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Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Mar 2023is an infestation that affects approximately one-seventh of the world's population. is a common inhabitant of the intestines of people with low-socioeconomic incomes,...
UNLABELLED
is an infestation that affects approximately one-seventh of the world's population. is a common inhabitant of the intestines of people with low-socioeconomic incomes, especially in underdeveloped countries of the world. infestation is more prone to infestation with serious complications such as intestinal obstruction, volvulus, intussusception, and intestinal necrosis at higher rates in children than in adults.
CASE PRESENTATION
The authors present here two cases of small bowel obstruction caused by massive that were admitted to the pediatric surgery service after completing a clinical and physical examination, and we operated after rehydration. Both underwent surgical resection with an end-to-end anastomosis. The patient was discharged uneventfully with a plan for de-worming treatment in 6 weeks.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Ascariasis is a round intestinal worm infestation transmitted by fecal or oral contamination. Eating and excreting ascaris eggs lead to ascariasis and excrete human feces, which contaminate foods, soil, and/or water in unsanitary environments. In contrast, in the first case of this study, the diagnosis was made by ultrasound and erect abdominal radiography, and, in the second case, an abdominal ultrasound result was equivocal and required an abdominal computed tomography scan for confirmation. Treatment of small bowel obstruction by roundworms is usually surgical, but in the absence of signs of peritonitis, medical management can give effective results, even in the case of total obstruction.
CONCLUSION
The type of surgery undertaken is determined by the results of the laparotomy. If the bowel was found to be intact and the obstruction was at the ileum level, milking worms to the cecum can be done with caution to avoid trauma to the bowel wall. Primary anastomosis after resection of a necrotic bowel segment and removal of the worm bolus is a suitable method for treatment of the ascariasis obstruction.
PubMed: 36923774
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000000224 -
Cureus Jan 2023Introduction Geohelminthic infections are the most common infections worldwide and affect the poorest and most deprived communities. School-age children typically have...
Introduction Geohelminthic infections are the most common infections worldwide and affect the poorest and most deprived communities. School-age children typically have the highest intensity of worm infection. Currently, information on the prevalence of geohelminthic infestations among schoolchildren is scarce in Kerala. As a result, it would be worthwhile to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of a geohelminthic infestation among schoolchildren in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram district. Materials and methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 454 primary school children (5-10 years) in the Thiruvananthapuram district. Samples were selected by stratified multi-stage sampling, and the data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. The stool examination was performed for each study subject, and the data were recorded. Results The overall prevalence of geohelminthic infections was 9.69% (95% confidence interval: 5.62-14.61), with Ascaris (A.) lumbricoides accounting for 5.7%, Trichuris (T.) trichiura accounting for 3.3%, and hookworm accounting for 0.7%. Children residing in rural areas (odds ratio (OR): 40.16; 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.28-305.3), studying in government schools (OR: 3.06 with 95% CI: 1.55-6.05), and using piped water as a source of drinking water (OR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.01-3.77) were found to be significant and had emerged as risk factors for geohelminthic infestation. Children wearing footwear while playing outside (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.39-1.5) and having personal hygiene class in school (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.14-0.83) were found to be significant and had emerged as protective factors for geohelminthic infestations. Conclusion The prevalence of geohelminthic infestations among schoolchildren in this study was 9.7%. The individual species prevalence of A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, and hookworm were 5.7%, 3.3%, and 0.7%, respectively. In addition to geohelminthic infestation, this study discovered a prevalence of 0.9% with Enterobius vermicularis. The factors found to be significantly associated with geohelminthic infestation after doing multivariate analysis were children belonging to government schools, residing in rural areas, and using piped water as a source of drinking water.
PubMed: 36843715
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34116 -
PloS One 2022Distribution of schistosomiasis is more focal due to spatial heterogeneities in intermediate host snail dynamics and water contact behavior of humans. This makes the...
BACKGROUND
Distribution of schistosomiasis is more focal due to spatial heterogeneities in intermediate host snail dynamics and water contact behavior of humans. This makes the search for new transmission foci of schistosomiasis and its connection with malacologically receptive water bodies essential for effective control of its transmission. This study was intended to assess the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections among schoolchildren and Schistosoma mansoni transmission in Koga irrigation scheme surroundings, northwest Ethiopia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Cross-sectional parasitological and malacological surveys were conducted in three schools and nearby water bodies, respectively around Koga irrigation scheme. Stool specimens were collected from 421 randomly selected schoolchildren and microscopically examined using Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration methods. Malacological surveys were carried out and the identified Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails were screened for schistosome infection. Swiss albino mice were exposed to schistosome cercariae shed by Biomphalaria pfeifferi for definite identification of Schistosoma species.
RESULTS
Among the examined schoolchildren, 22.6% (95% CI: 18.7%-26.9%) were positive for at least one intestinal helminths species. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most frequent intestinal helminth detected among forty (9.5%) children. Schistosoma mansoni was detected among 4.8% (95% CI: 2.9%-7.2%) of children and its prevalence was significantly higher among male children (p = 0.038) and those attending in Mengesha Jemberie Primary School (p = 0.044). Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails were identified in water bodies in close proximity to Mengesha Jemberie and Wotete Abay Primay schools. Schistosoma mansoni adult worms were harvested after exposure of mice to cercariae shed from Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails collected from water bodies nearby Mengesha Jemberie Primary School.
CONCLUSIONS
Schistosoma mansoni infection of schoolchildren, findings of schistosome infected snails and establishment of mice infection confirm that transmission is taking place in the study areas. Hence, snail control and other measures such as provision of sanitary facilities and health education are recommended.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Biomphalaria; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethiopia; Helminthiasis; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Male; Mice; Prevalence; Schistosoma mansoni; Schistosomatidae; Schistosomiasis; Schistosomiasis mansoni; Snails; Water
PubMed: 35939493
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272560 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Sep 2022Limited understanding exists about the interactions between malaria and soil-transmitted helminths (STH), their potential geographical overlap and the factors driving...
BACKGROUND
Limited understanding exists about the interactions between malaria and soil-transmitted helminths (STH), their potential geographical overlap and the factors driving it. This study characterised the geographical and co-clustered distribution patterns of malaria and STH infections among vulnerable populations in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
We obtained continuous estimates of malaria prevalence from the Malaria Atlas Project (MAP) and STH prevalence surveys from the WHO-driven Expanded Special Project for the Elimination of NTDs (ESPEN) from Jan 1, 2000, to Dec 31, 2018. Although, MAP provides datasets on the estimated prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum at 5km x 5km fine-scale resolution, we calculated the population-weighted prevalence of malaria for each implementation unit to ensure that both malaria and STH datasets were on the same spatial resolution. We incorporated survey data from 5,935 implementation units for STH prevalence and conducted the prevalence point estimates before and after 2003. We used the bivariate local indicator of spatial association (LISA analysis) to explore potential co-clustering of both diseases at the implementation unit levels among children aged 2-10 years for P. falciparum and 5-14 years for STH, living in SSA. Our analysis shows that prior to 2003, a greater number of SSA countries had a high prevalence of co-endemicity with P.falciparium and any STH species than during the period from 2003-2018. Similar prevalence and distribution patterns were observed for the co-endemicity involving P.falciparum-hookworm, P.falciparum-Ascaris lumbricoides and P.falciparum-Trichuris trichiura, before and after 2003. We also observed spatial variations in the estimates of the prevalence of P. falciparum-STH co-endemicity and identified hotspots across many countries in SSA with inter-and intra-country variations. High P. falciparum and high hookworm co-endemicity was more prevalent in West and Central Africa, whereas high P. falciparum with high A. lumbricoides and high P. falciparum with high T. trichiura co-endemicity were more predominant in Central Africa, compared to other sub-regions in SSA.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
Wide spatial heterogeneity exists in the prevalence of malaria and STH co-endemicity within the regions and within countries in SSA. The geographical overlap and spatial co-existence of malaria and STH could be exploited to achieve effective control and elimination agendas through the integration of the vertical control programmes designed for malaria and STH into a more comprehensive and sustainable community-based paradigm.
Topics: Africa South of the Sahara; Ancylostomatoidea; Animals; Child; Feces; Helminthiasis; Helminths; Humans; Malaria; Malaria, Falciparum; Prevalence; Soil
PubMed: 36178964
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010321 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2023Mass drug administration (MDA) of single-dose albendazole to all at-risk populations as preventive chemotherapy (deworming) is recommended by WHO to halt transmission of...
Mass drug administration (MDA) of single-dose albendazole to all at-risk populations as preventive chemotherapy (deworming) is recommended by WHO to halt transmission of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) in endemic countries. We assessed the effectiveness of single-dose albendazole against STH infection in the western province of Rwanda, where STH prevalence remains high despite the implementation of preventive chemotherapy for over a decade. Two weeks before the scheduled MDA, 4998 school children (5-15 years old) were screened for STH infections (, , and hookworm), and 1526 children who tested positive for at least one type of STH parasite were enrolled and received single-dose albendazole (400 mg) through MDA. A follow-up stool exam was performed at three weeks post-treatment using Kato-Katz. Efficacy was assessed by cure rate (CR), defined as the proportion of children who became egg-free, and egg reduction rates (ERRs) at three weeks post-treatment. The CR and ERR for hookworms (CR = 96.7%, ERR = 97.4%) was above, and for (CR = 95.1%, ERR = 94.6%) was borderline compared with the WHO efficacy threshold (CR and ERR ≥ 95%). However, the CR and ERR for (CR = 17.6% ERR = 40.3%) were below the WHO threshold for efficacy (CR and ERR ≥ 50%). Having moderate-to-heavy infection intensity and coinfection with another type of STH parasites were independent risk factors for lower CR and ERR against ( < 0.001). Single-dose albendazole used in the MDA program is efficacious for the treatment and control for hookworms and infections but not effective for . An alternative treatment regimen is urgently needed to prevent, control, and eliminate STH as a public health problem.
PubMed: 37259291
DOI: 10.3390/ph16020139 -
Cureus Jan 2023is a fairly common intestinal nematode affecting children worldwide, leading to major medical and surgical complications. Although most of the cases are asymptomatic,...
is a fairly common intestinal nematode affecting children worldwide, leading to major medical and surgical complications. Although most of the cases are asymptomatic, heavy infestation causes various acute abdominal complications. -induced intestinal intussusception is one of the rare presentations. We report a case of a 13-year-old boy with infestation presenting with ileocolic intussusception. The patient presented to the emergency unit with colicky abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation for two days. He was sick-looking and dehydrated. Further examination revealed diffuse abdominal distension with tenderness, guarding, and palpable mass in the right lower quadrant. Ultrasonography showed long-segment ileocolic intussusception with several worms in the intestinal lumen and adjacent mesenteric lymphadenopathy. An exploratory laparotomy was performed, which revealed ileocolic intussusception. The telescopic loop of the ileum was found to be gangrenous and was resected, and a loop ileostomy was performed. The patient was discharged on the seventh day postoperatively without any complications. Physicians in tropical and subtropical countries should consider this condition in the differential diagnosis when they encounter similar presentations in their clinical practice. Sonography is a non-invasive, easy-to-use, and widely available imaging modality that can be employed to diagnose entrapped in cases presenting with acute gastrointestinal complications. Early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention can prevent bowel ischemia/gangrene and significantly reduce morbidity and mortality associated with such cases.
PubMed: 36819331
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33909 -
Research Square May 2023Malaria and intestinal parasite infection are common in developing countries. These Parasites causes anaemia and malnutrition mostly in children. For this reason, it is...
INTRODUCTION
Malaria and intestinal parasite infection are common in developing countries. These Parasites causes anaemia and malnutrition mostly in children. For this reason, it is important to study these infections and their effects in order to monitor interventions to control them. This study aims to determine prevalence of malaria and intestinal parasite infections and their association with nutritional status among febrile children in Accra, Ghana.
METHODS
The study was conducted among febrile children aged 6 months to 5 years attending three health facilities in Accra from May to October, 2022. A total of 315 children were selected for the study. Anthropometric measurement was done for each participant. Blood and stool samples were collected for investigation. Thick and thin blood smears stained with 10% Giemsa were prepared and examined for Plasmodium parasite using microscopy. Stool samples were processed using direct wet mount and formalin-ether concentration method and examined for intestinal parasites using microscopy. Haemoglobin concentration was measured using automatic haematology analyzer.
RESULTS
A total of 24% (76/315) were positive for malaria. accounted for 77.6% (59/76) of parasitaemia, whereas was 22.4% (17/76). Prevalence of intestinal parasite infection was 10.7% (34/315). accounted for 17/315 (5.3%) of the entire children, followed by 8/315 (2.5%), Hookworm 6/315 (1.9%) and 3/315 (0.9%). A total of 15/315 (5%) of the participants had co-infection of malaria and intestinal parasite infection. Prevalence of anaemia, malnutrition, stunting, wasting and underweight were (72%), (30.7%), (16.2%), (24.4%) and (57.1%) respectively. Malaria was significantly associated with anaemia (p = 0.000) and underweight (p = 0.013). Ascaris lumbricoides was significantly associated with wasting (p = 0.010). Giardia lamblia was significantly association with malnutrition (p = 0.000) and Stunting (p = 0.000), whereas Hookworm was found to be significantly associated with anaemia (p = 0.021).
CONCLUSION
Prevalence of IPI in this study was less than previously reported, most likely due to regular deworming of most of the children. However, Malaria and intestinal parasitic infection were significantly associated with anaemia and malnutrition including wasting, stunting, and underweight.
PubMed: 37214835
DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2891006/v1 -
BMC Medicine May 2021Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are highly prevalent in resource-limited countries. We assessed the effect of a combination intervention aiming to enhance... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Hand hygiene intervention to optimise soil-transmitted helminth infection control among primary school children: the Mikono Safi cluster randomised controlled trial in northwestern Tanzania.
BACKGROUND
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are highly prevalent in resource-limited countries. We assessed the effect of a combination intervention aiming to enhance handwashing with soap on STH reinfection following mass drug administration among primary school children in Kagera region, Northwestern Tanzania.
METHODS
We conducted a cluster randomised trial in sixteen primary schools with known high STH prevalence. Schools were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either receive the intervention or continue with routine health education. The intervention included teacher-led classroom teaching, parental engagement sessions, environmental modifications and improved handwashing stations. The evaluation involved two cross-sectional surveys in a representative sample of students, with the end-line survey conducted 12 months after the baseline survey. The primary outcome was the combined prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura infections at the end-line survey. Secondary outcomes included reported handwashing behaviour, the prevalence and intensity of individual STHs, and hand contamination with STH ova and coliform bacteria. End-line STH prevalence and intensity were adjusted for baseline differences of potential confounders.
RESULTS
At the end-line survey, 3081 school children (1566 from intervention schools and 1515 from control schools) provided interview data and stool specimens. More school children in the intervention group reported the use of water and soap during handwashing compared to school children in the control group (58% vs. 35%; aOR=1.76, 95%CI 1.28-2.43, p=0.001). The combined prevalence of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura infections was 39% in both trial arms (aOR = 1.19; 95%CI 0.74-1.91). The prevalence of A. lumbricoides was 15% in the intervention and 17% in the control arm (aOR =1.24, 95%CI 0.59-2.59) and that of T. trichiura was 31% in both arms (aOR=1.17, 95%CI 0.73-1.88). No significant differences were found for STH infection intensity in both the main study and the hand contamination sub-study.
CONCLUSIONS
The intervention was effective in increasing reported handwashing behaviour at school, but failed to show a similar effect in the home. The intervention had no effect on STH infection, possibly due to infection in the home environment, other transmission routes such as contaminated water or food or limited changes in school children's handwashing behaviour.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The trial was registered on June 21, 2017, by the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number ( ISRCTN45013173) .
Topics: Animals; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Feces; Hand Hygiene; Helminthiasis; Helminths; Humans; Infection Control; Prevalence; Schools; Soil; Tanzania
PubMed: 34016091
DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-01987-6 -
IDCases 2021Gall bladder ascariasis is a rare entity. The causative organism for gall bladder ascariasis is Ascaris lumbricoides It usually presents as acute acalculous...
Gall bladder ascariasis is a rare entity. The causative organism for gall bladder ascariasis is Ascaris lumbricoides It usually presents as acute acalculous cholecystitis. Conservative management with anti-helminthic drugs is preferred while sometimes the patient may need surgical intervention.
PubMed: 34815938
DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2021.e01333 -
Microorganisms Oct 2023Indigenous people live in remote areas of Colombia. Multiple infections with bacteria, protozoa and/or helminths are common, as well as colonization in various forms....
Indigenous people live in remote areas of Colombia. Multiple infections with bacteria, protozoa and/or helminths are common, as well as colonization in various forms. This study focused on the question of whether and to what extent various pathogens interact with each other. Therefore, a mathematical approach was retrospectively applied to PCR-based data of 244 stool samples, collected in two datasets. A stable cluster solution of the pathogens assessed was determined, and a unique configuration between / spp./ forming cluster 1 and was verified. A pathogen density-dependent interplay appeared between the / spp./ cluster, and . The applied mathematical approach demonstrated that co-infections with parasites of questionable pathological relevance such as and can be of diagnostic relevance due to their ability to promote or repress other pathogens. With the increasing availability of highly sensitive multiplexed molecular diagnostic approaches even in resource-limited settings, where multiple colonization of infection events with enteric pathogens in parallel are common, the importance of interpreting whole pathogen patterns rather than just individual pathogen detection may become more and more relevant.
PubMed: 38004654
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112642