scholarly journals Molecular Diversity of Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Blastocystis sp. in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Schoolchildren in Zambézia Province (Mozambique)

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aly S. Muadica ◽  
Pamela C. Köster ◽  
Alejandro Dashti ◽  
Begoña Bailo ◽  
Marta Hernández-de-Mingo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Molecular Diversity ◽  
Giardia Duodenalis ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Cryptosporidium Spp ◽  
Asymptomatic Children ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
Blastocystis Sp

Infections by the protist enteroparasites Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and, to a much lesser extent, Blastocystis sp. are common causes of childhood diarrhoea in low-income countries. This molecular epidemiological study assesses the frequency and molecular diversity of these pathogens in faecal samples from asymptomatic schoolchildren (n = 807) and symptomatic children seeking medical attention (n = 286) in Zambézia province, Mozambique. Detection and molecular characterisation of pathogens was conducted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods coupled with Sanger sequencing. Giardia duodenalis was the most prevalent enteric parasite found [41.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 38.8–44.7%], followed by Blastocystis sp. (14.1%, 95% CI: 12.1–16.3%), and Cryptosporidium spp. (1.6%, 95% CI: 0.9–2.5%). Sequence analyses revealed the presence of assemblages A (7.0%, 3/43) and B (88.4%, 38/43) within G. duodenalis-positive children. Four Cryptosporidium species were detected, including C. hominis (30.8%; 4/13), C. parvum (30.8%, 4/13), C. felis (30.8%, 4/13), and C. viatorum (7.6%, 1/13). Four Blastocystis subtypes were also identified including ST1 (22.7%; 35/154), ST2 (22.7%; 35/154), ST3 (45.5%; 70/154), and ST4 (9.1%; 14/154). Most of the genotyped samples were from asymptomatic children. This is the first report of C. viatorum and Blastocystis ST4 in Mozambique. Molecular data indicate that anthropic and zoonotic transmission (the latter at an unknown rate) are important spread pathways of diarrhoea-causing pathogens in Mozambique.

scholarly journals Intestinal parasites in children hospitalized at the Central Hospital in Maputo, Mozambique

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (06) ◽  
pp. 786-789 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Maria Fonseca ◽  
Natercia Fernandes ◽  
Filipa S Ferreira ◽  
Joana Gomes ◽  
Sónia Centeno-Lima
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Giardia Duodenalis ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Central Hospital ◽  
Concentration Technique ◽  
Contagious Diseases ◽  
Parasite Detection ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Direct Microscopic Observation

Introduction: Intestinal parasites are important contributors to the global disease burden, especially in children of low-income countries. The present study determined the frequency of intestinal parasites in children hospitalized at the diarrhea section of the Infectious-Contagious Diseases ward and at the Malnutrition ward of the Department of Pediatrics of the Maputo Central Hospital in Mozambique. Methodology: This pilot study conducted between February and March 2009 enrolled a total of 93 children between 1.5 and 48.2 months of age; 87.1% were younger than 24 months. Parasite detection in stool samples was achieved using direct microscopic observation and Ritchie’s concentration technique. Results: Infection with pathogenic intestinal parasites was detected in 16.1% (15/93) of the children. Giardia duodenalis and Trichuris trichiura were the most common parasites (6.5%, 6/93 each), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (2.2%, 2/93). One case of mixed infection with A. lumbricoides plus T. trichiura was also detected. Conclusion: This study reinforces the importance of routinely examining stool samples for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites (including protozoa) in children hospitalized in endemic areas.

scholarly journals Genetic Analysis of Zoonotic Gastrointestinal Protozoa and Microsporidia in Shelter Cats in South Korea

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 894
Author(s):  
Dongmi Kwak ◽  
Min-Goo Seo
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Control Strategy ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Giardia Duodenalis ◽  
Enterocytozoon Bieneusi ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Intestinal Protozoa ◽  
Cryptosporidium Spp ◽  
Blastocystis Sp

Feral cats that are roaming outside can serve as reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens, negatively impacting public health. They may experience high levels of parasitic infection. Some gastrointestinal protozoa and microsporidia possessing zoonotic potential in cats include Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Blastocystis sp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Toxoplasma gondii. Here, we show the infection rates and risk factors of intestinal protozoa and microsporidia detected from shelter cats on Jeju Island in South Korea in 2020. Among 158 cats, we detected genes for five internal protozoa and microsporidia, namely, Cryptosporidium felis (0.6%), G. duodenalis (3.8%), Blastocystis sp. (0.6%), E. bieneusi (3.8%), and T. gondii (1.3%). Furthermore, 16 cats (10.1%) were PCR-positive for at least one protozoan or microsporidium. To our knowledge, this study is the first to describe the existence of C. felis, G. duodenalis assemblage F, Blastocystis sp. ST4 subtype, and E. bieneusi genotype Peru11 in cats in South Korea. Despite the small number of positive samples, this study expands our understanding of the incidence of zoonotic gastrointestinal protozoa and microsporidia in shelter cats and genetically characterizes the isolates found in the infected animals. Moreover, these findings emphasize the need for a better control strategy on protozoa and microsporidia in cats, tailored to their individual needs, to protect animal and public health.

scholarly journals Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Protist Infections in Hospital Inpatients in Southwestern China

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 684
Author(s):  
Shun-Xian Zhang ◽  
David Carmena ◽  
Cristina Ballesteros ◽  
Chun-Li Yang ◽  
Jia-Xu Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Giardia Duodenalis ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Cryptosporidium Spp ◽  
Male Female Ratio ◽  
Blastocystis Sp ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Etiological Agents ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Protist Species

Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia duodenalis, and Blastocystis sp. infections have been frequently reported as etiological agents for gastroenteritis, but also as common gut inhabitants in apparently healthy individuals. Between July 2016 and March 2017, stool samples (n = 507) were collected from randomly selected individuals (male/female ratio: 1.1, age range: 38‒63 years) from two sentinel hospitals in Tengchong City Yunnan Province, China. Molecular (PCR and Sanger sequencing) methods were used to detect and genotype the investigated protist species. Carriage/infection rates were: Blastocystis sp. 9.5% (95% CI: 7.1–12.4%), G. duodenalis 2.2% (95% CI: 1.1–3.8%); and E. histolytica 2.0% (95% CI: 0.9–3.6%). Cryptosporidium spp. was not detected at all. Overall, 12.4% (95% CI: 9.7–15.6) of the participants harbored at least one enteric protist species. The most common coinfection was E. histolytica and Blastocystis sp. (1.0%; 95% CI: 0.3–2.2). Sequence analyses revealed that 90.9% (10/11) of the genotyped G. duodenalis isolates corresponded to the sub-assemblage AI. The remaining sequence (9.1%, 1/11) was identified as sub-assemblage BIV. Five different Blastocystis subtypes, including ST3 (43.7%, 21/48), ST1 (27.1%, 13/48), ST7 (18.8%, 9/48), ST4 (8.3%, 4/48), and ST2 (2.1%, 1/48) were identified. Statistical analyses confirmed that (i) the co-occurrence of protist infections was purely random, (ii) no associations were observed among the four protist species found, and (iii) neither their presence, individually or jointly, nor the patient’s age was predictors for developing clinical symptoms associated with these infections. Overall, these protist mono- or coinfections are asymptomatic and do not follow any pattern.

scholarly journals Giardia duodenalis infection in the context of a community-based deworming and water, sanitation and hygiene trial in Timor-Leste

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Y. H. Aw ◽  
Naomi E. Clarke ◽  
James S. McCarthy ◽  
Rebecca J. Traub ◽  
Salvador Amaral ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Giardia Duodenalis ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Sanitation And Hygiene ◽  
Timor Leste ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Giardiasis is a common diarrhoeal disease caused by the protozoan Giardia duodenalis. It is prevalent in low-income countries in the context of inadequate access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and is frequently co-endemic with neglected tropical diseases such as soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections. Large-scale periodic deworming programmes are often implemented in these settings; however, there is limited evidence for the impact of regular anthelminthic treatment on G. duodenalis infection. Additionally, few studies have examined the impact of WASH interventions on G. duodenalis. Methods The WASH for WORMS cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted in remote communities in Manufahi municipality, Timor-Leste, between 2012 and 2016. All study communities received four rounds of deworming with albendazole at six-monthly intervals. Half were randomised to additionally receive a community-level WASH intervention following study baseline. We measured G. duodenalis infection in study participants every six months for two years, immediately prior to deworming, as a pre-specified secondary outcome of the trial. WASH access and behaviours were measured using questionnaires. Results There was no significant change in G. duodenalis prevalence in either study arm between baseline and the final study follow-up. We found no additional benefit of the community-level WASH intervention on G. duodenalis infection (relative risk: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.72–1.54). Risk factors for G. duodenalis infection included living in a household with a child under five years of age (adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.04–1.75), living in a household with more than six people (aOR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.02–1.72), and sampling during the rainy season (aOR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.04–1.45). Individuals infected with the hookworm Necator americanus were less likely to have G. duodenalis infection (aOR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.57–0.88). Conclusions Prevalence of G. duodenalis was not affected by a community WASH intervention or by two years of regular deworming with albendazole. Direct household contacts appear to play a dominant role in driving transmission. We found evidence of antagonistic effects between G. duodenalis and hookworm infection, which warrants further investigation in the context of global deworming efforts. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12614000680662. Registered 27 June 2014, retrospectively registered. https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=366540.

scholarly journals The Burden of Hypertension and Kidney Disease in Northeast India: The Institute for Indian Mother and Child Noncommunicable Diseases Project

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurizio Gallieni ◽  
Angela Aiello ◽  
Benedetta Tucci ◽  
Valeria Sala ◽  
Sujit K. Brahmochary Mandal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Northeast India ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
Mother And Child

Chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease are the major cause of death not only in high income, but also in medium and low income countries. Hypertension and diabetes, the most common causes of chronic kidney disease, are particularly common in southeast Asian Countries. Because early intervention can markedly slow the progression of these two killer diseases, assessment of their presence through screening and intervention program is a priority. We summarize here results of the screening activities and the perspectives of a noncommunicable diseases project started in West Bengal, India, in collaboration with the Institute for Indian Mother and Child (IIMC), a nongovernmental voluntary organization committed to promoting child and maternal health. We started investigating hypertension and chronic kidney disease with screen in school-age children and in adults>30 years old. We found a remarkable prevalence of hypertension, even in underweight subjects, in both children and adult populations. A glomerular filtration rate<60 mL/min was found in 4.1% of adult subjects significantly higher than that of 0.8% to 1.4% reported 10 years ago. Increased awareness and intervention projects to identify NCDs and block their progression are necessary in all countries.

scholarly journals Molecular Detection and Genotyping of Enteric Protists in Asymptomatic Schoolchildren and Their Legal Guardians in Madrid, Spain

Parasitologia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-94
Author(s):  
Pamela Carolina Köster ◽  
Alejandro Dashti ◽  
Lucia Reh ◽  
Begoña Bailo ◽  
Marta Hernández-de-Mingo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Giardia Duodenalis ◽  
Epidemiological Survey ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Cryptosporidium Spp ◽  
Legal Guardians ◽  
Household Transmission ◽  
Blastocystis Sp ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Single Child ◽  
Assemblage B

Asymptomatic carriage of diarrhoea-causing enteric protist parasites in the general population is poorly understood, particularly in medium- to high-income countries. This molecular epidemiological survey investigates the presence, molecular diversity, and household transmission of Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Blastocystis sp., and Enterocystozoon bieneusi in schoolchildren aged 2–13 years (n = 74) and their legal guardians (n = 6) in Madrid, Spain. Enteroparasite detection and genotyping was conducted in stool samples by molecular (PCR and Sanger sequencing) methods. Potential associations linked to infections were investigated through epidemiological questionnaires. Giardia duodenalis was the most prevalent enteric parasite found (14%, 95% CI: 7.1–23), followed by Blastocystis sp. (10%, 95% CI: 6.2–22) and Cryptosporidium spp. (3.8%, 95% CI: 0.78–11). None of the participants tested positive for E. bieneusi. Sequence analyses revealed the presence of G. duodenalis assemblage B, sub-assemblage BIV in a single child. The three Cryptosporidium isolates obtained were assigned to C. hominis, two of them belonging to the gp60 subtype IbA10G2. Four Blastocystis subtypes were identified including ST2 (38%, 3/8), ST3 (25%, 2/8), ST4 (25%, 2/8), and ST8 (12%, 1/8). All G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium isolates were detected in children only. Blastocystis ST3 and ST4 were circulating in members of the same household. Blastocystis carriage rates increased with the age of the participants. Presence of diarrhoea-causing enteric protists was common in apparently healthy children.

scholarly journals Molecular diversity and frequency of the diarrheagenic enteric protozoan Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in a hospital setting in Northern Spain

PLoS ONE ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. e0178575 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Manuel Azcona-Gutiérrez ◽  
Aida de Lucio ◽  
Marta Hernández-de-Mingo ◽  
Concepción García-García ◽  
Luis Miguel Soria-Blanco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Diversity ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Giardia Duodenalis ◽  
Northern Spain ◽  
Cryptosporidium Spp ◽  
Enteric Protozoan

scholarly journals Low-income countries are more immune to COVID-19: A misconception

2020 ◽  
Vol 72 ◽  
pp. 5-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soumya Roy
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Purchasing Power Parity ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Power Parity ◽  
Poor Countries ◽  
Financial Condition ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Great Force

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has hit countries such as Italy, Spain, France, UK, and the USA with great force, whereas the number of cases in countries such as India and most parts of Africa is comparatively lower. Such observation has made many people believe that the low-income countries may be more immune to COVID-19. Theories such as warm climate, weaker strain of the virus, and cross-protection by malaria have been popularly put forward. One such interesting theory is that since the general people of the low- income countries are mostly habituated to dwell in lesser hygienic condition and with lesser medical attention throughout their lifetime; hence, they have naturally acquired better immunity and more resilience against many infective diseases. Materials and Methods: We sought to investigate the above claim by comparing the case fatality rate (CFR) as well as number of cases per million population versus the gross domestic product at purchasing power parity per capita of different countries. Results: We found that while the number of cases showed a slight decline in the lower-income countries, the CFR was independent of the financial condition of the country. Conclusion: We conclude that the theory of better immunity in economically poor countries is a misconception. We suggest that people must come out of these misconceptions and resort to strict home isolation.

scholarly journals War Wounded and Victims of Traffic Accidents in a Surgical Hospital in Africa: An Observation on Injuries

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 618-620 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Public Hospital ◽  
Traffic Accidents ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Publication Type ◽  
Surgical Ward ◽  
To Receive

AbstractIntroductionWeapon injuries in armed conflict are likely to receive medical attention. Other types of injuries, like traffic accidents, continue to occur during armed conflict.ProblemInjuries caused by weapons and by traffic accidents require treatment, but reports and figures to help in prioritizing care are scarce.MethodsIn a prospective observational study, all emergency patients admitted to the surgical ward in a public hospital of the Central African Republic were evaluated for the cause of their main injury. The proportion of patients injured by weapons and by traffic accidents was analyzed with respect to the level of violence.ResultsSeventy-eight patients were included in this study. Weapon injuries accounted for 50 (64%) admissions and traffic accidents for 28 (36%). These proportions varied significantly according to the weekly level of violence (χ2=46.8; P<.001).ConclusionPeople injured in traffic accidents are an important, but overlooked, drain on surgical resources in low-income countries with armed conflict. Their proportion in relation to weapon wounded fluctuates with the level of violence. Humanitarian medical organizations might prepare themselves not only for weapon injuries, but also for wounds caused by traffic accidents.SchneiderM. War wounded and victims of traffic accidents in a surgical hospital in Africa: an observation on injuries. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(6):618–620.

scholarly journals Community transmission of rotavirus infection in a vaccinated population in Malawi: a prospective household cohort study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aisleen Bennett ◽  
Louisa Pollock ◽  
Naor Bar-Zeev ◽  
Joseph A. Lewnard ◽  
Khuzwayo C. Jere ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Asymptomatic Infection ◽  
Vaccine Effectiveness ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Rotavirus Vaccine ◽  
Rotavirus Infection ◽  
Indirect Transmission ◽  
Household Contacts ◽  
Asymptomatic Children ◽  
Increased Risk

AbstractBackgroundRotavirus vaccine effectiveness (VE) is reduced among children in low-income countries (LICs). Indirect (transmission-mediated) effects of rotavirus vaccine may contribute to the total population impact of vaccination. We estimated the effectiveness of rotavirus vaccine in preventing transmission of rotavirus to household contacts in Blantyre, Malawi.MethodsWe recruited vaccine-age-eligible children with acute rotavirus gastroenteritis (case-children), together with their household contacts. Clinical data and stool samples were collected from case-children at presentation, and prospectively from household contacts over 14 days. A single stool sample was collected from control households containing asymptomatic children age-matched to case-children. Samples were tested for rotavirus using real-time PCR. Risk factors for household transmission of rotavirus infection and clinical rotavirus disease were identified using logistic regression. Vaccine effectiveness against transmission (VET) was estimated as one minus the ratio of secondary attack rates (SAR) in vaccinated and unvaccinated populations, using VE estimates from the associated diarrhoeal surveillance platform to estimate the counterfactual SAR without vaccination.FindingsA total of 196 case-households and 55 control-households were recruited. Household SAR for rotavirus infection was high (65%); SAR for clinical disease was much lower (5%). Asymptomatic infection in control households was common (28%). Increasing disease severity was associated with increased risk of transmission of both rotavirus infection and disease to household contacts. Estimated VET was 39% (95% confidence interval 16-57%).InterpretationRotavirus vaccine has the potential to substantially reduce household rotavirus transmission. This should be considered in clinical and health economic assessments of vaccine impact.FundingWellcome Trust and NIH/NIAID.

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