Ocorrência de enteroparasitos em centros de educação infantil no Município de Patos de Minas, MG, Brasil

Considering the high prevalence of the parasitic diseases in Brazil and its close relationship with the socio-economic and cultural levels of the population, aimed to establish the occurrence of enteroparasites in children of six Centers of Education Child (CEIs) of the municipality of Patos of Minas (MG). Were collected three samples of faeces of 161 children from zero to six years of age. Were used the Lutz and Baermann-Moraes' methods, to the detection of cysts of protozoa, eggs and larvae of helminths. Coproparasitological analyses showed positivity of 73%. The most frequent helminths were: Ascaris lumbricoides (50%), hookworm (22%) and Enterobius vermicularis (0.6%). Among the protozoa highlighted were: Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (22%) and Giardia lamblia (32%). The high occurrence of enteroparasites evidenced the need for an effective health policy in the CEIs of the municipality of Patos of Minas to the fight against intestinal parasites.

Parasitoses em lactentes de 0-12 meses atendidos na Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu - São Paulo

Infestation by protozoa and/or helminths is considered to be extremely rare in infants. We therefore reviewed the records of all infants up to 12 mth of age attending the Paediatric Department from January 1973 to June 1977, in order to assess the frequency of stool examinations for parasites within this age group, the percentage of positive results in these examinations, and some personal characteristics which propitiated parasitic infestation. Some characteristics of the investigated infants were compared to those of a representative sample of the total number of infants attending during the same period. Stool examinations were realized in 11.8% of the 1,162 attending patients and of those, 15.3% were positive. The proportion of positive cases became 24.0% when the infants in whom there was a history of parasites being passed were included. Ascaris lumbricoides and Giardia lamblia were the parasites most frequently found, respectively in 42.8% and 37.1% of the positive cases. The only detected difference between the control group and the group of infants who had parasitologic examinations was the presence of diarrhea, significantly more frequent in the investigated group. The proportion of positive cases was significantly greater in girls, in infants older than 6 mth and when diarrhea was present for up to 15 days, than in boys, in infants up to 6 mth of age and in chronic diarrhea, respectively. Our results show that parasites were investigated in only a small percentage of infants under 1 yr of age, but that in this age group already, parasitic infestation does occur with a certain frequency. As investigated cases were selected, mainly due to the presence of diarrhea, the real prevalence of parasitism in infants under 1 yr of age was impossible to evaluate.

Amoebicidal compounds from medicinal plants.

A series of the natural constituents with amoebicidal activity isolated from several medicinal plants is shown. A list of the medicinal plants potentially active as amoebicide and/or against dysentery also is demonstrated. The present data grouping of the natural compounds and medicinal plants can be an important source of information for the selection of research plant material by the investigators interested in the discovery of new biologically active compounds as amoebicide.

Avaliação parasitológica em amostras de alfaces (Lactuca sativa var. crispa) comercializadas no município de Quatá, São Paulo, Brasil

There is little research on the practices of sanitary inspection in the chain of production of vegetables to the consumer, especially those eaten raw, they are liable to serve microorganism such as bacteria, fungi and parasites, contributing to possible health hazards. The aim of this study was to assess qualitatively contamination by parasites and / or commensals of medical interest in lettuce leaves (Lactuca sativa) fresh market in the municipality of Quata Sao Paulo. A total of 15 random samples were analyzed every other day of the three different places that sell vegetables a grocery store, a supermarket and a vegetable garden during the month of May 2011. The parasites and / or commensals found in lettuce were Entamoeba coli (67%), Entamoeba histolytica (20%), Giardia sp (13%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (7%). The analysis showed the presence of parasites and / or commensals in all samples, except in the cultivated garden which showed poor sanitary conditions, probably due to contamination in the shipping and handling by third parties in supermarket and grocery store. The parasite monitoring sanitary conditions of vegetables sold in urban environments becomes relevant for preventive measures to avoid the continued parasitic cycle and possible future health complications.

Diagnóstico parasitológico de horticultures no monitoramento da contaminação parasitária em ambientes rurais

The objective of this study was to detect possible carriers of parasites and/or commensals between the horticulturists of Fair of the Producer from Upper Paranaiba, Minas Gerais. A total of 30 horticulturists were instructed to collect three stool samples on alternate days during the months of August and September 2007. Horticulturists were positive 40% for one or more parasite and / or dinner, and found: Giardia lamblia (3.5%), Entamoeba histolytica / E. dispar (7%), Entamoeba coli (13%), Endolimax nana (13%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (3.5%). Stool of gardeners is of importance in monitoring parasite sanitary conditions of vegetables sold in urban environments.

Parasitos e/ou comensais intestinais em pacientes neoplásicos submetidos à quimioterapia

The objective of this study was to verify the prevalence of intestinal parasites and/or commensals in the neoplastic patients undergoing chemotherapy. Stool samples were analyzed by the method of Lutz (1919) and Rugai (1954), in triplicate. This work was composed of three groups, the first one (GI) formed by neoplastic patients that are not undergoing chemotherapy, the second (GII) comprised patients who were undergoing chemotherapy, and the third group (GIII) consisting of patients who completed chemotherapy. A total of 30 patients (GI-5, GII-18 and GIII-7) were screened at the Assis Regional Hospital of the Unified Health System of Assis, São Paulo. Additional information on antiparasitic treatment and tumor type were obtained by questionnaire. The positivity was 66.7% (20 cases) for intestinal parasites and/or commensals. The helminths were Ascaris lumbricoides (36.7%), Hookworms (20%) and Hymenolepis diminuta (3.3%). Among the highlights are protozoan Giardia lamblia (46.7%), Entamoeba coli (6.7%), E. histolytica/dispar (3.3%), Endolimax nana (3.3%) and Iodameba butschlii (3.3%). The high frequency of intestinal parasites and/or commensals in the neoplastic patients can be attributed to poor personal hygiene and lack of immunity to reinfection and poor knowledge of the prophylaxis of infection by protozoa and helminths. The results indicate the necessity of adopting a new criterion for neoplastic patients undergoing chemotherapy, primarily performing parasitological diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of cure of intestinal parasitic infections in this risk group.

Parasitos e comensais intestinais em pacientes neoplásicos submetidos à quimioterapia

The objective of this study was to verify the prevalence of intestinal parasites and/or commensals in the neoplastic patients undergoing chemotherapy. Stool samples were analyzed by the method of Lutz (1919) and Rugai (1954), in triplicate. This work was composed of three groups, the first one (GI) formed by neoplastic patients that are not undergoing chemotherapy, the second (GII) comprised patients who were undergoing chemotherapy, and the third group (GIII) consisting of patients who completed chemotherapy. A total of 30 patients (GI-5, GII-18 and GIII-7) were screened at the Assis Regional Hospital of the Unified Health System of Assis, São Paulo.Additional information on antiparasitic treatment and tumor type were obtained by questionnaire. The positivity was 66.7% (20 cases) for intestinal parasites and/or commensals. The helminths were Ascaris lumbricoides (36.7%), Hookworms (20%) and Hymenolepis diminuta (3.3%). Among the highlights are protozoan Giardia lamblia (46.7%), Entamoeba coli (6.7%), E. histolytica /dispar (3.3%), Endolimax nana (3.3%) and Iodameba butschlii (3.3%). The high frequency of intestinal parasites and/or commensals in the neoplastic patients can be attributed to poor personal hygiene and lack of immunity to reinfection and poor knowledge of the prophylaxis of infection by protozoa and helminths. The results indicate the necessity of adopting a new criterion for neoplastic patients undergoing chemotherapy, primarily performing parasitological diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of cure of intestinal parasitic infections in this risk group.

Evaluation of the possible role of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) as mechanical vectors of nematodes and protists

Os Nematoda e Protista podem ser transmitidos ao homem de diversas maneiras, mas pouca ênfase é dada para a transmissão mecânica por intermédio de formigas. Assim, esse trabalho procurou investigar a transmissão mecânica de ovos de Ascaris lumbricoides e cistos de Entamoeba coli pelos Formicidae. Através de experimentos com espécies mantidas em ninhos no laboratório (Tapinoma melanocephalum, Linepithema humile e Monomorium pharaonis) e com 17 espécies de formigas de uma área antropizada na região de Mogi as Cruzes (SP), foi possível constar que os ovos A. lumbricoides foram transportados por L. humile, tanto no campo (1 operária) como no laboratório (1 operária), por Camponotus rufipes (2), por Solenopsis saevissima (1) e por Acromyrmrex niger (1). em três operárias de C. rufipes foram encontrados cistos de E. coli. Apesar da baixa incidência de transporte, as três primeiras espécies pelo fato de viverem muito próximas ao ser humano, podem levar para dentro do ambiente domiciliar patógenos de Nematoda e Protista.

Frequency of Blastocystis hominis and other intestinal parasites in stool samples examined at the Parasitology Laboratory of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the São Paulo State University, Araraquara

Blastocystis hominis é um protozoário, causador de infecção intestinal denominada blastocistose humana, cujo diagnóstico é realizado pelo exame coproparasitológico e por meio de técnicas de coloração permanente. Este estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar a freqüência da infecção por Blastocystis hominis em habitantes da região de Araraquara/SP, bem como comparar diferentes métodos para a pesquisa desse protozoário em amostras de fezes. Foram estudadas 503 amostras de fezes submetidas ao exame direto a fresco, às técnicas de Faust e cols, Lutz e de Rugai e cols, além das colorações pela hematoxilina férrica, tricrômio e de Kinyoun modificada. Entre as 503 amostras examinadas, 174 (34,6%) apresentaram-se positivas para a presença de parasitas intestinais. O protozoário e o helminto mais freqüentes foram Entamoeba coli (14,6%) e Strongyloides stercoralis (6,7%), respectivamente. Blastocystis hominis foi observado em 23 (4,6%) amostras fecais com consistência predominantemente pastosa, não caracterizando quadro diarréico. Apesar da baixa freqüência de Blastocystis hominis encontrada na região de Araraquara, comparativamente a outras regiões brasileiras, é importante a realização do diagnóstico laboratorial desse protozoário. O encontro de Blastocystis hominis em material fecal é indicativo de contaminação de alimentos e água de consumo, desde que se admita a rota de transmissão oral-fecal desse parasita, o que implica na orientação da população sobre as medidas de saneamento básico e higiene como meio para se controlar problemas de saúde ocasionados pelos enteroparasitas.

Classic and molecular study of Giardia duodenalis in children from a daycare center in the region of Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Intestinal parasitic infections in HIV/AIDS patients: epidemiological, nutritional and immunological aspects

This study applied a socioeconomic questionnaire designed to evaluate the frequency of intestinal parasites and characterize epidemiological, nutritional, and immunological variables in 105 HIV/AIDS patients - with and without parasitic infections, attending the Day Hospital in Botucatu, UNESP, from 2007 to 2008. Body mass index was calculated and the following tests performed: parasitological stool examinations; eosinophil, IgE, CD4(+) T and CD8(+) T lymphocyte cell counts; albumin test; viral load measure; and TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-5 and IL-10 cytokine levels. Results were positive for parasitic intestinal infections in 12.4% of individuals. Most patients had good socioeconomic conditions with basic sanitation, urban dwellings, treated water supply and sewage, good nutritional and immunological status and were undergoing HAART. Parasites were found at the following frequencies: Entamoeba - five patients (38.5%), Giardia lamblia-four (30.7%), Blastocystis hominis-three (23.0%), Endolimax nana-two (15.4%), and Ascaris lumbricoides - one (7.7%). There were no significant differences between the two groups for eosinophils, albumin, IgE, CD4(+) T and CD8(+) T lymphocytes, INF-gamma, IL-2, or IL-10. Most patients also showed undetectable viral load levels. Significant differences were found for TNF-alpha and IL-5. These results show the importance of new studies on immunodeficient individuals to increase understanding of such variables.

Intestinal protozoan parasites with zoonotic potential in birds

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of potentially zoonotic intestinal protozoan infections in exotic and wildlife Brazilian birds. Fecal samples from 207 birds of 45 species were examined. Infections by Balantidium sp., Entamoeba sp., and Blastocystis sp. were observed in 17 individuals (8.2%) of Gnorimopsar chopi, Oryzoborus angolensis, Sporophila caerulescens, Ramphastos toco, Aratinga leucophtalmus, and Pavo cristatus.

Prevalência de parasitas intestinais e caracterização genotípica de Giardia duodenalis em creche do município de Pratânia, estado de São Paulo

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Diagnóstico laboratorial de blastocistose humana - ocorrência de Blastocystis hominis (BRUMPT,1912) em habitantes da região de Araraquara-SP

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Enteroparasitoses em indivíduos HIV/aids: aspectos epidemiológicos, nutricionais e imunológicos

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)