Blastocystis hominis infection in patient with regular dialysis

Evaluation of two analytical methods of detection for intestinal parasites in curly lettuce sold in food stalls

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of parasitic structures in curly lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) sold in food stalls open markets in Cuiabá city, in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso (MT). For this purpose, 50 samples were evaluated using spontaneous sedimentation and centrifugal flotation methods. These techniques showed positivity in 96% (48/50) and 78% (39/50) of the samples, respectively. The sedimentation method was statistically (p ≤ 0.05) more effective in detecting parasitic structures of the pathogens as Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris spp., Strongyloides spp., Larvae and Hookworm eggs, when comparing both methods. However, these methods did not differ significantly for the detection of Giardia lamblia. Ascaris spp and Entamoeba coli occurred in 64% (32/50) and 46% (23/50) of the positive samples, respectively, with the highest percentages observed. The occurrence of Blastocystis spp., Fasciola spp., Dipylidium caninum and Ascaris lumbricoides revealed detection exclusively by the spontaneous sedimentation method, while Iodamoeba butschlii and Enterobius vermicularis were detected by centrifugal– flotation procedure. These results could reinforce the need to use methods based on sedimentation and the fluctuation of parasite structures in the analysis of lettuce. The presence of parasites in lettuce by fecal origin, with recognized pathogenicity, represents a risk to consumer health and demonstrates a deficit in good agricultural practices in the production, distribution and commercialization of lettuce.

Opportunistic parasitoses among Egyptian hemodialysis patients in relation to CD4+ T-cell counts: a comparative study

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.

Prevalence of Blastocystis hominis and Strongyloides stercoralis infection in Okinawa, Japan

This study was conducted to clarify the prevalence of Blastocystis hominis and Strongyloides stercoralis infection in Ryukyu University Hospital, Okinawa, Japan, between January 2004 and November 2006. Stool samples collected from 3,292 patients were examined by the direct smear method, formalin-ether sedimentation method, and agar plate culture method. The prevalence rate of B. hominis and S. stercoralis infection was 1.0 and 3.4%, respectively. The prevalence rate of B. hominis infection in patients aged >80 years old was significantly higher than that in patients <80 years old (P < 0.001). The prevalence rate of S. stercoralis infection was significantly higher in patients with B. hominis infection compared with those without (P < 0.001). This study demonstrated a prevalence rate for B. hominis and S. stercoralis infection and an association between B. hominis and S. stercoralis infection in Okinawa, Japan.