces seriadas. Los niveles de IgA secretora (total y específicos a G. duodenalis) así como los niveles de citocinas fueron determinados mediante ELISA. Los niveles de óxido nítrico usando el método colorimétrico de Griess. Análisis estadístico mediante Med calc Software, Versión 12.4.0. Encontramos que Los niveles plasmáticos de TNF-α y de óxido nítrico (en saliva) fueron más elevados en los niños con síntomas intestinales y giardiasis (P<0.001) mientras que los niveles de TGF-β, IL-10 y los niveles de IgA secretora total y especifica a G. duodenalis fueron más elevados (P<0.0001) en el grupo de asintomáticos. Los niveles de IL-6 fueron más elevados en los niños con giardiasis independientemente de la sintomatología. La co-infeccion con A. lumbricoides se asoció negativamente a la presencia de síntomas intestinales. Los indicadores antropométricos (Talla/edad, peso/Edad y Peso/ Talla) se asociaron positivamente a la presencia de citocinas reguladoras (P<0.005) y niveles de IgA secretora (P<0.0001). Así, Diferencias en el perfil de la respuesta inmune podrían asociarse a síntomas intestinales inducidos por giardiasis. Deficiencias en el estado nutricional se asocian a procesos inflamatorios y a la generación de síntomas mientras que la co-infección con helmintos intestinales favorece la reducción de la sintomatología.

We evaluated the immune profile associated to intestinal symptoms in children with giardiasis. A crosssectional study including clinical, immunological and parasitological aspects in 182 children (6-7 years) from the area of Barlovento, Miranda state, Venezuela was carried out. Clinical evaluation was performed with emphasis on intestinal symptoms and anthropometric parameters were also determined. Serial stool examinations were carried out. Secretory IgA levels (total and specific against G. duodenalis) and cytokine levels were determined by ELISA. Nitric oxide levels were determined using the Griess colorimetric method. Statistical analysis was performed by Med Calc Software, Version 12.4.0. We found that plasma levels of TNF-α and nitric oxide (salivary) were higher in children with intestinal symptoms and giardiasis (P<0.001) while the levels of TGF-β, IL-10 and IgA levels (total and anti-G. duodenalis) were higher (P<0.0001) in the asymptomatic group. The levels of IL-6 were higher in children with giardiasis regardless of symptoms. Coinfection with A. lumbricoides was associated negatively with the presence of intestinal symptoms. Anthropometric indicators (height / age, weight / age and weight / height) were positively associated with the presence of regulatory cytokines (P<0.005) and secretory IgA levels (P<0.0001). Therefore, differences in the immune profile may be associated with intestinal symptoms induced by giardiasis. Co-infection with intestinal helminths helps to reduce symptoms while nutritional deficiencies are associated with inflammatory processes and the generation of symptoms.

Detección de protozoos parásitos entéricos, bacteriófagos de E. coli y organismos indicadores de contaminación en camarones comercializados en el estado Zulia / Detection of enteric protozoa parasites, E. coli bacteriophages and fecal pollution Indicator organisms in shrimp sold in the state of Zulia

Se determinó la presencia de Giardia intestinalis y Cryptospodidium parvum, bacteriófagos de Escherichia coli y organismos indicadores de contaminación (OIC), en muestras de camarones para el consumo humano comercializados en el estado Zulia. Los parásitos se concentraron a partir de sistemas digestivos de pools de camarones por la técnica de formol-éter y se cuantificaron por inmunofluorescencia directa. La concentración de los bacteriófagos de E. coli F+ y los OIC se evaluó por técnicas estándar. En este trabajo se detectó la presencia de G. intestinalis, C. parvum, bacteriófagos y E. coli en camarones comercializados en el estado Zulia que cumplían los criterios de la normativa venezolana de calidad sanitaria e inocuidad. Del total de muestras analizadas el 91,5% fueron positivas para G. intestinalis (promedio: 36,6 quistes/100g), 95,3% para C. parvum (promedio: 32,8 ooquistes/100g), 100% para los bacteriófagos de E coli F+ (promedio de 2,8 x 103 UFP/100 g) y 71,5% para E. coli (promedio de 4,3 x 104 NMP/g). Los resultados obtenidos indican que los camarones pueden convertirse en un vehículo para la transmisión de patógenos al hombre y dejan en evidencia la necesidad de la inclusión de un parámetro parasitológico y viral en el control de la calidad microbiológica de estos productos alimenticios.

The presence of G. intestinalis and C. parvum, E. coli F+ bacteriophages and fecal pollution indicator organisms was determined in shrimp for human consumption marketed in the State of Zulia. Parasites were concentrated from the digestive systems of shrimp pools, detected by formalin-ether and quantified by direct immunofluorescence. E. coli F + bacteriophage and pollution indicator organism concentrations were determined by standard techniques. In this work, G. intestinalis, C. parvum, E. coli F + bacteriophages and E. coli were detected in shrimp for human consumption marketed in the State of Zulia that met the quality criteria of Venezuelan health and safety regulations. 91.5% of the samples analyzed were positive for G. intestinalis (average: 36.6 cyst/100g), 95.3% for C parvum (average: 32.8 oocyst/100g), 100% for E coli F + bacteriophages (average: 2.8 x 103 FPFU/100g) and 71.5% for E. coli (average: 4.3 x 104 MPN/g). Results of this research indicate that shrimp can become a vehicle for transmitting pathogens to humans and demonstrate the need for including a parasitic and viral parameter in microbiological quality control for seafood.

Ocorrência de parasitoses intestinais em alunos de 6 a 12 anos em escolas de ensino fundamental na cidade de Alfenas, MG / Occurrence of intestinal parasites in students 6-12 years of elementary schools in the city of Alfenas, MG

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a ocorrência de parasitoses em escolares de 6 a 12 anos do sistema público de ensino em Alfenas, MG. Por isso foram escolhidas duas escolas de ensino fundamental, uma localizada no centro da cidade e outra no bairro de Gaspar Lopes. Foi passado um questionário para os alunos e logo depois foram realizadas palestras educativas sobre o tema parasitoses. Foram recolhidas amostras fecais das crianças com uso do Paratest e estas amostras foram analisadas pelo método Ritchie modificado. De 171 amostras analisadas , 31 foram positivas para pelo menos um tipo de parasita, o que representa 18,12% de grau de positividade, porcentagem baixa em se comparando trabalhos de outros autores, realizados em outras cidades. A Entamoeba coli e a Giardia lamblia foram os parasitos mais encontrados (1403 e 5,85%, respectivamente), fato este que pode ter relações com o hábito de tomar água da torneira, relatado por 25% das crianças. Percebeu-se, pela aplicação do questionário, que as crianças são cietnes de bons hábitos de higiene. A abordagem do tema parasitoses pelas professoras existe nas escolas avaliadas, porém, precisa ser mais incentivado.

Muerte celular programada en protozoarios: el caso de Giardia intestinalis / Programmed cell death in protozoa: Giardia intestinalis’s case

Giardia intestinalis es considerado uno de los eucariotas más antiguos y su poca complejidad representa una valiosa oportunidad para desentrañar los misterios de procesos vitales de eucariotas más complejos. Esta característica única de G. intestinalis y el hecho de que su genoma esté completamente secuenciado y disponible, y que todo su ciclo de vida puede ser reproducido in vitro, hacen de este parásito un modelo ideal para estudiar mecanismos celulares, entre ellos, la muerte celular programada. Desde el punto de vista morfológico y molecular, la apoptosis es uno de los tipos más complejos de muerte celular programada, la cual es un proceso normal durante el desarrollo celular, y tiene un papel esencial en el control de la proliferación celular y en la respuesta a retos inmunológicos o a daños celulares. Recientemente, se ha reportado que en protozoos, entre ellos Giardia, podría ocurrir un tipo de muerte celular programada similar a la apoptosis y los resultados de nuestros laboratorios apoyan esta hipótesis; sin embargo, no se han identificado hasta el momento las moléculas relacionadas con los procesos de apoptosis en estos parásitos. La presente revisión abarca una descripción de la morfología y estructura de las formas de vida de G. intestinalis, de su ciclo biológico, de la parasitosis que causa y de las estrategias quimioterapéuticas para su tratamiento. Asimismo, se hace un repaso de lo que hasta ahora se conoce sobre apoptosis en protozoarios, y específicamente en G. intestinalis, y se describen algunos resultados de nuestro grupo que apoyan la existencia de muerte celular programada en este parásito.

Giardia intestinalis is an early-branching eukaryote and its low complexity represents a valuable opportunity to unravel the mysteries of essential processes in more complex eukaryotes. In addition, the genome of G. intestinalis is completely sequenced and its entire life cycle can be reproduced in vitro. All these characteristics make of Giardia an ideal model for studying cellular mechanisms, such as programmed cell death. Apoptosis is one of the most complex types of programmed cell death and plays an essential role during cell development, cell proliferation and immune response. Recently it has been reported that in Giardia can take place events that resemble apoptosis and although our results support this hypothesis, molecules involved in this process have not yet been identified. This review includes a description of the morphology and structure of G. intestinalis, its life cycle, the disease that causes and the strategies for its treatment. In addition, we review what is known about apoptosis in protozoa, and specifically in G. intestinalis, and describe some results from our group supporting the existence of apoptosis-like programmed cell death in this parasite.

Frecuencia de parasitos intestinales y características epidemiológicas de la población infantil de 1 a 12 años que consulta al ambulatorio urbano tipo II de Cerro Gordo, Barquisimeto, estado Lara: enero-junio 2007 / Frequence of intestinal parasitism and epidemiological characteristics of the 1 to 12 year-old child population treated at the Cerro Gordo type II urban outpatient clinic, Barquisimeto, state Lara: january-june 2007

El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la frecuencia de parasitosis intestinales en el área de influencia del Ambulatorio Urbano Tipo II de Cerro Gordo, Barquisimeto, Estado Lara, realizando un estudio descriptivo transversal. Se evaluaron 106 niños entre 1 y 12 años de edad, realizando a cada uno examen de heces directo y concentrado con la técnica de Ritchie, demostrándo se parasitosis intestinal en 42,5%, predominando en escolares (48,9%), sin diferencias según el género. El agente más frecuente fue B. hominis (42,2%), seguido de G. lamblia (37,8%), Complejo Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar (13,3%), H. nana (11,1%) y A. lumbricoides (4,4%). Se encontró parasitado 41,7% de niños con estado nutricional normal y 35,7% de malnutridos. La presencia de parasitos intestinales mostró relación con la disposición inadecuada de basura (p=0.048). El lavado inadecuado de las manos se relacionó con prurito anal (p=0.008). La calidad inadecuada del agua se relacionó con Blastocistosis (p= 0,025) y comensales (p= 0,035). No hubo relación entre parasitosis intestinales y síntomas gastrointestinales, estrato social, disposición de excretas, presencia de vectores en el hogar, lavado y conservación de alimentos, frecuencia de recolección de basura, lavado de manos, antecedente de tratamiento antiparasitario y familiar parasitado

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine intestinal parasitism in children treated at the “Cerro Gordo” Type II Urban Outpatient Clinic in Barquisimeto, Lara. Feces samples were collected from 106 children (1-12 years old) and analyzed using both direct and Ritchie´s technique analyses, demonstrating intestinal parasitism in 42.5% of the children, predominantly of school age (48.9%), but independent of gender. The most frequent agent was Blastocystis hominis (42.2%), followed by Giardia lamblia (37.8%), Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar Complex (13.3%), Hymenolepis nana (11.1%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (4.4%). For children with a normal nutritional condition, 41.7% had parasites, while this value was 35.7% for nutritionally undernourished children. The presence of intestinal parasites showed relations to the community’s trash collection management program status (p=0.048). Poor hand washing habits were significantly associated with anal pruritus (p=0.008). Inadequate water quality was related to blastocystosis (p= 0.025) and comensals (p= 0.035). The presence of parasites was not associated with specific gastrointestinal symptoms, socioeconomic status, disposition of excreta, presence of vectors in the home, food washing and storage, frequency of garbage collection, washing of hands, family parasitism history and anti-parasite treatment antecedents

Prevalencia de parasitosis intestinales en niños de acogida saharauis / Prevalence of intestinal parasite infestation in foster children from the Sahara

El artículo es un estudio retrospectivo para conocer la prevalencia de parasitaciones intestinales en niños de acogida saharauis en la provincia de Cuenca (España). Se incluyeron un total de 157 muestras de 90 pacientes durante un período de cinco años. Encontramos que los pacientes presentaban un porcentaje de parasitación del 37,37%. Sería conveniente realizar un protocolo para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de las parasitaciones intestinales en estos niños (AU)

We performed a retrospective study to find out the prevalence of intestinal parasite infestation in foster children from the Sahara in Cuenca (Spain). We included 157 samples from 90 patients over a five-year period. It was found that 37.37% of the children were infected with pathological parasites. It would be advisable to develop a protocol for the diagnosis and treatment of intestinal parasite infestation in these children (AU)

Intestinal parasites in immigrants in the city of Naples (southern Italy).

The present study was aimed at carrying out a cross-sectional copromicroscopic survey of helminths and intestinal protozoa in immigrants in Naples (southern Italy). Between October 2008 and November 2009, a total of 514 immigrants were tested comparing the FLOTAC dual technique and the ethyl acetate concentration technique. Combined results of the two techniques served as a diagnostic 'gold' standard and revealed an overall prevalence of parasitic infections of 61.9% (318/514). The ethyl acetate concentration technique detected a low number of positive results (49.0%) and this was confirmed for each helminth/protozoa species detected. Among helminths, Trichuris trichiura (3.9%), hookworms (3.7%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (1.4%) were the most prevalent. Strongyloides stercoralis (0.4%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.4%), Schistosoma mansoni (1.0%), Hymenolepis nana (1.6%) and Taenia spp. (0.2%) were also found, as well as zoonotic helminths, as Trichostrongylus spp. (0.8%) and Dicrocoelium dendriticum (0.8%). As regard to pathogenic protozoa, Blastocystis hominis was the most commonly detected (52.7%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar/Entamoeba moshkovskii (11.9%) and Giardia duodenalis (4.5%). Several issues concerning diagnosis, epidemiology and public health impact of parasitic infections in immigrants are offered for discussion. In conclusion, the present paper pointed out the need of better diagnosis and cure of the immigrant population in order to improve access to health care of this neglected and marginalised population group, for its own protection and care.

Larva migratoria cutánea / Cutaneous larva migrans

La larva migratoria cutánea es una entidad caracterizada por la penetración de gusanos en la piel, sobre todo Ancylostomabraziliense y Ancylostoma caninum. La imagen clínica típica es la de una tracto eritematoso serpinginoso en la piel, que con frecuencia es pruriginoso y que normalmente afecta a los pies, las piernas y las nalgas. Es una enfermedad autolimitada, aunque un tratamiento antihelmíntico eficaz puede disminuir los síntomas y acortar su duración (AU)

Cutaneous larva migrans results from skin penetration of worms, most commonly Ancylostoma braziliense and Ancylostomacaninum. The typical clinical picture is a serpiginous erythematous tract on the skin, often pruritic, normally affecting the feet, legs and buttocks. It is a self-limited disease, though an effective treatment can diminish the symptoms and shorten the duration of the disease (AU)

Enteroparasitoses numa população de escolares da rede pública de ensino do Município de Mirassol, São Paulo, Brasil / Enteroparasitoses in a population of students from a public school in the Municipality of Mirassol, São Paulo State, Brazil

Verificou-se a prevalência dos enteroparasitos em 310 alunos (2 a 15 anos) matriculados numa escola da rede pública do município de Mirassol, no Estado de São Paulo. Uma amostra fecal de cada criança foi coletada e processada pelos métodos Faust e de Hoffmann, Pons & Janer, usualmente empregados na detecção de protozoários e helmintos humanos. Das crianças analisadas apresentaram-se parasitadas 30,3 por cento, com pelo menos um parasito intestinal patogênico. Giardia Lamblia foi o protozoário mais frequente (15,16 por cento), seguido da Entamoeba histolytica (0,64 por cento). Os helmintos detectados foram: Ascaris lumbricoides (3,55 por cento), Strongiloides stercoralis e Taenia sp, que foram diagnosticados em 0,32 por cento das amostras avaliadas. Verificou-se associação significativa entre enteroparasitoses e uso de água de torneira. Não se observou significância estatística na comparação entre faixas etárias ou gênero e a presença de parasitos. Embora não tenhamos associado distúrbios gastrointestinais à presença de doenças parasitárias intestinais, a presença destes agentes pode provocar novos casos, visto que estas crianças podem funcionar como portadores e, portanto, fonte de contaminação. Este estudo sugere que um programa de educação continuada envolvido com a prevenção e tratamento das infecções parasitárias é uma medida fundamental para a sua erradicação.

This study observed the prevalence of intestinal parasites in 310 students (2 to 15 years old) enrolled in a public school in the Municipality of Mirassol, São Paulo State, Brazil. A stool sample was collected from each child and analyzed by the methods of Faust and Hoffmann, Pons and Janer, normally used for detection of protozoa and human helminths. A total of 30.3 per cent of the children analyzed were parasitized, with at least one pathogenic intestinal parasite. Giardia Lamblia was the most common protozoan (15.16 per cent), followed by Entamoeba histolytica (0.64 per cent). The helminths found were Ascaris lumbricoides (3.55 per cent), Strongiloides stercoralis and Taenia sp, which were diagnosed in 0.32 per cent of the samples. There was a significant association between the occurrence of enteroparasitoses and the use of tap water. The comparison between the age groups, gender and the presence of parasites showed no statistical relevance. Although there was no association between gastrointestinal disorders and the occurrence of intestinal parasitic diseases, these agents may cause new infections because the children can act as carriers and therefore a source of contamination. This article suggests that a continuing education program focused on the prevention and treatment of parasitic infections is a key measure for their eradication.