1
|
Bertoncello C, Amoruso I, Moscardino U, Fonzo M, Maharjan M, Buja A, Baldo V, Cocchio S, Baldovin T. Sex-Biased Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Gender Inequality in Rural Nepal. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 109:148-154. [PMID: 34182133 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.06.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are related to poverty and socioeconomic disparities. In rural Nepal, IPIs are highly endemic and gender inequality is still deeply rooted. This study provides a novel epidemiological assessment of IPIs in Nepal, juxtaposing spatial, age and sex stratification of prevalence. METHODS A PRISMA and PICO-based systematic review of peer-reviewed and grey literature provided IPI prevalence data for the Nepalese population. Demographic and environmental variables were considered to investigate differences related to dwelling area and sex. Variations among prevalence rates were calculated with 95% CI and significance level for odds ratio evaluated with chi-square test. RESULTS The IPI prevalence rate for the Nepalese general population was 37.6%. Moreover, IPI prevalence (52.3%) was significantly higher in rural areas than in urban areas (32.4%), and school-age girls (55.2%) were more infected than boys (48.6%). CONCLUSIONS The IPI infection rate appeared to be enhanced among young women living in rural Nepal, where they experienced low school attendance and heavy enrolment in agricultural work, as result of gender discrimination. Plausibly, these dynamics affect both girls' environmental exposure and fruition of periodic school-based preventive chemotherapy, thus increasing the chances of IPI infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bertoncello
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Unit of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Irene Amoruso
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Unit of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Ughetta Moscardino
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Fonzo
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Unit of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Mahendra Maharjan
- Central Department of Zoology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Nepal
| | - Alessandra Buja
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Unit of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Baldo
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Unit of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Silvia Cocchio
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Unit of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Tatjana Baldovin
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Unit of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gupta R, Rayamajhee B, Sherchan SP, Rai G, Mukhiya RK, Khanal B, Rai SK. Prevalence of intestinal parasitosis and associated risk factors among school children of Saptari district, Nepal: a cross-sectional study. Trop Med Health 2020; 48:73. [PMID: 32848503 PMCID: PMC7444033 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-020-00261-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal parasitosis, caused by both helminths and protozoans, are among the most prevalent infections, especially in developing countries. Enteric parasites continue to be a major cause of parasitic diseases which is the most common among street and school going children with poor sanitation. This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and potential risk factors of intestinal parasitosis among school going children of two schools of Saptari district of southern Nepal. Stool samples were collected in a clean, dry, screw-capped, and wide-mouthed plastic container, fixed with 10% formal-saline solution, and transported to the laboratory for further microscopic analysis by following concentration technique. RESULTS Out of the 285 stool samples analysed, 94 (33%) were positive for the parasitosis. Presence of intestinal parasites was marginally more in rural school (44.6%) than in urban (30%) (P < 0.05). Giardia lamblia was highly prevalent (15.4%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica-like (7.7%), E. coli (7%), Ascaris lumbricoides (1.8%), and Hymenolepis nana (1.08%), respectively. Children of the age group 11-15 years were highly affected (44.2%) compared to younger age groups. The findings of intestinal parasitosis in the study population were statistically significant with family income, hand-washing habit, type of drinking water, and availability of a toilet facility at home (P < 0.05). Over 85% of infection was associated with parasitosis that indicated mainly waterborne infection rather than soil-borne helminths. CONCLUSIONS Poor hygiene measures and farming occupation are identified as major risk factors of parasitic infections, so sanitation especially focusing on safe drinking water along with multi intervention strategies must be emphasized in the Saptari district of Nepal to reduce the burden of parasitic diseases in school children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ranjit Gupta
- ShiGan International College of Science and Technology, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Binod Rayamajhee
- Department of Infectious Disease and Immunology, Kathmandu Research Institute for Biological Sciences (KRIBS), Lalitpur, Nepal
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Samendra P. Sherchan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Ganesh Rai
- ShiGan International College of Science and Technology, Kathmandu, Nepal
- National Institute of Tropical Medicine and Public Health Research, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Binod Khanal
- ShiGan International College of Science and Technology, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Shiba Kumar Rai
- ShiGan International College of Science and Technology, Kathmandu, Nepal
- National Institute of Tropical Medicine and Public Health Research, Kathmandu, Nepal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Baldovin T, Amoruso I, Zangrando D, Cocchio S, Maharjan M, Lazzari R, Buja A, Baldo V, Bertoncello C. Soil-transmitted helminthiases in Nepal: Transmission boundaries and implications for local communities and international travelers. Acta Trop 2019; 196:155-164. [PMID: 30991017 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Soil transmitted helminthiasis (STHs) are endemic in Nepal but since the country territory is extremely heterogeneous, a multidisciplinary assessment is required to evaluate the risk of infection in different areas. Prevalence data were retrieved with systematic literature search and geographical coordinates were assigned to each survey site. Spatial stratification was then implemented considering land use and ecological parameters. STH transmission boundaries were tested after reference criteria and elevation was evaluated as additional predictor: the elevation threshold of 3057 m above sea level is demarking the STH transmission limit. Areas above this threshold are safe, but since lodging in at-risk sites is a compulsory stopover for international travelers, STH risk exposure should be considered for every travel to the country.
Collapse
|
4
|
Hussain A, Younis EZ, Elamami AH, Jelodar M, Mishra T, Shivaramaiah G. Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infestation Among Expatriate Workers. Cureus 2019; 11:e4894. [PMID: 31423373 PMCID: PMC6689474 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.4894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Parasitic infestations of the gastrointestinal tract remain a common problem in third-world countries. Poverty, illiteracy, poor hygiene, scarcity of potable water, as well as the hot and humid tropical climate, are all contributing factors associated with intestinal parasitic infestation. Objective This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation amongst expatriate workers in Benghazi City, Libya. Patients and methods A total of 250 stool samples (200 male and 50 female) were randomly collected between October 2017 to April 2018 from expatriate workers in Benghazi City, Libya. The samples examined were used to detect the presence of intestinal parasitic infestation while the study utilized a pre-tested structure. Cases were matched based on demographic parameters, such as age, gender, and nationality, while the history of diarrhea was recorded using direct smear microscopy for the detection of intestinal parasitic infestation. Results Of the 250 immigrants looking for work, 95 (38%) were found to be infested with two or more intestinal parasites. The protozoa included: Blastocystis hominis, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, and Cryptosporidium parvum (47.4%, 38.9%, 17.9%, 17.9%, and 4.2%, respectively); the non-pathogenic protozoa included the prevalence of Entamoeba coli (E. coli), which is 12.6%, and the helminth Ascaris lumbricoidesis 1.1%. Conclusion The prevalence of parasitic infection was relatively high (38%) and was affected by individual hygiene. Therefore, comprehensive healthcare education aimed at reducing parasitic infestation is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azhar Hussain
- Medicine, Xavier University School of Medicine, Oranjestad, ABW
| | - Eman Z Younis
- Laboratory Medicine, University of Benghazi, Benghazi, LBY
| | | | - Mehrdad Jelodar
- Internal Medicine, Xavier University School of Medicine, Oranjestad, ABW
| | - Tulika Mishra
- Health Biotech, Immunology, Microbiology, Xavier University School of Medicine, Oranjestad, ABW
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sah R, Khadka S, Lakhey PJ, Pradhan S, Shah NP, Singh YP, Mas-Coma S. Human case of Fasciola gigantica-like infection, review of human fascioliasis reports in Nepal, and epidemiological analysis within the South Central Asia. Acta Parasitol 2018; 63:435-443. [PMID: 29975653 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2018-0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of a 22 year-old male patient from Kerabari, Morang District, Nepal led to the review of human fascioliasis cases and analysis of the epidemiological situation in that country not included in the WHO fascioliasis map. Symptom onset one month before egg detection and normal levels of ALT and AST did not agree with the 3-4-month migratory period of fascioliasis. A shorter acute phase may happen when the main biliary duct is reached by the migratory juveniles directly from the intestinal lumen. The causal agent was ascribed to F. gigantica-like worms after considering adult fluke morphology, altitude of the patient's infection area, fasciolid characteristics in the neighbouring Bangladesh, and lymnaeid snail vector species known in Nepal and in the patient's infection area. Previous reports of human infection by Fasciola in Nepal are reviewed. The patient in question proved to be the twelfth case and the first in whom a F. gigantica-like infection is reported. In Nepal, the wide geographical distribution of livestock fascioliasis, with high prevalences in buffaloes, cattle and goats, and the reports of Fasciola-infected schoolchildren close to the capital Kathmandu, give rise to concern on the situation in remote rural areas in a country where most of the population lives in rural areas. Moreover, the climate change impact in Nepal remembers Pakistan, where human fascioliasis emergence has been related to climate change and man-made irrigation. All in all, the present analysis suggests that human infection by Fasciola may be underestimated in Nepal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ranjit Sah
- Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University and Teaching Hospital (TUTH), Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Shusila Khadka
- Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University and Teaching Hospital (TUTH), Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Paleswan Joshi Lakhey
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and General Surgery, Tribhuvan University and Teaching Hospital (TUTH), Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sumita Pradhan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and General Surgery, Tribhuvan University and Teaching Hospital (TUTH), Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Niranjan Parsad Shah
- Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University and Teaching Hospital (TUTH), Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Yogendra Prasad Singh
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and General Surgery, Tribhuvan University and Teaching Hospital (TUTH), Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Santiago Mas-Coma
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kelly TR, Bunn DA, Joshi NP, Grooms D, Devkota D, Devkota NR, Paudel LN, Roug A, Wolking DJ, Mazet JAK. Awareness and Practices Relating to Zoonotic Diseases Among Smallholder Farmers in Nepal. ECOHEALTH 2018; 15:656-669. [PMID: 29869006 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-018-1343-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Increasing livestock production to meet growing demands has resulted in greater interactions at the livestock-wildlife-human interface and more opportunities for zoonotic disease spread. Zoonoses impose enormous burdens on low-income countries like Nepal, where populations are largely dependent on livestock production and access to shared grazing lands, often near protected areas, due to population pressures. Several livestock-associated zoonoses have been reported in Nepal; however, little is known regarding Nepali farmers' knowledge of zoonoses and opportunities for disease management. We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate Nepali farmers' awareness of zoonoses, assess current health challenges, and evaluate disease prevention and control practices. We found that awareness of zoonotic pathogens was limited, especially in informally educated and illiterate farmers; the majority of which were women. Further, farmers' preventive herd health, food safety, and sanitation practices were not associated with their awareness. Several farmers reported high-risk practices despite being aware of zoonotic diseases, suggesting a disconnect between the farmers' awareness and practice. Our study highlights the need for improving Nepali farmers' knowledge of zoonoses and disease prevention measures. Closing these awareness-practice gaps will require an improved understanding of risk and effective drivers of behavior change, alongside engagement of farmers in development of zoonotic disease prevention programs that encourage participation of both male and female farmers across all levels of education.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Terra R Kelly
- One Health Institute, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| | - David A Bunn
- One Health Institute, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Nanda P Joshi
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Daniel Grooms
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Durga Devkota
- Department of Rural Sociology and Development Studies, Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - Naba R Devkota
- Directorate of Research and Extension, Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - Lok Nath Paudel
- Directorate of Livestock Production, Department of Livestock Services, Ministry of Livestock Development, Harihar Bhawan, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Annette Roug
- One Health Institute, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - David J Wolking
- One Health Institute, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Jonna A K Mazet
- One Health Institute, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Feng M, Pandey K, Yanagi T, Wang T, Putaporntip C, Jongwutiwes S, Cheng X, Sherchand JB, Pandey BD, Tachibana H. Prevalence and genotypic diversity of Entamoeba species in inhabitants in Kathmandu, Nepal. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2467-2472. [PMID: 29808233 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5935-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In Nepal, gastrointestinal infections due to parasites including Entamoeba species are common. The main aim of this study was to identify species of Entamoeba using genotypic analysis. The prevalence of Entamoeba infections was examined by PCR in fecal samples from 143 inhabitants living close to wild rhesus macaques in Kathmandu, Nepal. The numbers of positive cases were one (0.7%) for E. histolytica, eight (5.6%) for E. dispar, seven (4.9%) for E. coli, and two (1.4%) for E. chattoni (E. polecki ST2). No infections with E. nuttalli, E. moshkovskii, and E. polecki ST1 were found. In E. dispar, at least seven different genotypes were detected from the eight samples by sequence analysis of tRNA-linked short tandem repeats. Different genotypes were found even in a couple from the same family. This is the first report demonstrating that E. dispar with high genotypic diversity is prevalent, rather than E. histolytica, in Kathmandu, and that zoonotic transmission of E. chattoni from rhesus macaques might occur in the inhabitants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Feng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kishor Pandey
- Everest International Clinic and Research Center, Kathmandu, Nepal.,Nepal Academy of Science and Technology, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Tetsuo Yanagi
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Ting Wang
- Support Center for Medical Research and Education, Tokai University, Isehara, Japan
| | - Chaturong Putaporntip
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Somchai Jongwutiwes
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Xunjia Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jeevan B Sherchand
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Center, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Basu Dev Pandey
- Everest International Clinic and Research Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Hiroshi Tachibana
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kunwar R, Acharya L, Karki S. Decreasing prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among school-aged children in Nepal: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2016; 110:324-32. [PMID: 27268711 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trw033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last two decades there have been several studies describing the prevalence of intestinal parasites in Nepal; however, there is a lack of surveillance data in the country. METHODS We searched literature in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar and local peer-reviewed journals published from 1990 to 2015 for studies describing prevalence of intestinal parasites among school-aged children. We conducted meta-regression to understand the trend over time and pooled the prevalence using 'metaprop' command in STATA 12.1. RESULTS Thirty-one studies examining 12 080 fecal specimens were included. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections showed a significantly decreasing trend (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.43-0.73 for each consecutive 5 years) and was similar in males and females. The pooled prevalence in years 1996-2000, 2001-2005, 2006-2010 and 2011-2015 was 61.1% (95% CI 51.47-70.26), 53.2% (95% CI 20.94-83.99), 32.7% (95% CI 26.57-39.21) and 20.4% (95% CI 15.04-26.25), respectively. The proportion of helminths among total intestinal parasites was higher in rural areas 57.6% (95% CI 43.54-71.61), and proportion of protozoa among total intestinal parasites was higher in urban areas 68.4% (95% CI 63.23-73.62). Poly-parasitism was observed in 7.7% (95% CI 5.57-9.73) of children. CONCLUSION We observed a significantly decreasing trend in prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among school-aged children in Nepal over the last two decades.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Kunwar
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia
| | | | - Surendra Karki
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kunwar R, Acharya L, Karki S. Trends in prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth and major intestinal protozoan infections among school-aged children in Nepal. Trop Med Int Health 2016; 21:703-19. [PMID: 27097973 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the trends in prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia among school-aged children in Nepal between 1990 and 2015. METHODS Systematic literature search in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar and local peer-reviewed journals for papers published between 1990 and December 2015. We conducted metaregression and meta-analyses to pool studies where applicable. RESULTS Thirty-nine studies that examined a total of 14 729 stool specimens were included in the meta-analyses. The metaregression of prevalence of hookworms, roundworm, and whipworm showed a significantly decreasing trend over time. In or after 2004, the pooled prevalence of hookworm infections was 1.53% (95% CI, 0.73-2.59), of roundworm 4.31% (95% CI, 2.52-6.53) and of whipworm 2.89% (95% CI, 1.33-4.97) vs. 16.54% (95% CI, 7.64-27.97) for hookworm, 25.20% (95% CI, 13.59-38.97) for roundworm and 11.54% (95% CI 4.25-21.76) for whipworm in 1993-2003. E. histolytica and G. lamblia had stable prevalence since early 1990s, with a pooled prevalences of 4.12% (95% CI, 2.73-5.77) and 9.40% (95% CI, 7.15-11.92), respectively. The prevalence of G. lamblia was significantly higher in urban areas. CONCLUSIONS We observed a sharp decrease in prevalence of STHs among school-aged children in Nepal in the past decade with prevalences dropping below 5% for STHs with no variation in prevalence in rural and urban areas. However, the prevalence of E. histolytica and G. lamblia remained stable over time. These results suggest that school-based deworming programmes rolled out during the study period had an observable impact on prevalence of STHs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Kunwar
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lokendra Acharya
- Kathmandu Medical College, Kathmandu University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Surendra Karki
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Parajuli RP, Fujiwara T, Umezaki M, Konishi S, Takane E, Maharjan M, Tachibana K, Jiang HW, Pahari K, Watanabe C. Prevalence and risk factors of soil-transmitted helminth infection in Nepal. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2014; 108:228-36. [PMID: 24488979 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/tru013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and intensity and examine the risk factors of soil transmitted helminth (STH; i.e., roundworm [Ascaris lumbricoides], hookworms [Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus], and whipworm [Trichuris trichiura]) infections in Nepal. METHODS Five hundred and ninety-four adults (256 men and 338 women) were selected via convenience sampling from five communities in Nepal. The Kato-Katz method was used to assess the prevalence and intensity of STH infection in this population. RESULTS Prevalence of STH infection ranged from 3.3% in Birendranagar in Chitwan, 3.5% in Kuleshor in Kathmandu, 11.7% in Kanyam in Ilam, 17.0% in Dhikurpokhari in Kaski and 51.4% in Khokana in Lalitpur District [corrected]. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that not using soap for hand-washing was significantly associated with the prevalence and infection intensity of roundworm, hookworms and whipworm. Similarly, not wearing sandals or shoes outside was significantly associated with the prevalence and infection intensity of roundworm and hookworms, but not with infection intensity of whipworm. Literacy, being underweight or overweight, anemia and occupation were not associated with prevalence and intensity of roundworm and hookworms infection, but there was an association between occupation and the prevalence of whipworm infection. CONCLUSION STH infection was associated with individual hygiene behavior, but not with nutritional status or socio-demographic characteristics. Health policy focusing on changing individual hygiene behaviors might be useful in addressing STH infection in Nepal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R P Parajuli
- Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Devleesschauwer B, Ale A, Torgerson P, Praet N, Maertens de Noordhout C, Pandey BD, Pun SB, Lake R, Vercruysse J, Joshi DD, Havelaar AH, Duchateau L, Dorny P, Speybroeck N. The burden of parasitic zoonoses in Nepal: a systematic review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2634. [PMID: 24392178 PMCID: PMC3879239 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Parasitic zoonoses (PZs) pose a significant but often neglected threat to public health, especially in developing countries. In order to obtain a better understanding of their health impact, summary measures of population health may be calculated, such as the Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY). However, the data required to calculate such measures are often not readily available for these diseases, which may lead to a vicious circle of under-recognition and under-funding. Methodology We examined the burden of PZs in Nepal through a systematic review of online and offline data sources. PZs were classified qualitatively according to endemicity, and where possible a quantitative burden assessment was conducted in terms of the annual number of incident cases, deaths and DALYs. Principal Findings Between 2000 and 2012, the highest annual burden was imposed by neurocysticercosis and congenital toxoplasmosis (14,268 DALYs [95% Credibility Interval (CrI): 5450–27,694] and 9255 DALYs [95% CrI: 6135–13,292], respectively), followed by cystic echinococcosis (251 DALYs [95% CrI: 105–458]). Nepal is probably endemic for trichinellosis, toxocarosis, diphyllobothriosis, foodborne trematodosis, taeniosis, and zoonotic intestinal helminthic and protozoal infections, but insufficient data were available to quantify their health impact. Sporadic cases of alveolar echinococcosis, angiostrongylosis, capillariosis, dirofilariosis, gnathostomosis, sparganosis and cutaneous leishmaniosis may occur. Conclusions/Significance In settings with limited surveillance capacity, it is possible to quantify the health impact of PZs and other neglected diseases, thereby interrupting the vicious circle of neglect. In Nepal, we found that several PZs are endemic and are imposing a significant burden to public health, higher than that of malaria, and comparable to that of HIV/AIDS. However, several critical data gaps remain. Enhanced surveillance for the endemic PZs identified in this study would enable additional burden estimates, and a more complete picture of the impact of these diseases. Various parasites that infect humans require animals in some stage of their life cycle. Infection with these so-called zoonotic parasites may vary from asymptomatic carriership to long-term morbidity and even death. Although data are still scarce, it is clear that parasitic zoonoses (PZs) present a significant burden for public health, particularly in poor and marginalized communities. So far, however, there has been relatively little attention to this group of diseases, causing various PZs to be labeled neglected tropical diseases. In this study, the authors reviewed a large variety of data sources to study the relevance and importance of PZs in Nepal. It was found that a large number of PZs are present in Nepal and are imposing an impact higher than that of malaria and comparable to that of HIV/AIDS. These results therefore suggest that PZs deserve greater attention and more intensive surveillance. Furthermore, this study has shown that even in settings with limited surveillance capacity, it is possible to quantify the impact of neglected diseases and, consequently, to break the vicious circle of neglect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brecht Devleesschauwer
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- Institute of Health and Society (IRSS), Faculty of Public Health, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Anita Ale
- National Zoonoses and Food Hygiene Research Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Paul Torgerson
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Praet
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Basu Dev Pandey
- Everest International Clinic and Research Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sher Bahadur Pun
- Clinical Research Unit, Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Rob Lake
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Jozef Vercruysse
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Durga Datt Joshi
- National Zoonoses and Food Hygiene Research Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Arie H. Havelaar
- Centre for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Luc Duchateau
- Department of Comparative Physiology and Biometrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Pierre Dorny
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Niko Speybroeck
- Institute of Health and Society (IRSS), Faculty of Public Health, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tandukar S, Ansari S, Adhikari N, Shrestha A, Gautam J, Sharma B, Rajbhandari D, Gautam S, Nepal HP, Sherchand JB. Intestinal parasitosis in school children of Lalitpur district of Nepal. BMC Res Notes 2013; 6:449. [PMID: 24207086 PMCID: PMC3829703 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-6-449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enteric parasites are the most common cause of parasitic diseases and cause significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries like Nepal. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among school going children of Lalitpur district of Nepal. METHODS A total of 1392 stool samples were collected from school children of two government, two private and two community schools of the same district. The stool samples were examined for evidence of parasitic infections by direct microscopy and confirmed by concentration methods (formal ether sedimentation technique or floatation technique by using Sheather's sugar solution). Modified Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining was performed for the detection of coccidian parasites. RESULTS Prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was found to be 16.7%. The highest prevalence rate was seen with Giardia lamblia (7.4%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica (3.4%) and Cyclospora cayetanensis (1.6%). Children aged 11-15 years and the ones belonging to family of agriculture workers were most commonly affected. Hand washing practice and type of drinking water also showed significant difference. CONCLUSIONS The burden of parasitic infections among the school children, coupled with the poor sanitary conditions in the schools, should be regarded as an issue of public health priority and demands for effective school health programs involving periodic health education and screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shamshul Ansari
- Department of Microbiology, Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Choubisa SL, Jaroli VJ, Choubisa P, Mogra N. Intestinal parasitic infection in Bhil tribe of Rajasthan, India. J Parasit Dis 2012; 36:143-8. [PMID: 24082517 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-012-0151-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 07/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 224 Bhil tribal individuals (115 males and 109 females) of different age groups inhabiting tribal rural areas of Udaipur district of Rajasthan, India were investigated for the prevalence of intestinal parasitic (protozoan and helminths) infections. Fresh stool samples of these tribal subjects were examined microscopically by direct wet smear with saline and 1 % Lugol's iodine and formaline ether concentration. Of these 116 (51.78 %) were found to be infected with diverse species of intestinal parasites. Male individuals showed relatively higher (56.52 %) prevalence of infection as compared to their counterparts (46.78 %). Out of 116 infected tribal subjects, 53 (23.66 %), 33 (14.73 %) and 30 (13.39 %) were infected with protozoan, helminths and mixed (protozoan + helminths) parasitic infections, respectively. Maximum number of parasitic infections occurred in the age group of 6-10 years (69.23 %) in both sexes. Among the intestinal parasites, Entamoeba histolytica was the commonest (14.73 %) followed by Entamoeba coli (8.92 %), Taenia solium (5.35 %), Ascaris lumbricoides (4.46 %), Hymenolepis nana (2.23 %), Ancylostoma duodenale (0.89 %), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.89 %), Trichuris trichiura (0.44 %) and Hymenolepis diminuta (0.44 %). Data pertaining to distribution of parasite species in different age groups, and variation in prevalence of their infection in relation to age and sex were also analysed statistically and found to be significant. Possible causes for variation in prevalence of protozoan and helminthic infection are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S L Choubisa
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, P. G. Department of Zoology, Government Meera Girls College, Udaipur, 313002 India
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abu-Madi MA, Behnke JM, Doiphode SH. Changing trends in intestinal parasitic infections among long-term-residents and settled immigrants in Qatar. Parasit Vectors 2010; 3:98. [PMID: 20946623 PMCID: PMC2972266 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-3-98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2010] [Accepted: 10/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapid socio-economic development in Qatar in the last two decades has encouraged a mass influx of immigrant workers, the majority of whom originate from countries with low socio-economic levels, inadequate medical care and many are known to carry patent intestinal helminth and protozoan infections on arrival in Qatar. Some eventually acquire residency status but little is known about whether they continue to harbour infections. METHODS We examined 9208 hospital records of stool samples that had been analysed for the presence of intestinal helminth and protozoan ova/cysts, over the period 2005-2008, of subjects from 28 nationalities, but resident in Qatar and therefore not recent arrivals in the country. RESULTS Overall 10.2% of subjects were infected with at least one species, 2.6% with helminths and 8.0% with protozoan species. Although hookworms, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Hymenolepis nana were observed, the majority of helminth infections (69%) were caused by hookworms, and these were largely aggregated among 20.0-39.9 year-old male subjects from Nepal. The remaining cases of helminth infection were mostly among Asian immigrants. Protozoan infections were more uniformly spread across immigrants from different regions when prevalence was calculated on combined data, but this disguised three quite contrasting underlying patterns for 3 taxa of intestinal protozoa. Blastocystis hominis, Giardia duodenalis and non-pathogenic amoebae were all acquired in childhood, but whereas prevalence of B. hominis rose to a plateau and then even further among the elderly, prevalence of G. duodenalis fell markedly in children aged 10 and older, and stayed low (< 2%) gradually falling even further in the elderly. In contrast the prevalence of non-pathogenic amoebae (Entamoeba coli, E. hartmanni, Endolimax nana and Iodamoeba buetschlii) peaked in the 30.0-39.9 age group and only then dropped to very low values among the oldest subjects examined. A worrying trend in respect of both helminth and protozoan parasites was the increase in prevalence over the period 2005-2008, in helminth infections prevalence increasing 2-3 fold by 2008, and in protozoan infections by 1.5-2.0 fold. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that helminth infections are probably acquired abroad when immigrants visit their home villages, whilst protozoan infections are reinforced by transmission in Qatar, possibly in the poorer areas of the state where immigrant workers live. We discuss the significance of these findings and emphasize that they have clear implications for the health authorities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marawan A Abu-Madi
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Arts & Sciences, Qatar University, P,O, Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Botero-Garcés JH, García-Montoya GM, Grisales-Patiño D, Aguirre-Acevedo DC, Alvarez-Uribe MC. Giardia intestinalis and nutritional status in children participating in the complementary nutrition program, Antioquia, Colombia, May to October 2006. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2009; 51:155-62. [PMID: 19551290 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652009000300006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2008] [Accepted: 02/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardia intestinalis infection is prevalent throughout the world and widely distributed in developing countries. In general, children display serious consequences to their state of health, including slow height-weight development; therefore, the main aim of this study was to determine the association between Giardia infection and the nutritional status of children who participate in the program of complementary feeding (Mejoramiento Alimentario y Nutricional de Antioquia (MANA) - Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar (ICBF)). A cross-sectional study examining the association of giardiasis with nutritional status was conducted. A total of 2035 children aged eight months to six years-old were studied. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, anthropometric measurements and laboratory analysis of blood and stool samples. Analysis of the results showed that 27.6% of children were infected with G. intestinalis, while 8.1% and 1.9% were mildly and significantly underweight, respectively, and 14.1% presented stunting. Giardiasis was statistically identified as a strong predictor of stunting in this study population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge H Botero-Garcés
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Parajuli RP, Umezaki M, Watanabe C. Behavioral and nutritional factors and geohelminth infection among two ethnic groups in the Terai region, Nepal. Am J Hum Biol 2009; 21:98-104. [DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.20825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
|
17
|
Dagci H, Kurt O, Demirel M, Ostan I, Azizi NR, Mandiracioglu A, Yurdagül C, Tanyüksel M, Eroglu E, Ak M. The prevalence of intestinal parasites in the province of Izmir, Turkey. Parasitol Res 2008; 103:839-45. [PMID: 18604653 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-1065-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2007] [Accepted: 05/27/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Stool samples of a total of 2,047 people in Izmir province were examined by wet mount, formalin ethyl acetate concentration, and trichrome staining methods with an aim to reveal the prevalence of intestinal parasites in Izmir together with related personal and environmental risk factors. Geographical mapping showing the density and variation of the species of intestinal parasites in Izmir was done after all maps were scaled, and the coordinates were determined with GeoMedia5.0. The prevalence of the intestinal parasites was found to be 25.6% in Izmir, with a variation between the districts. Blastocystis hominis was the leading parasite, and the prevalence of parasites was higher in children compared to adults; however, the difference was statistically insignificant. There was also no significant difference between the parasite prevalence and sex, marital status, education, income, frequent eating outside, and habitual raw meat eating. Significant differences were found between the parasite prevalence and crowded families, early immigrants, individuals with no social security, and people living in close contact with their livestock. The parasites were found to be less common among individuals who had been drinking bottled water and living in a house with a sewage system. The results demonstrated a correlation between the intestinal parasites and environmental conditions in our study group. We further plan to expand the study group to cover all regions of Turkey.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hande Dagci
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|