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Abstract Tapeworms of zoonotic importance have been described as a leading public health problem. Current research was aim to assess the prevalence of tapeworms among 5-12years school children residing in district Lower Dir, Pakistan from January 2019-December 2019. The wet mount preparation in saline/iodine/methods were used for stool examination. Data was analyzed using appropriate descriptive, static methods. Of the 400 children studied 71.7% were infected with one or more species of intestinal parasites. Single infection of cestode species was found in 69 individuals with 17.2% prevalence and multiple parasitic infections were identified in 19.7% (n=79/400) individuals. The multiple infection were comprised as 10% (n=40) double, 6.75% (n=27) triple and 3% (n=12) quadruple. A total of 9 species of helminths and one species of protozoan infection. Among the helminths Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent 33.1% (n=95), Taenia saginata 22.6% (n=65), hookworm 19.8% (n=57), Hymenolepis nana 18.8% (n=54), Enterobius vermicularis and Hymenolepis diminuta 1.39% (n=4each), Trichuris trichura 1.04% (n=3), Toxocara spp 0.69% (n=2) and Schistosoma japonicum 0.34% (n=1) were reported. One protozoan species was Cryptosporidium spp 0.69% (n=2) in current study. In case of A.lumbricoides, hookworm, E.vermicularis, T.trichura, T.saginata, H.nana and H.diminuta the male children of below 8 years of age were highly infected. Other infections are reported in the same prevalence with slight difference if any. We conclude that there is a need for mass scale campaigns to create awareness regarding health and hygiene in children and the need for development of effective poverty control programs because deworming alone is not adequate to control parasitic infections. Resumo As tênias de importância zoonótica têm sido descritas como um dos principais problemas de saúde pública. A pesquisa atual teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de tênias entre crianças em idade escolar de 5 a 12 anos que residem no distrito de Lower Dir, Paquistão, de janeiro de 2019 a dezembro de 2019. Os métodos de preparação para montagem úmida em solução salina/iodo foram usados para exame de fezes. Os dados foram analisados usando métodos descritivos e estáticos apropriados. Das 400 crianças estudadas, 71,7% estavam infectadas com uma ou mais espécies de parasitas intestinais. Infecção única de espécies de cestóides foi encontrada em 69 indivíduos com prevalência de 17,2% e infecções parasitárias múltiplas foram identificadas em 19,7% (n = 79/400) indivíduos. As infecções múltiplas foram compostas por 10% (n = 40) dupla, 6,75% (n = 27) tripla e 3% (n = 12) quádrupla. Um total de 9 espécies de helmintos e uma espécie de infecção por protozoários. Entre os helmintos, Ascaris lumbricoides foi o mais prevalente 33,1% (n = 95), Taenia saginata 22,6% (n = 65), ancilóstomo 19,8% (n = 57), Hymenolepis nana 18,8% (n = 54), Enterobius vermicularis e Hymenolepis diminuta 1,39% (n = 4cada), Trichuris trichura 1,04% (n = 3), Toxocara spp 0,69% (n = 2) e Schistosoma japonicum 0,34% (n = 1). Uma espécie de protozoário foi Cryptosporidium spp 0,69% (n = 2) no estudo atual. No caso de A.lumbricoides, ancilostomíase, E.vermicularis, T.trichura, T.saginata, H.nana e H.diminuta, as crianças do sexo masculino com menos de 8 anos de idade estavam altamente infectadas. Outras infecções são relatadas na mesma prevalência, com ligeira diferença, se houver. Concluímos que há uma necessidade de campanhas em massa para criar consciência sobre saúde e higiene em crianças e a necessidade de desenvolvimento de programas eficazes de controle da pobreza, porque a desparasitação por si só não é adequada para controlar infecções parasitárias.

Background Intestinal parasitosis are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in Africa. The tropical climate in the D.R. Congo provides parasites with an environment conducive to their proliferation. The prevalence rates of intestinal parasitosis remain poorly understood in the D.R. Congo. Objective This study aims to estimate the overall and specific prevalence of intestinal parasitosis and to determine an association between intestinal parasitosis and the season at CHUNDE. Methods From January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021, patients for whom a direct stool examination was requested at the Notre Dame de l’Espérance University Hospital Center were included in this study. Stool samples were collected and examined under an optical microscope. Results During the period of the study, we recorded 187 patients aged 2 to 77 years. The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 75.40%. The specific prevalence rates for parasites were as follows: E. histolytica/dispar , the most common, with a prevalence of 55.08%, followed by P. hominis and G. lamblia with respective prevalence rates of 9.09% and 6.24%. A. lumbricoide had a prevalence of 27.81%, followed by S. mansoni , A. duodenalis , and E. vermicularis with respective prevalence rates of 3.74%, 1.60%, and 1.07%. There was no association between the season and the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis. Conclusion The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was higher amang symptomatic patients at CHUNDE. There is no statistically valid association between the season and the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in both cooperative-affiliated and independent waste pickers operating at the municipal sanitary landfill in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and associate these findings with hemoglobin, eosinophils, vitamin A and C levels and interleukin 5 and 10 (IL-5 and IL-10) production. Biological samples were collected, in addition to clinical, epidemiological, and sociodemographic data. Stool analyzes were based on sedimentation by centrifugation and on spontaneous sedimentation. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine vitamin A and C levels. ELISA was employed to quantify interleukins. Intestinal parasites were found in 29 of the 66 subjects assessed (43.9%). Endolimax nana (22.7%), Entamoeba coli (21.1%), Giardia lamblia (6.1%), Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (4.5%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (4.5%) were the most prevalent species. Pathogenic parasites were detected in 11 individuals (16.7%). Hypovitaminoses A and C were detected in 19.6% (13/66) and 98.4% (65/66) of subjects, respectively. IL-5 and IL-10 production was observed in 21 (31.8%) and 32 (48.4%) subjects, respectively. Infection with pathogenic intestinal parasites was not a cause of vitamin A and C deficiency or IL-5 and IL-10 production among these workers.

Background Some reports are available on the prevalence of opportunistic parasitoses among hemodialysis (HD) patients, yet there is a paucity of data on the association of CD4+ T-cell counts with such infections. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and Toxoplasma gondii in relation to CD4+ counts among HD patients in Alexandria, Egypt. Methods A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 HD patients and 100 apparently healthy individuals between December 2014 and January 2016. Data and samples (stool and blood) were collected from the participants after obtaining their informed consent. Stool samples were examined for parasites after concentration and staining, EDTA-blood samples were used for CD4+ counting by flow cytometry, and sera were analyzed for anti- Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies. Results A significantly higher prevalence rate of intestinal parasitoses was found among HD patients compared to apparently healthy individuals (52.5% vs. 12.0%, respectively), with absence of helminths. Cryptosporidium species (32.5%), B. hominis (24.2%) and microsporidia (11.7%) were the most frequent parasites among HD patients, while B. hominis (13.0%), Cryptosporidium species (11.0%) and G. lamblia (4.0%) were the most frequent parasites among their counterparts. Statistically significant differences in parasite infection rates between patients and their counterparts were found for Cryptosporidium species, B. hominis and microsporidia. However, parasite species were not significantly associated with diarrhea. On the other hand, the overall T. gondii seroprevalence rate among HD patients was significantly higher than that among their counterparts (33.3% vs. 8%, respectively). HD patients with CD4+ counts < 200 cells/μl were twice more exposed to intestinal parasitoses compared to those with counts ≥200 cells/μl, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, low CD4+ counts were significantly associated with higher rates of Cryptosporidium species, microsporidia and T. gondii . Conclusions Intestinal parasitoses and T. gondii infection rates are significantly higher among Egyptian HD patients compared to apparently healthy individuals, with Cryptosporidium species, B. hominis , microsporidia and T. gondii being the most frequent parasites. CD4+ counts < 200 cells/μl are significantly associated with Cryptosporidium species, microsporidia and T. gondii among HD patients. Therefore, regular screening of HD patients for opportunistic parasites is recommended.

Summary The research paper explores the burden and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections among pregnant women in Sikkim, India, categorized as neglected tropical diseases affecting 1.5 billion globally, with higher rates in tropical regions. These infections pose significant health risks, causing anemia, poor maternal-perinatal health, and perpetuating generational undernutrition and recurrent infections. A cross-sectional study of 100 pregnant women in Sikkim aimed to determine the burden of intestinal parasitosis and associated sociodemographic factors. It reported a lower prevalence compared to similar studies, with Giardia Lamblia as the dominant parasite. The study found a significant link between intestinal parasitosis and anemia. In conclusion, the paper recommends routine screening and deworming for pregnant women with low hemoglobin levels, emphasizing health education and awareness about intestinal parasitosis during pregnancy, especially in resource-limited settings. Adherence to India's National Guidelines for Deworming during pregnancy is crucial.

Objective: This study aims to determine the association between anthropometric values and laboratory tests with parasitosis diagnosis and identify diagnostic models for parasitosis without relying on copro-parasitological examinations. Methods: Data were collected from 1894 children aged 0–14 who attended a medical center for low-income children in Lima, Peru, between 2021 and 2022. Anthropometric data (BMI, weight, height), laboratory data (red blood cells, hemoglobin, platelets, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, eosinophils), and parasitological examination results were analyzed. Prevalence ratios for the association between parasitosis and each anthropometric and laboratory variable were estimated using multivariable Poisson regression. Regression models were developed for each type of parasite found, and the diagnostic value was assessed using ROC curves. Results: A high prevalence of parasitosis was identified (41.9%), including Blastocystis hominis (29.1%), Endolimax nana (7.76%), Entamoeba coli (5.97%), Giardia duodenalis (6.44%), and Enterobius vermicularis (1.85%). It was found that the male sex (PRa 1.18), the age group of 2–5 years (PRa 4.83) and >5 years (PRa 4.59), the percentage of eosinophils (PRa 1.02 for every 1% increase), and height/age with −5 SD (PRa 1.34) were associated with a greater risk of parasitosis. Satisfactory values were only shown for diagnostic models associating Enterobius vermicularis and BMI, with a diagnostic value of 70.9% and 70.2% for a BMI < 12 and hematocrit > 29.8%, and BMI < 12 and hemoglobin < 10.6 g/L, respectively. Conclusions: Satisfactory diagnostic value models were only found for parasitosis by Enterobius vermicularis, suggesting the potential for reducing reliance on copro-parasitological exams in resource-limited settings.

Maintaining high hygiene standards is essential for preventing foodborne diseases in healthcare settings and ensuring environmental safety. This study aimed to assess hygiene conditions related to fungal contamination and intestinal parasitism in a Tunisian hospital catering department. Thirty-one food handlers participated, with a mean age of 39.9 ± 3 years (range: 22–59 years). All food handlers underwent stool and scotch tape tests for intestinal parasitosis, and mycological exams to confirm dermatomycoses. Fungal contamination was assessed using swabs from hands, countertops, and utensils. While all anal scotch tape tests were negative, stool samples revealed parasitic organisms in 35% of workers, primarily Blastocystis sp., indicating a significant concern for potential foodborne infections. Pathogenic protozoa were detected in two employees, with polyparasitism observed in two cases. Dermatomycosis was diagnosed in 45% of the examined individuals, with fungal etiology found in 14 of 16 skin and nail lesions. Furthermore, fungi were present on the hands of 80% of workers and in 76.5% of samples from countertops and kitchen utensils. Given the high prevalence of intestinal parasites and fungal contamination, the findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced hygiene measures to reduce the risk of food contamination, ultimately promoting a healthier environment and safeguarding public health. This study aligns with the scope of environmental integration by emphasizing the interconnections between hygiene practices, food safety, and environmental health in healthcare settings.

Background: Intestinal parasitosis constitute a major public health issue, particularly in sub-tropical and tropical areas. Even though they are classified as neglected tropical diseases, no national study has been carried out recently in Guinea to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis. Objective: A systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in Guinea. Method: The PRISMA method was used to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis. The studies carried out in order to study intestinal parasitosis in Guinea and published between 2010 and 2020 were searched in online public databases. The prevalence of parasitosis was calculated by a random-effects meta-analysis. Subgroup comparisons were performed using Q-tests. Statistical analyses were performed with the R software. This review was registered with PROSPERO under the identification number CRD42022349743. Results: 69 studies were selected out of 1230 studies identified in online public databases. The meta-analysis involved 44,186 people with an overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections of 52%. Conclusions: This is the first study in Guinea to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in different regions of the country. It was found that intestinal parasitosis are a real health problem in Guinea, hence, the need to put in place national strategies for regular control.

Las parasitosis siguen siendo un grave problema de salud en pediatría, no tanto por la mortalidad que ocasionan sino por la morbilidad y sus secuelas en el crecimiento y desarrollo de los niños y en su desempeño en la vida adulta. Dentro de los parásitos de mayor prevalencia en los niños, están los que se transmiten por contacto con el suelo (geohelmintos o helmintos transmitidos por contacto con el suelo, HTS), dentro de los cuales, los de mayor prevalencia, son los áscaris, tricocéfalos y uncinarias. Como los parásitos intestinales no se reproducen en el organismo humano, su principal fuente de contagio se da a través del suelo que esté contaminado con materias fecales. Es por esta razón que los principales factores determinantes son: contaminación fecal del ambiente, agua contaminada, falta de excretas y malos hábitos higiénicos, especialmente en el lavado de manos. Sus manifestaciones clínicas son variables en intensidad y en signos, hay que tener presente que muchas de las personas parasitadas pueden estar asintomáticas durante mucho tiempo, pero siguen excretando huevos en las fecales, contaminando así el ambiente y perpetuando su prevalencia. Por esta razón, la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) recomienda que en aquellas regiones o áreas donde la prevalencia de las geohelmintiasis sea igual o superior al 20% se debe hacer una desparasitación masiva y con una periodicidad acorde con la gravedad de esta prevalencia. En la actualidad se dispone de antiparasitarios efectivos, fáciles de suministrar (incluso por personal no médico). Los más comunes (albendazol y mebendazol) actúan inhibiendo la síntesis de adenosín trifosfato (ATP) necesario para su supervivencia. Como solamente se absorbe entre el 1% y el 5% del medicamento y su metabolismo es rápido, los efectos secundarios son leves y transitorios. Lo ideal es emplearlos en los pacientes que vivan en zonas de riesgo y en comunidades con una prevalencia igual o mayor al 20%, continuando con desparasitaciones periódicas de acuerdo al comportamiento de la prevalencia. Es evidente el impacto que se logra con la desparasitación periódica, tanto en el crecimiento y en el estado nutricional, como en el desempeño cognitivo, así como sus efectos en el campo social y ambiental.

Background The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology of intestinal parasitoses during a 5-year period in patients attending a tertiary-care hospital in a non-endemic setting. Methods In the period 2006–2010, 15,752 samples from 8,886 patients with clinically suspected parasitosis were subjected to macroscopic and microscopic examination, to parasitic antigen detection assays, and to cultures for protozoa and nematodes. Real-time PCR assays for the differentiation of Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar and for the detection of Dientamoeba fragilis were also used. A statistical analysis evaluating the demographic data of the patients with intestinal parasitic infections was performed. Results Intestinal parasitic infections were diagnosed in 1,477 patients (16.6% prevalence), mainly adults and immigrants from endemic areas for faecal-oral infections; protozoa were detected in 93.4% and helminths in 6.6% of the cases, the latter especially in immigrants. Blastocystis hominis was the most common intestinal protozoan, and G. intestinalis was the most frequently detected among pathogenic protozoa, prevalent in immigrants, males, and pediatric patients. Both single (77.9%) and mixed (22.1%) parasitic infections were observed, the latter prevalent in immigrants. Conclusions Despite the importance of the knowledge about the epidemiology of intestinal parasitoses in order to adopt appropriate control measures and adequate patient care all over the world, data regarding industrialized countries are rarely reported in the literature. The data presented in this study indicate that intestinal parasitic infections are frequently diagnosed in our laboratory and could make a contribution to stimulate the attention by physicians working in non-endemic areas on the importance of suspecting intestinal parasitoses.