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Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in developing countries such as Ethiopia. Periodic assessments of IPI prevalence are essential prerequisite for effective control measures. Therefore, this cross‐sectional study is aimed at determining the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among schoolchildren at Wonji Shoa Secondary School, East Shoa Zone, Adama district, Oromia region, Ethiopia, between January and June 2022. A simple random stratified sampling technique was employed to select participants. Sociodemographic and risk factor data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Stool samples were examined to identify parasites. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics, chi‐square tests, and logistic regression were conducted to assess associations between variables and then the strength of the association. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of the 403 selected students, 330 completed the study that makes 81.89% response success. The overall IPI prevalence was 16.66% (55/330), with a higher prevalence among males (60%, 33/55) than females (40%, 22/55). Five parasite species were identified: two protozoa (Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia) with a combined prevalence of 9.70% (32/330) and three helminths (Ascaris lumbricoides, Hymenolepis nana, and Taenia spp.) with a combined prevalence of 6.97% (23/330). Cysts were detected in 62.5% of E. histolytica cases (15/24), and eggs were detected in 76.92% of A. lumbricoides cases (10/13). The study revealed a substantial IPI prevalence (16.66%) among the students. This finding underscores the need for effective prevention and control strategies. The predominance of parasitic infections among males is notable requiring further investigation of the factors. The identification of multiple parasite species indicates a complex epidemiological scenario. The presence of protozoan cysts and helminthic eggs highlights the potential for fecal‐oral transmission and the importance of improved sanitation and hygiene practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IP) are a major source of morbidity in people living with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), particularly in resource-limited settings, mostly as a result of high viral load. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the magnitude of intestinal parasitic infections and its determinants among patients with HIV/AIDS attending public health facilities in East and West Gojam Zones in Ethiopia. Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 327 people living with HIV visiting public health facilities from December 2022 to May 2023. A simple random sampling technique was used to recruit participants. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect socio-demographics and determinants. The fresh stool was collected from each patient, transported, and tested in accordance with laboratory standard operating procedures of wet mount, formol-ether concentration technique, and modified acid-fast staining. Data were entered and analyzed in the statistical package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. A 95% CI with p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The overall prevalence of IP in patients with HIV/AIDS was 19.3% (63/327). Hookworm was the most identified parasite 33.3% (21/63) followed by E.histolytica 17% (11/63) and G.lamblia 14.3% (9/63). Parasitic infections were significantly higher among viral load > 1000cps/ml (p = 0.035), WHO stage 4 (p = 0.002), CD4 < 200 cell/mm3 (p = 0.001), and bare foot walking (p = 0.001). Conclusion: IP infections are moderately high among patients with HIV/AIDS in the study area. The proportion of parasites was greatly affected by high viral load, WHO stage 4, CD4 < 200 cell/mm3, and being barefoot; this gives valuable insight to health professionals, health planners and community health workers. As a result, viral load monitoring, and WHO stage controlling were periodically assessed in patients with HIV/AIDS. Health education, awareness creation, routine stool examination, and environmental hygiene were regularly advocated to increase the life of patients with HIV/AIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intestinal parasitic infection (IPI) poses a serious public health threat across the globe, particularly in children in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. This study was to provide pooled estimates for the individually available data on IPI and its predictors among children under five in Ethiopia. Methods: Cochrane's Q, I2, sensitivity analysis, funnel plot, Begg's, and Egger's regression tests were used to check heterogeneity and publication bias. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled burden of IPI among children under five. Results: The pooled prevalence of IPI among children under five was 28.27% (95% CI = 20.52–36.03%). Of these, single and mixed infections contribute to 28.02% and 0.25%. Intestinal parasites were significantly associated with eating raw fruits and vegetables [AO = 3.21, 95% CI = 1.11, 5.31]. Conclusion: Under the present scenario, the IPI ranges from 17.78 to 40.05%, and the IPI is higher in community-based studies of children under five. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmodium species is an important causative agent of malaria in the world including Ethiopia, and the majority of people were at risk of infection. The study's general objective was to determine the occurrence and distribution of Plasmodium species in the study area through microscopic examination of blood films. A cross-sectional study was carried out in the study sites from September 2016 to February 2017. Out of 512 participants, 32 (6.25%) were malaria positive. Of these, 17 (53.12%, 95% CI: 0.358, 0.704) were P. vivax, 12 (37.5%, 95% CI: 0.207, 0.543) P. falciparum, and 3 (9.375%, 95% CI: -0.007, 0.195) mixed out of the total positive case. The occurrence of parasites was greater in rural villages (59.375%) than in urban villages (40.625%) but not significant ( χ 2 = 1.2917 , d f = 1 , p = 0.2557). More males were infected compared to females but not significant ( χ 2 = 0.0005665 , d f = 1 , p = 0.981). The monthly distribution of Plasmodium species was higher in September and October but there was no significant variation in each month ( χ 2 = 10.142 , p = 0.4281). Due to the high occurrence of Plasmodium vivax in the study area, the result contrasts with the national figure of the Plasmodium species report. The result of the current study may be useful to those individuals who work in Plasmodium species control and prevention program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite ongoing intensive public health intervention efforts, intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a major public health problem in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Having updated epidemiological data focusing on the top common IPIs that cause emergency visits is crucial for implementing area-specific and evidence-based intervention strategies. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of IPIs in Woldia Comprehensive Specialized Hospital's (WCSH) emergency laboratory over a six-year period. Methods: An institutional-based retrospective study was conducted to assess the prevalence of IPIs over a six-year period (2014– 2019) using a recorded saline wet-mount stool sample examination result in the laboratory logbook at WCSH's emergency department. Results: In this study, of the total of 11,281 clinically suspected individuals who were requested for stool sample examination, 3908 (34.6%) individuals were diagnosed with IPs. The majority of confirmed cases were caused by protozoan parasites (32.9%), followed by helminth infections (1.7%). A slight fluctuating trend in the prevalence of IPs was observed in the six-year study period, with the highest prevalence documented in the year of 2014 (41.3%) and the lowest in 2017 (28.0%). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and Giardia lamblia accounts for 95% of the IPs. The prevalence of protozoan infection was significantly higher in females (p-value = 0.0101), while H. nana (p-value =0.0138) and E. vermicularis (p-value = 0.0201) infections were higher in males. The highest and the lowest IP prevalence were reported in the age groups of 45– 54 years (40%) and under five years (25.6%), respectively. Conclusion and Recommendations: In the study area, nearly one-third of patients with emergency visits due to gastrointestinal symptoms were infected with IPs. This underlines the severity of the problem in the study area, which requires a collaborative effort of concerned bodies to minimize the burden of IP to the level where it is no longer a public health threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plasmodium vivax forms dormant liver stages that can reactivate weeks or months following an acute infection. Recurrent infections are often associated with a febrile illness and can cause a cumulative risk of severe anaemia, direct and indirect mortality, and onward transmission of the parasite. There is an increased risk of P. vivax parasitaemia following falciparum malaria suggesting a rationale for universal use of radically curative treatment in patients with P. falciparum malaria even in the absence of detectable P. vivax parasitaemia in areas that are co-endemic for both species.Methods: This is a multicentre, health care facility-based, randomized, controlled, open-label trial in Bangladesh, Indonesia and Ethiopia. Patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria, G6PD activity of ≥70% of the adjusted male median (AMM) and haemoglobin levels ≥8g/dl are recruited into the study and randomized to either receive standard schizonticidal treatment plus 7-day high dose primaquine (total dose 7mg/kg) or standard care in a 1:1 ratio. Patients are followed up weekly until day 63. The primary endpoint is the incidence risk of any P. vivax parasitemia on day 63. Secondary endpoints include incidence risk on day 63 of symptomatic P. vivax malaria and the risk of any P. falciparum parasitaemia. Secondary safety outcomes include the proportion of adverse events and serious adverse events, the incidence risk of severe anaemia (Hb<5g/dl and <7g/dl) and/or the risk for blood transfusion, the incidence risk of ≥ 25% fall in haemoglobin with and without haemoglobinuria, and the incidence risk of ≥ 25% fall in haemoglobin to under 7g/dl with and without haemoglobinuria.Discussion: This study evaluates the potential benefit of a universal radical cure for both P. vivax and P. falciparum in different endemic locations. If found safe and effective universal radical cure could represent a cost-effective approach to clear otherwise unrecognised P. vivax infections and hence accelerate P. vivax elimination.Trial Registration: NCT03916003 . Registered on 12 April 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Determining malaria transmission within regions of low, heterogenous prevalence is difficult. A variety of malaria tests exist and range from identification of diagnostic infection to testing for prior exposure. This study describes the concordance of multiple malaria tests using data from a 2015 household survey conducted in Ethiopia.Methods: Blood samples (n=2279) from 3 regions in northern Ethiopia were assessed for Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax by means of microscopy, rapid diagnostic test, multiplex antigen assay, and multiplex assay for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. Geospatial analysis was conducted with spatial scan statistics and kernel density estimation to identify malaria hot spots by different test results.Results: The prevalence of malaria infection was low (1.4% by rapid diagnostic test, 1.0% by microscopy, and 1.8% by laboratory antigen assay). For P. falciparum, overlapping spatial clusters for all tests and an additional 5 unique IgG clusters were identified. For P. vivax, clusters identified with bead antigen assay, microscopy, and IgG partially overlapped.Conclusions: Assessing the spatial distribution of malaria exposure using multiple metrics can improve the understanding of malaria transmission dynamics in a region. The relative abundance of antibody clusters indicates that in areas of low transmission, IgG antibodies are a more useful marker to assess malaria exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Land use change has increasingly been expanding throughout the world in the past decades. It can have profound effects on the spatial and temporal distribution of vector borne diseases like malaria through ecological and habitat change. Understanding malaria disease occurrence and the impact of prevention interventions under this intense environmental modification is important for effective and efficient malaria control strategy.Methods: A descriptive ecological study was conducted by reviewing health service records at Abobo district health office. The records were reviewed to extract data on malaria morbidity, mortality, and prevention and control methods. Moreover, Meteorological data were obtained from Gambella region Meteorology Service Center and National Meteorology Authority head office. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis techniques were used to analyze the data.Results: For the twelve-year time period, the mean annual total malaria case count in the district was 7369.58. The peak monthly malaria incidence was about 57 cases per 1000 people. Only in 2009 and 2015 that zero death due to malaria was recorded over the past 12 years. Fluctuating pattern of impatient malaria cases occurrence was seen over the past twelve years with an average number of 225.5 inpatient cases. The data showed that there is a high burden of malaria in the district. Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) was a predominant parasite species in the district with the maximum percentage of about 90. There was no statistically significant association between season and total malaria case number (F3,8: 1.982, P:0.195). However, the inter-annual total case count difference was statistically significant (F11,132: 36.305, p < 0001). Total malaria case count had shown two months lagged carry on effect. Moreover, 3 months lagged humidity had significant positive effect on total malaria cases. Malaria prevention interventions and meteorological factors showed statistically significant association with total malaria cases.Conclusion: Malaria was and will remain to be a major public health problem in the area. The social and economic impact of the disease on the local community is clearly pronounced as it is the leading cause of health facility visit and admission including the mortality associated with it. Scale up of effective interventions is quite important. Continuous monitoring of the performance of the vector control tools needs to be done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are the common health problems in developing countries with low socioeconomic and poor living conditions. IPIs affect millions of pregnant women worldwide and may lead to adverse maternal and fetal effects. The present study was aimed at determining the prevalence and associated risk factors of IPIs among pregnant women in Ethiopia. A hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 384 pregnant women was conducted from November 2018 to March 2019. Relevant information on potential risk factors associated with IPIs was gathered using a semistructured questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and examined using wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the possible association between dependent and independent variables. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 36.7%. Seven species of parasites were identified. The most prevalent intestinal protozoan parasite identified was Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (9.6%) followed by Giardia intestinalis (8.9%). The predominant helminth parasite identified was Ascaris lumbricoides (8.6%), followed by hookworm (5.2%), Taenia spp. (3.6%), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.3%), and Schistosoma mansoni (1.04%). Six pregnant women (1.56%) had infection by two parasite species. The odds of IPIs were higher among illiterates (AOR = 4.63), lowest monthly income earners (AOR = 3.49), primigravida (pregnant for the first time) (AOR = 2.04), those who used unboiled well/stream/river water for drinking (AOR = 14.55), ate soil (AOR = 2.32), and consumed raw vegetables (AOR = 1.91). The prevalence of IPIs in the study subjects was substantially high. Thus, screening of the women for IPIs and providing health education during their antenatal care (ANC) visit are recommended to prevent possible adverse maternal and fetal effects resulting from these infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Control and prevention activities have brought substantial decline of malaria incidence in the last two decades in Ethiopia. However, lack of local data on the disease transmission and community knowledge, attitude, and practice about malaria are thought to reverse the trend of malaria in certain areas. Therefore, assessment of the prevalence and community awareness towards malaria plays pivotal role for the success of malaria control and prevention. Objective. To assess malaria prevalence and knowledge, attitude, and practice about malaria among febrile patients in Bahir Dar Zuria district, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. A facility based crosssectional study was conducted from January to March 2020 among 149 febrile patients attending selected health centers in Bahir Dar Zuria district. Data about knowledge, attitude, and practice about malaria were collected using semistructured questionnaire. Blood sample from each participant was tested for Plasmodium species through malaria rapid diagnostic tests and blood film microscopy. Data were analyzed using statistical software for social sciences version 20. Results. Among 149 participants, 22 (14.8%) were positive for Plasmodium infection at least by one diagnostic methods. Prevalence of P. falciparum and P. vivax was 3.4% and 10.1%, respectively, while that of mixed infection was 1.3%. From the total study participants, 29.5% have good knowledge, 77.2% have positive attitude, and 34.9% have good practice towards malaria. Statistically significant associations were observed on knowledge with age group ( X 2 = 10.377 , P = 0.035), educational level ( X 2 = 15.075 , P = 0.001), family size ( X 2 = 7.601 , P = 0.022), attitude level and practice level. Participants with family size < 5 were 6.841 (95% CI: 2.570-18.206, P ≤ 0.001) times more likely to have negative attitude as compared to those with family size ≥ 5. Conclusions. Prevalence of malaria in the study area was relatively high. Study participants had encouraging attitude; however, their knowledge and practice towards malaria were poor. Therefore, the existing malaria control activities should be supplemented with continuous health educations, aware the community, and ensure participation in the control and prevention activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal parasites are responsible for one of the major health problems like food contamination with socioeconomic effects in the world with a prevalence rate of 30-60%, in developing countries that lie within tropical and subtropical areas. They pose a reasonable public health burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. Globally, due to intestinal parasitic infections, around 3.5 billion people are affected and more than 200,000 deaths are reported annually. Around 50000 deaths yearly are caused by intestinal parasites in Ethiopia. As such, intestinal parasites perceived global and local burdens to various countries. The risk of food contamination depends largely on the health status of the food handlers, their hygiene, knowledge, and practice of food hygiene. Food handlers with poor personal hygiene and sanitation conditions are the major potential sources of intestinal helminthes and protozoa worldwide. The proposed study was aimed at evaluating prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and their associated factors among food handlers working in selected catering establishments. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bule Hora Town from March to April 2020. A total of 136 catering establishments were selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. The prevalence of intestinal parasites in this study was 46.3%. Entamoeba histolytica was the most predominant parasite (33.3%, i.e., 21/63) while Giardia lamblia was the least (11.1%, i.e., 7/63). Consumption of vended or borehole water and hygienic practices such as hand washing before eating, after using toilet, before cooking and trimming of finger nail and wearing proper working clothes and shoes were statistically significant with intestinal parasitic infection (P < 0.05). Generally, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in this study was high and contributed by low socioeconomic status and poor environmental and personal hygiene. Measures including education on personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, drinking water supply, regular medical checkups, and treatment should be taken into account to reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The lack of available vaccines and the emerging resistance to antimalarial drugs have provided the necessity to find noble antimalarial plant-based medicines. The leaf latex Aloe weloensis has been used in folk medicine against malarial and other human ailments in Ethiopia. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the antimalarial activity of the leaf latex of A. weloensis against Plasmodium parasites. Materials and Methods. The prophylactic and curative models were employed to determine the in vivo antimalarial activity of the leaf latex A. weloensis against P. berghei infected mice, and the antioxidant activity of the latex was assessed using diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine (DPPH) assay. Female mice were recruited for toxicity study, and the leaf latex was administered to fasted mice at a dose of 5000 mg/kg. The mice were kept under continuous observation for fourteen days for any signs of overt toxicity. Results. The leaf latex of A. weloensis was safe up to 5000 mg/kg, and the latex endowed free radical inhibition activity (IC50 = 10.25 μg/ml). The latex of A. weloensis leaf demonstrated the inhibitory activity against the 3D7 strain of P. falciparum (IC50 = 9.14 μg/ml). The prophylactic and curative effect of the latex was found to be dose-dependent. The mice's parasitemia level was significantly (p < 0.001) reduced at all tested doses of the leaf latex compared to negative control in the curative test. Parasitemia reduction was significant (200 mg/kg, p < 0.01 , and 400 and 600 mg/kg, p < 0.001) in the prophylactic test compared to the control. In addition, the leaf latex significantly (p < 0.01) improved mean survival time, packed cell volume, rectal temperature, and bodyweight of P. berghei infected mice. Conclusion. The leaf latex of Aloe weloensis was endowed with the antimalarial activity at various doses, corroborating the plant's claimed traditional use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both capillary and venous blood samples have been interchangeably used for the diagnosis of malaria in Ethiopia. However, Plasmodium parasites are thought to be more concentrated in capillary than in venous blood. Hence, selecting a sample source where parasites are more concentrated is indispensable approach in order to maximize the accuracy of blood film microscopy. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the detection rate and the parasitemia level of Plasmodium species from conventional capillary and venous blood films, and buffy coat preparations.Methods: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from Feburary to March 2020 among 210 febrile patients attending Hamusite health center, northwest Ethiopia. Capillary and venous blood samples were collected and buffy coat was prepared from each sample. Thin and thick blood films were prepared, stained, and examined microscopically following standard protocol. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Software version 20 and Med-Calc software version 19.3.Results: Capillary blood buffy coat (61/210, 29.0%) had significantly higher detection rate as compared to capillary (48/210, 22.9%) and venous (42/210, 20.0%) blood films (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was observed between capillary and venous blood films (p = 0.070) in detecting Plasmodium species. The highest and the lowest mean asexual stage parasite counts were found in capillary blood buffy coat (4692.88) and venous blood (631.43) films, respectively showing significant variations (p < 0.001). Mean gametocyte count was also highest in capillary blood buffy coat (3958.44). As compared to capillary blood buffy coat, the sensitivity of venous blood buffy coat, capillary blood film and venous blood film were 73.8, 78.7, 68.9%, respectively.Conclusion: Capillary blood buffy coat samples showed the highest sensitivity in detecting and quantitating malaria parasites that its use should be promoted in clinical settings. However, conventional capillary and venous blood films could be used interchangeably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background.: Malaria is a major public health problem in developing countries. In Ethiopian, the seeds of Schinus molle are used for the management of malaria. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate in vivo antimalarial activity of hydro-alcoholic crude extract and solvent fractions of Schinus molle seeds in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Methods.: An 80 percent of methanolic crude extract and solvent fractions of Schinus molle seeds were tested for antimalarial activity at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses. The parasitemia level, packed cell volume, body weight, survival of date and rectal temperature were used to evaluate the anti-malarial activity of the extracts. One-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey's HSD multiple comparison test was employed and the result was expressed in mean ± SEM (standard error of the mean). Results.: The curative activity of the highest dose of crude extract and aqueous fraction of Schinus molle seeds was 69.86% and 73.82% (p < 0.001), respectively. In the prophylactic test, aqueous fraction had 72.39% (p < 0.001) suppression antimalarial activity. Among solvent fractions, only chloroform fraction was significantly attenuated packed cell volume reduction. The mice treated with crude extract and aqueous fraction had longer survival date than vehicle-treated mice (p < 0.001). Conclusion.: The experiment finding showed that the crude extract and solvent fractions of Schinus molle seeds had significant curative and prophylaxis anti-plasmodial activity. This result revealed that the Schinus molle seeds extract has promising antimalarial activity against Plasmodium berghei. However, further confirmatory studies, isolation and characterization of the active constituents are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aetiology of diarrhoea with Cryptosporidium species and pathogenic bacteria has not been identified in the Ethiopian primary healthcare system. Thus, antibiotic consumption for unconfirmed pathogenic diarrhoea is not infrequent. A total of 344 children aged <5 years with diarrhoea were included in the present study to determine protozoal or bacterial aetiology and antibiotic use. Overall, 47.1% of children with diarrhoea had either protozoan or bacterial pathogens. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium species was 12.8% while bacterial pathogens were 13.1%. Based on direct microscopic stool examination, 77.6% (267/344) of children with diarrhoea were treated with antimicrobials. Of these, 16.7%-51.4% of prescribed antimicrobials were appropriate. None of the children with Cryptosporidium diarrhoea were treated with the appropriate antimicrobial. Enteric bacterial pathogens showed a resistance of 51.6% to cotrimoxazole. Empirical treatments are not appropriate for the majority of child cases of diarrhoea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) and anaemia are major health problems. This study assessed the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections, anaemia and associated factors among pre-school children in rural areas of the Tigray region, northern Ethiopia.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 610 pre-school children in rural communities of Northern Ethiopia from June 2017 to August 2017. Stool specimens were examined for the presence of trophozoites, cysts, oocysts, and ova using direct, formal-ethyl acetate concentration, Kato-Katz, and Ziehl-Neelsen techniques. Haemoglobin was measured using a HemoCue spectrometer.Results: Among the 610 participating pre-school children in the study, the prevalence of IPIs and anaemia were 58% (95% conference interval (CI): 54.1-61.9%) and 21.6% (95% CI: 18.5-25.1%), respectively. Single, double, and triple parasitic infections were seen in 249 (41, 95% CI: 37-45%), 83 (14, 95% CI: 11-17%), and 22 (3.6, 95% CI: 2.4-5.4%) children, respectively. Of the seven intestinal parasitic organisms recorded from the participants, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the most prevalent 220 (36.1%) followed by Giardia lamblia 128 (20.1%), and Hymenolepis nana 102 (16.7%). Mixed infections were common among G. lamblia, E. histolytica/dispar and Cryptosporidium spp. oocyst. Intestinal parasitic infection prevalence increased from 47% in children aged 6-11 months to 66% in those aged 48-59 months; the prevalence ratio (PR) associated with a one-year increase in age was 1.08 (95% CI: 1.02-1.14, p = 0.009). Age-adjusted prevalence was higher in children who had been dewormed (PR = 1.2; 95% CI: 1.00-1.4, p = 0.045), and lower in households having two or more children aged under five (PR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.61-0.95, p = 0.015). Anaemia rose from 28% in children aged 6-11 months to 43% in those aged 12-23 months, then fell continuously with age, reaching 7% in those aged 48-59 months. Age adjusted, anaemia was more prevalent in households using proper disposal of solid waste (PR = 1.5, 95% CI: 0.1-2.10, p = 0.009) while eating raw meat (PR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.45-0.54, p = 0.000), any maternal education (PR = 0.64 95% CI: 0.52-0.79, p = 0.000), and household water treatment (PR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.56-1.0, p = 0.044) were associated with lower prevalence of anaemia.Conclusions: More than half of the children were infected with intestinal parasites, while anaemia prevalence was concentrated in the 12-23 month age group. This study has identified a number of potentially modifiable risk factors to address the significant prevalence of IPIs and anaemia in these children. Improvements in sanitation, clean water, hand hygiene, maternal education could address both short and long-term consequences of these conditions in this vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Microscopic examination of peripheral blood smear produces reliable results both about the malaria infection status and level of parasitemia. However, test results are affected by skill of the laboratory personnel, workload, condition of microscopes and quality of laboratory supplies. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the performance of laboratories is of pivotal importance in order to make timely correction.Methods: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2017 to July 2019 to assess malaria microscopy performance among thirty malaria diagnostic laboratories in west Amhara region. Thirty slides were collected from participating laboratories every quarter. Collected slides were taken to Amhara Public Health Institute reference laboratory and re-checked by malaria microscopists who were blind to the results from health facilities. Percentage of test agreement, rates of false positive, false negative and species misdiagnosis were calculated using Excel 2010.Results: Among a total of 6689 slides re-checked, results of 6146 slides were the same with that of participating laboratories. The test agreement was 97.31 and 94.6% for parasite detection and species identification, respectively. Variations in the overall performance of individual laboratories were seen within a range of 81.55 to 97.27% test agreement. Results of 543 (8.12%) slides were discordant, of which 363 (5.4%), 93 (1.4%) and 87 (1.3%) slides were due to species misdiagnosis, false positive and false negative results, respectively.Conclusion: There was good test agreement between participated laboratories and Amhara Public Health Institute. More accurate performance is expected as the country is tracking to malaria elimination. Hence, further strengthening the external quality assurance program is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Trypanosomosis is a disease of domestic animals and humans resulting from infection with parasitaemic protozoa of the genus Trypanosoma transmitted primarily by tsetse flies. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January-March 2018, to estimate the infection rate of trypanosome in Glossina tachinoides, their distribution, magnitude and involved trypanosome species in Limmu Kosa District of Jimma zone. Results: Study methodology involved entomological survey using monoconical traps to study the magnitude of Fly density Flay/Trap/Day (FTD) and tsetse fly dissection to estimate infection rate of trypanosome in vector flies. The study result indicated that there was only one species of Tsetse fly Glossina tachinoides detected with FTD = 4.45. From the total of (n = 284) dissected Glossina tachinoides flies only (n = 5) positive for Trypanosome resulting in 1.76% Infection Rate. Peak trypanosome infections were observed in female tsetse 2.04%, n = 4 and 1.14%, n = 1 in males. Furthermore, 1.06% of Glossina tachinoides were infected by Trypanosome vivax and the remaining 0.70% was Trypanosome congolense. Finally, the study concluded with the recommendation of control and suppression of the vector and parasite was mandatory due to Pathogenic Animal Trypanosomosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intestinal parasitic infection is one of the parasitic infections affecting people living in prison. Helminths and intestinal protozoan infections are the most common parasitic infection that may cause serious life-threatening diseases in inmates living in developing countries. This study was aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among inmates living in Arba Minch prison, southern Ethiopia.Methods: Institutional based cross sectional study was conducted on Arba Minch inmates, southern Ethiopian. Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather the data of socio-demographic characteristics, hygiene status of the prisoners, sanitation condition of the prison, and associated factors for IPIs by face to face interview. Direct wet-mount examination and formol-ether sedimentation techniques were used to examine intestinal parasitic infection from stool specimens. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to see the association between different variables and the IPI. Odds ratio with 95% CI was computed to determine the presence association and strength of the associated factors.Result: A total of 320 prisoners were participated in this study. Of these, 154(48.1%) of them were infected with one or more intestinal parasites. Eight different intestinal parasites species were identified and Giardia lamblia was the predominant parasite. Among infected inmates, nearly one out of four of them had multiple parasitic infections dominated by Giardia lamblia and E. histolytica/dispar co-infection. Sleeping in group [AOR = 1.9; 95% CI: (1.0-3.8)], married prisoners [AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: (1.1-2.9)], and hand washing habits after handling soil [AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: (1.0-5.6)] were independently associated with IPI.Conclusion: High prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was detected in Arba Minch inmates, southern Ethiopian. Absence of hand washing, marital status, and way of sleeping were the factors associated with the IPI. Implementation of mass drug administration, education on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and periodic screening of intestinal parasitic infection is very important to reduce the high prevalence IPIs in prison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine household and health-care provider costs associated with Plasmodium vivax infection across a range of endemic settings. Methods We collected cost data alongside three multicentre clinical trials of P. vivax treatment in Afghanistan, Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Philippines, Peru, Thailand and Viet Nam conducted between April 2014 to December 2017. We derived household costs from trial participant surveys administered at enrolment and again 2 weeks later to determine the costs of treatment and transportation, and the number of days that patients and their household caregivers were unable to undertake their usual activities. We determined costs of routine care by health-care providers by micro-costing the resources used to diagnose and treat P. vivax at the study sites. Findings The mean total household costs ranged from 8.7 United States dollars (US$; standard deviation, SD: 4.3) in Afghanistan to US$ 254.7 (SD: 148.4) in Colombia. Across all countries, productivity losses were the largest household cost component, resulting in mean indirect costs ranging from US$ 5.3 (SD: 3.0) to US$ 220.8 (SD: 158.40). The range of health-care provider costs for routine care was US$ 3.6-6.6. The cost of administering a glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase rapid diagnostic test, ranged from US$ 0.9 to 13.5, consistently lower than the costs of the widely-used fluorescent spot test (US$ 6.3 to 17.4). Conclusion An episode of P. vivax malaria results in high costs to households. The costs of diagnosing and treating P. vivax are important inputs for future cost-effectiveness analyses to ensure optimal allocation of resources for malaria elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Horn of Africa harbors the largest reservoir of Plasmodium vivax in the continent. Most of sub-Saharan Africa has remained relatively vivax-free due to a high prevalence of the human Duffy-negative trait, but the emergence of strains able to invade Duffy-negative reticulocytes poses a major public health threat. We undertook the first population genomic investigation of P. vivax from the region, comparing the genomes of 24 Ethiopian isolates against data from Southeast Asia to identify important local adaptions. The prevalence of the Duffy binding protein amplification in Ethiopia was 79%, potentially reflecting adaptation to Duffy negativity. There was also evidence of selection in a region upstream of the chloroquine resistance transporter, a putative chloroquine-resistance determinant. Strong signals of selection were observed in genes involved in immune evasion and regulation of gene expression, highlighting the need for a multifaceted intervention approach to combat P. vivax in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among patients who had attended Hawassa University students' clinic, Southern Ethiopia. Result: Over the 10 years period, a total of 13,679 patients visiting Hawassa University students' clinic were included in the study. A total of 6553 (47.9%) patients were positive for at least one intestinal parasite. The overall prevalence of intestinal helminth and protozoan infections was 20.3% and 27.6% respectively. There were four dual infections and one triple infection. E. histolytica/E. dispar trophozoite was the most common identified parasite, which was seen in 18% of the patients while Enterobius vermicularis (0.1%) was the least reported parasite. Other parasites identified were Ascaris lumbricoides (15.0%), Hookworm species (2.0%), Taenia species (1.8%), Hymenolepis nana (0.7%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.3%), Trichuris trichuria (0.2%), and Shistosoma mansoni (0.2%). The prevalence of helminthes was higher in females (23.3%) than in males (19.5%) (P < 0.00001) while that of protozoan infections was 28.5% in males than females (23.8%) (574/2414) (P < 0.00001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fresh vegetables supply the body with essential supplements. The consumption of raw vegetables and fruits are among the ways for transmission of intestinal parasitic organisms to human beings. This study was aimed at detecting the parasitic contamination in fresh vegetables sold at the central open-aired market of Tarcha town, Ethiopia. Methods: Atotal of 270 fresh vegetables and fruit samples were collected from the main market of Tarcha town during August 1, 2017-August 22, 2017. The samples were microscopically examined for detection of medically important parasites after washing with 500 mL normal saline and 24-hr sedimentation of the washing solution followed by centrifuging at 2000 g for 5 mins. After centrifugation, the supernatant was decanted leaving the sediment. Finally, the sediment was examined under a light microscope for protozoans and helminths worms. Results: Of the 270 fresh vegetable and fruit samples, 115 (42.6%) were found positive for intestinal parasites. Ahigh level of contamination in fresh vegetable and fruit sampleswas recorded in cabbage 71.1% (32/45) while tomato was the least contaminated 24.4% (11/45). The identified medically important parasites were Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia intestinalis, Ascaris lumbricoides, Hymenolepis nana, Toxocara spp, Hymenolepis diminuta, and Cystoisospora belli. The most predominant parasite encountered was Ascaris lumbricoides (16.7%) whereas Cystoisospora belli (2.6%) the least detected. All of the vegetables and fruits that were contaminated were with more than one parasite species. A statistically significant association between the type of vegetables and the presence of parasites was also observed (p=0.002). Conclusion: This study has shown that fruits and vegetables which are sold in the study area are highly contaminated with medically important parasites. Fruits and vegetables sold in the study area may play a role in the transmission of intestinal parasitic infections to humans. Effective and comprehensive prevention measures should be taken to ensure food safety. Relevant bodies should work on addressing the issue of high rate of vegetable and fruit contamination in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is prevalent in over 75% of the country's area making it the leading public health problems in the country. Information on the prevalence of malaria and its associated factors is vital to focus and improve malaria interventions.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from October to November 2012 in East Shewa zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Adults aged 16 or more years with suspected malaria attending five health centers were eligible for the study. Logistic regression models were used to examine the effect of each independent variable on risk of subsequent diagnosis of malaria.Results: Of 810 suspected adult malaria patients who participated in the study, 204 (25%) had microscopically confirmed malaria parasites. The dominant Plasmodium species were P. vivax (54%) and P. falciparum (45%), with mixed infection of both species in one patient. A positive microscopic result was significantly associated with being in the age group of 16 to 24 years [Adjusted Odds Ratio aOR 6.7; 95% CI: 2.3 to 19.5], 25 to 34 years [aOR 4.2; 95% CI: 1.4 to 12.4], and 35 to 44 years [aOR 3.7; 95% CI: 1.2-11.4] compared to 45 years or older; being treated at Meki health center [aOR 4.1; 95% CI: 2.4 to 7.1], being in Shashemene health center [aOR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.5 to 4.5], and living in a rural area compared to an urban area [aOR 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.6)].Conclusion: Malaria is an important public health problem among adults in the study area with a predominance of P. vivax and P. falciparum infection. Thus, appropriate health interventions should be implemented to prevent and control the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are alternative methods for microscopy in the diagnosis of malaria in resource limited settings. Among commercially available RDTs, CareStart™ Malaria test was found to show reliable results. This study evaluated the performance of CareStart™ Malaria Combo test kit in Northwestern Tigray in Ethiopia.Methods: Blood samples were collected from 320 malaria-suspected patients at Mayani Hospital in Northwestern Tigray from December 2015 to March 2016. All blood samples were examined using both light microscopy and CareStart™ Malaria HRP2/pLDH Combo Test kit. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.Results: The overall parasite positivity using light microscopy and CareStart™ RDT was 41 (12.8%) and 43 (13.4%), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of CareStart™ RDT, regardless of species, were found to be 95.4 and 99.3%, respectively. Furthermore, the sensitivity of CareStart™ RDT for Plasmodium falciparum or mixed infection and non-falciparum malaria parasites was 94.4 and 85.0%, respectively while the specificity was found to be 98.9 and 99.7%, respectively. The agreement between the two test methods was "excellent" with a kappa value of 0.92.Conclusion: CareStart™ RDT has very good sensitivity and specificity for malaria diagnosis. The test kit also has an excellent agreement with light microscopy. It is therefore useful in resource-limited areas where microscopy is not available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are still one of the major health concerns in developing countries. Monitoring of intestinal parasitic infection and associated risk factors are essential for intervention strategies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection and associated risk factors among students at Dona Berber primary school, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.Methods: School based cross-sectional study was conducted among students at Dona Berber primary school from October 2015 to June 2016. Three hundred fifty nine students were involved in the study by providing stool specimens and detailed personal information. Students were selected by stratified and systematic random sampling method. Fresh stool samples were collected from each student and processed by formal-ether fecal concentration technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical software and p value <0.05 were used as statistically significant.Results: Among the 359 students participated in the study, 235 (65.5%) were infected by one or more intestinal parasites. The rates of single and double parasitic infections among students were 49.6% and 16.2%, respectively. The most prevalent parasite detected in the study was E. histolytica/dispar (24.5%) followed by hookworm (22.8%). Among the different variables assessed in the study, family size of 6 (AOR = 4.90; 95% CI, 2.03-11.83), irregularly shoe wearing habit (AOR = 2.85; 95% CI, 1.53-5.32) and unclean finger nail (AOR = 3.68; 95% CI, 1.87-7.26) were independently predict intestinal parasitic infections. Student drinking well water (AOR = 2.51; 95% CI, 2.30-4.86) and unclean finger nail (AOR = 4.42; 95% CI, 2.55-7.65) were strongly associated with E. histolytica/dispar infection. Likewise, irregular shoe wearing habit (AOR = 14.13; 95% CI, 7.06-28.29) was strongly associated with hookworm infections.Conclusion: High prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among the study participants demands improvement of health education, environmental sanitation and quality of water sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent efforts in malaria control have resulted in great gains in reducing the burden of Plasmodium falciparum, but P. vivax has been more refractory. Its ability to form dormant liver stages confounds control and elimination efforts. To compare the efficacy and safety of primaquine regimens for radical cure, we undertook a randomized controlled trial in Ethiopia.Methods and Findings: Patients with normal glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase status with symptomatic P. vivax mono-infection were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either chloroquine (CQ) or artemether-lumefantrine (AL), alone or in combination with 14 d of semi-supervised primaquine (PQ) (3.5 mg/kg total). A total of 398 patients (n = 104 in the CQ arm, n = 100 in the AL arm, n = 102 in the CQ+PQ arm, and n = 92 in the AL+PQ arm) were followed for 1 y, and recurrent episodes were treated with the same treatment allocated at enrolment. The primary endpoints were the risk of P. vivax recurrence at day 28 and at day 42. The risk of recurrent P. vivax infection at day 28 was 4.0% (95% CI 1.5%-10.4%) after CQ treatment and 0% (95% CI 0%-4.0%) after CQ+PQ. The corresponding risks were 12.0% (95% CI 6.8%-20.6%) following AL alone and 2.3% (95% CI 0.6%-9.0%) following AL+PQ. On day 42, the risk was 18.7% (95% CI 12.2%-28.0%) after CQ, 1.2% (95% CI 0.2%-8.0%) after CQ+PQ, 29.9% (95% CI 21.6%-40.5%) after AL, and 5.9% (95% CI 2.4%-13.5%) after AL+PQ (overall p < 0.001). In those not prescribed PQ, the risk of recurrence by day 42 appeared greater following AL treatment than CQ treatment (HR = 1.8 [95% CI 1.0-3.2]; p = 0.059). At the end of follow-up, the incidence rate of P. vivax was 2.2 episodes/person-year for patients treated with CQ compared to 0.4 for patients treated with CQ+PQ (rate ratio: 5.1 [95% CI 2.9-9.1]; p < 0.001) and 2.3 episodes/person-year for AL compared to 0.5 for AL+PQ (rate ratio: 6.4 [95% CI 3.6-11.3]; p < 0.001). There was no difference in the occurrence of adverse events between treatment arms. The main limitations of the study were the early termination of the trial and the omission of haemoglobin measurement after day 42, resulting in an inability to estimate the cumulative risk of anaemia.Conclusions: Despite evidence of CQ-resistant P. vivax, the risk of recurrence in this study was greater following treatment with AL unless it was combined with a supervised course of PQ. PQ combined with either CQ or AL was well tolerated and reduced recurrence of vivax malaria by 5-fold at 1 y.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01680406. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of amoebiasis is often overestimated owing to its epidemiological overlap with the non-pathogenic Entamoeba dispar To provide evidence for this conjecture, a cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2013 to January 2015. A range of 180-200 µg of semi-solid and formed stools and 200 µL of diarrhoeic stool samples were used for DNA extraction from microscopically E. histolytica/dispar positive samples using the QIAamp® DNA Stool Mini Kit according to manufacturers' instructions. Nested PCR targeting 18S ribosomal RNA gene was used. In 422 microscopically positive E. histolytica/dispar stools, molecular prevalence revealed that E. histolytica infestation was present in only 1.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47-2.93) and E. dispar was found in 42.2% (95% CI, 37.49-46.91), while 56.2% (95% CI, 51.47-60.93) had neither E. histolytica nor E. dispar (P < 0.001). We conclude that infestation with E. histolytica is rarer in our study areas than was previously believed. Hence, accurate differentiation of E. histolytica and E. dispar is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii) is found worldwide. Infection with T. gondii during pregnancy can result in fetal and neonatal death or various congenital defects. A serological survey during pregnancy represents a valuable tool for the effective diagnosis and treatment of infected neonates. The aim of this study was to assess the sero-prevalence and risk factors of T.gondii in pregnant women following ante natal care (ANC) services at Mizan Aman General Hospital, Bench Maji zone (BMZ), Ethiopia.Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted enrolling a sample of 232 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Mizan Aman General Hospital during 01 December, 2014 to 18 February, 2015. Systematic random sampling technique was used to obtain the required sample. About 5 ml of blood sample was collected aseptically by using properly labeled plain tube with the necessary information. The blood samples centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 min to separate serum. The serum was stored at a temperature of 20 °C below zero until the serological analysis was done for the presence of anti T.gondii antibodies (i.e. Immune globulin 'M' (IgM) and Immune globulin 'G' (IgG)) using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Exit interview was conducted with eligible mothers to obtain socio-demographic and behavioral data using structured questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was employed to identify the potential predictor variables for T.gondii infection. P-value less than 5 % was considered to declare a sound significant association.Results: The response rate of the study was 100 %. The overall sero-prevalence for T.gondii infection was 85.3 % (198/232). About 191 (82.3 %) of the pregnant women were reactive only for IgG anti-bodies. While about 7 (3.0 %) of them were seropositive for both IgG and IgM anti-bodies. None of the mothers were positive for IgM anti-bodies exclusively. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, contact with cat and gardening soil were significantly associated with T.gondii infection (AOR =2.37, 95 % CI = [1.16, 3.57] and AOR = 2.49, 95 % CI = [1.53, 3.86] respectively.Conclusions: Sero-prevalence of T. gondii antibodies for IgM was relatively high among pregnant women. Contact with cat and soil were risk factors for T.gondii case. Creating awareness on the source of infection, modes of transmission and prevention of T. gondii should be given for pregnant women. Routine screening services for T. gondii infection should be integrated with other ANC services to identify potential infections of the parasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Resistance to anti-malarials is a major challenge for effective malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa. This triggered a need for routine monitoring of the efficacy of the antimalarial drugs every two years in all malaria endemic countries. Chloroquine remained the drug of choice for the treatment of vivax malaria in Ethiopia. Though, a strong scientific evidence of chloroquine resistance to P.vivax that could have brought change of treatment regimen is yet to be established in Ethiopia, continuous and regular monitoring of drug’s efficacy is critical for establishing rational anti-malarial drug policies. This study therefore, assessed the therapeutic efficacy of Chloroquine (CQ) for the treatment of Plasmodium vivax infections in Northwestern Ethiopia. Methods: An observational, 28- day therapeutic clinical efficacy study was conducted from August to December, 2014, in Northwest Ethiopia. Patients confirmed to have monoinfection of vivax malaria, aged above 6 months were included. All subjects were treated with standard chloroquine dose of 25 mg/kg for three (3) days. Parasitological and clinical outcomes of treated patients were then evaluated on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 during the entire 28-day follow-up period. A portable spectrophotometer (HemoCue Hb 301 System, Sweden) was used to estimate hemoglobin concentration. Results: A total of 69 subjects had completed follow up. Some 57/69 (82.6%) had fever at enrolment and the rest 12 patients 48 hours before enrollment. Out of total, 65/69 (94.2%) and 66/69 (95.6%) of the study subjects were free of fever by day 1 and day 2 respectively but fever was cleared in all subjects by day 3. At base line the mean asexual parasitemia was 3540 parasites/μL of blood. Parasite carriage on day 3 was 3%. The overall cure rate (an adequate and clinical parasitological response) was very high (97%) [(95% CI = 93.1–99.4)]. The time to parasite, fever and gametocyte clearance as expressed in mean (SD) was 35 (3), 25 (4.6), 28 (3.2) hours respectively. Mean hemoglobin was significantly increased (P<0.001) from 12.2 (7–15) g/dl at day 0 to 13.3 (10–16) g/dl on day 28. Conclusions: In view of our findings, CQ remains efficacious for the treatment of vivax malaria in the study area. However, there is a need to monitor CQR regularly using molecular and or biochemical tools for better evaluation of treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria is still a major health problem in some parts of the world. Plasmodium falciparum is the common pathogenic parasite and is responsible for majority of malaria associated deaths. Recently the other benign parasite, P. vivax, is reported to cause life threatening severe malaria complications. Thus, this study was aimed to assess incidence of severe malaria symptoms caused by P. vivax parasite in some malaria endemic areas of Ethiopia.Materials and Methods: Presumptive malaria patients (all age groups) seeking medication at the selected health facilities in Mendi town, Northwest Ethiopia, were recruited for the study. Socio-demographic, clinical and parasitological characteristics were assessed following standard procedures. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and relative risk.Results: Of the 384 patients enrolled in the study for P. vivax mono-infection, 55 (14.3 %) of them were fulfilled at least one of the WHO criteria for severe malaria indicators. Some of these clinical manifestations were: prostration 14 (25.45 %), persistent vomiting 9 (16.36 %), respiratory distress 6 (10.9 %), hypoglycemia 5 (9.1 %), hyperpyrexia 8 (14.5 %), and severe anemia 13 (23.63 %). Differences in parasite load did not affect the frequency of some severe malaria symptoms. However, severe anemia, prostration, and persistent vomiting were significantly affected (P < 0.05) by relatively higher load of parasitemia, (OR = 3.8, 95 % CI, 1.1-13.7; OR = 4.4, 95 % CI, 1.4-13.9; and OR = 7, 95 % CI, 1.8-27.4) respectively.Conclusion: P.vivax associated severe malaria symptoms observed in this study is supportive evidence for the notion that P.vivax is no longer benign parasite but rather virulent. Thus, to meet international and regional targets of malaria eradication, a holistic prevention and control approaches should be designed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The search for new antimalarial drugs has become increasingly urgent due to plasmodial resistance to existing drugs. As part of this global effort, the present study aimed at evaluating the antimalarial activity of two traditionally used medicinal plants against the disease. Methods: Acute toxicity and four-day suppressive effects of aqueous, methanol and chloroform extracts of the seed and leaf of Brucea antidysenterica and Ocimum lamiifolium, respectively, were investigated in Swiss albino mice using Plasmodium berghei using standard procedures. Results: Methanol extract of the leaves of O. lamiifolium did not exhibit any sign of acute toxicity up to the dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight. However, all mice provided with seeds of B. antidesenterica at a dose of 2000 mg/kg body died within 24 h. The aqueous, methanol and chloroform crude extracts of B. antidesenterica significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited parasitaemia in a dose-dependent manner and prevented body weight loss at doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight. In addition, the extracts prolonged the mean survival time of P. berghei-infected mice compared to the non-treated control. However, it did not prevent reduction in packed cell volume except the chloroform extract in three doses and methanol extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg. Extracts from O. lamiifolium also exhibited significant (p < 0.05) antiplasmodial activities. The extracts did not prevent body weight loss and PCV reduction, especially in chloroform. The highest suppression was recorded from aqueous crude extract of O. lamiifolium with 35.53 % in the dose of 600 mg/kg. On the other hand, a similar higher suppression was found in both methanol and chloroform of crude extracts of B. antidesenterica with 47.70 %, 46.44 % of chemosuppression, respectively, in its highest dose tested. Conclusion: Crude aqueous, methanol and chloroform extracts of the two medicinal plants possess acceptable antimalarial effects. However, further investigation should be pursued on toxicity study and to isolate the bioactive components responsible for the observed antimalarial action of the plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vervet monkeys ( Chlorocebus pygerythrus) are non-human primates belonging to the family Cercopithecidae, which are native to Africa. The objective of the present study was to assess the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in free-ranging vervet monkeys. A total of 140 free-ranging vervet monkeys found in the recreational areas of Hawassa city, Ethiopia, were examined for gastrointestinal parasitic infection from November 2013 to April 2014. For the identification of eggs and larvae of nematodes and cysts, oocysts and trophozoites of protozoa, faecal samples were subjected to direct smear and floatation techniques. Overall, out of 140 faecal samples examined, 75 % were found to harbour one or more gastrointestinal nematode parasites. The most frequently detected nematode parasite was hookworms (45.7 %). Parasite eggs suggestive of cestode parasites were found in 7.9 % of the samples. Coccidia were the most commonly detected protozoa parasites (27.1 %). Mixed infections with two or more parasites were detected in 74.3 % of the examined faecal samples. The present study can give baseline information on the occurrence of parasitic infection in wild vervet monkeys in the area. Future studies in the area should focus not only on the animals but also on the determination of the possible transmission of the parasites to humans which do have close interaction with the vervet monkeys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidemiological information on the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in different regions is a prerequisite to develop appropriate control strategies. Therefore, this present study was conducted to assess the magnitude and pattern of intestinal parasitism in highland and lowland dwellers in Gamo area, South Ethiopia. Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2010 and July 2011 at Lante, Kolla Shelle, Dorze and Geressie kebeles of Gamo Gofa Zone, South Ethiopia. The study sites and study participants were selected using multistage sampling method. Data were gathered through house-to-house survey. A total of 858 stool specimens were collected and processed using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques for the presence of parasite. Results: Out of the total examined subjects, 342(39.9%) were found positive for at least one intestinal parasite. The prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the highest 98(11.4%), followed by Giardia lamblia 91(10.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides 67(7.8%), Strongyloides stercoralis 51(5.9%), hookworm 42(4.9%), Trichuris trichiura 24(2.8%), Taenia species 18(2.1%), Hymenolepis nana 7(0.6%) and Schistosoma mansoni 1(0.12%). No statistically significant difference was observed in the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among lowland (37.9%) and highland dwellers (42.3%) (P = 0.185). The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was not significantly different among the study sites but it was relatively higher in Geressie (42.8%) than other kebeles. Sex was not associated with parasitic infections (P = 0.481). No statistically significant difference of infection was observed among the age groups (P = 0.228) but it was higher in reproductive age group. Conclusions: The high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among the lowland and highland dwellers in Gamo area indicated that parasitic infections are important public health problems. Thus, infection control measures and the development of awareness strategies to improve sanitation and health education should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Ghibe valley from August to October 2010. 411 head of cattle were sampled in eight villages for buffy coat examination (BCE) and blood spots were collected from each animal for trypanosomose diagnosis by 18S-PCR-RFLP and diminazene aceturate (DA) resistance by Ade2-PCR-RFLP. Three villages were selected in a zone where trypanosomosis control operations are currently on-going whereas the other 5 villages were located outside these control operations. Twenty-four samples (5.84%) were diagnosed positive for Trypanosoma congolense by BCE and injected in mice for further characterization. Twelve of those isolates successfully multiplied in mice and were tested by an in vivo mouse test for diminazene (DA) (10 and 20mg/kg B.W.) and isometamidium (ISM) (1mg/kg B.W.) resistance. All were shown to be resistant to both drugs at all doses. The use of the Ade2-PCR-RFLP on these isolates confirmed their DA-resistance profile. Seventy-three of the collected blood spots (17.8%) were diagnosed positive for T. congolense by 18S-PCR-RFLP of which 37 (50.7%) gave amplification products with the Ade2-PCR-RFLP. Here, 35 (94.6%) showed a resistant profile, 1 (2.7%) a sensitive profile and 1 (2.7%) a mixed profile. The data were analysed by logistic regression model and the relapsing time in mice tests was assessed using the Cox regression model. There was no significant intervention effect (P =0.83) with odds ratio equal to 1.21 when using the BCE data. 18S-PCR-RFLP test also showed no significant intervention effect (P =0.60) with odds ratio equal to 1.43. The hazard ratio of getting parasitaemic after treatment with DA at 20mg/kg B.W. compared to the control group was 0.38 which differs significantly from one (P <0.001). Relapsing time after treatment with DA 10mg/kg B.W. or ISM 1mg/kg B.W. was also significantly longer than the prepatent period of the control group. The situation of drug resistance in the Ghibe valley is further discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Leishmania (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) are protozoan parasites of significant medical and veterinary importance. Over the last decade, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has emerged as a major opportunistic infection associated with HIV/AIDS in North Western Ethiopia. This paper reports on serological evidence of possible Leishmania donovani ( L. donovani) infection in dogs using two serological tests: direct agglutination test (DAT) and Kalazar detect rapid test (KDRT). Two hundred and seventeen asymptomatic local breed dogs were examined for L. donovani antibodies. Performance of the DAT and KDRT was assessed in 162 matching samples of blood collected on filter paper and serum, respectively. Using DAT and KDRT testing in parallel, the overall seroprevalence of L. donovani infection was 27.7% and 14.8%, respectively. The degree of agreement was found to be fair (68.8%, k = 0.234). Univariable logistic regression analysis of some risk factors for L. donovani infection in dogs using DAT indicates that place of residence, sex, age, dog keeping purpose and dog housing condition were not significantly associated with seropositivity. The high proportion of positive dogs suggests the exposure of these animals to L. donovani infection and needs further investigation. Isolation and typing of the parasite aiming at confirming the role of these animals in maintenance and transmission of kala-azar is advocated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study was carried out to determine the role of non-biting cyclorrhaphan flies as carriers of human intestinal parasites at Woreta, northwestern Ethiopia. In total, 6530 flies were collected from four breeding sites and then examined for human intestinal parasites, mainly using the formol–ether concentration method. Fly species identified were Musca domestica (32.9%), Chrysomya rufifacies (32.6%), Musca sorbens (23%), Lucina cuprina (4.7%), Calliphora vicina (2.8%), Chrysomya bezziana (2.3%) and Wohlfahrtia magnifica (1.7%). Intestinal parasites such as Ascaris lumbricoides (36.9%), Trichuris trichiura (38.8%), hookworm (13.0%), Hymenolepis nana (0.6%), Taenia spp. (8.4%), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.7%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (48.1%), Entamoeba coli (24.7%), Cryptosporidium spp. (16.7%) and Giardia lamblia (10.4%) were isolated from both external and gut contents of the flies. Trichuris trichiura and A. lumbricoides among the helminths and E. histolytica/dispar and E. coli among the protozoans were the dominant parasites identified. It was observed that more parasites were isolated from gut contents than the external surfaces of the flies examined (P <0.001). Chrysomya rufifacies were found to carry more helminths than M. sorbens and M. domestica. Musca sorbens were the highest carriers of protozoan parasites followed by M. domestica and C. rufifacies. The significance of filth flies as carriers of human intestinal parasites has been highlighted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In rural Ethiopia, where people often share their homes with their livestock, infections of humans and animals with Cryptosporidium and Giardia are relatively common. One possible transmission route is consumption of contaminated fresh produce; this study investigated the occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in fresh produce in four districts of rural Tigray in Ethiopia. Fresh produce samples (n = 55) were analysed using standard laboratory procedures. Overall, 15% (8/55) of samples were found to be contaminated. Although contamination levels were mostly low, a few samples had high numbers of Giardia cysts (up to around 70 cysts per 30 g sample). Molecular analyses were largely unsuccessful, but Giardia Assemblage A was identified in one sample. Contamination with these parasites was identified in two of the four districts, but, although a similar pattern has already been described for water contamination, this may be at least partially explained by sampling bias. Nevertheless, we speculate that access to clean water sources may be an important factor for reducing the occurrence of these pathogens. Given the public health and veterinary burden associated with both parasites, the factors which are of importance for their circulation in the communities and environments deserve further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Consumption of unwashed, raw or unhygienically prepared fruits and vegetables act as potential source for the spread of various parasitic diseases. Moreover, the level of contamination and species of contaminant parasites vary from place to place because of variations in environmental and human factors. Therefore local determination of the level of contamination and associated factors is important for efficient intervention of infections acquired via those food items.Methods: A Cross-sectional study was conducted among purchased vegetables in selected markets of Arba Minch town from January to March, 2018. A structured questionnaire was used to capture data about factors associated with parasitic contamination of vegetables in the marketing phase. Selected vegetables were purchased and processed for examination of parasitic contamination using direct wet mount, iodine wet mount and modified zeihl Neelson staining following standard protocols. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.Results: Among 347 vegetable samples examined, 87(25.1%) were contaminated with at least one parasite species. Tomato (35.0%) was the most commonly contaminated vegetable while green pepper (10.6%) was the least contaminated one. Entameoba histolytica/dispar (29, 8.4%) was the commonest parasitic contaminant detected followed by Giardia lamblia (24, 6.9%) and oocyst of Cryptosporidium species (5.8%). Vegetable type (X2 = 13.5; p = 0.009) and source of vegetables (X2 = 24.1; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with parasitic contamination of vegetables.Conclusion: Parasitic contamination rate among marketed vegetables in the present study is significantly considerable. Entameoba histolytica /dispar was the most frequently detected parasite. We recommend to the local public health sector to establish a system for continuous monitoring of contamination of vegetables sold at local markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria and leishmaniasis are the two largest parasitic killers in the world. Due togeographical overlap of these diseases, malaria-visceral leishmaniasis co-infections occur in large populations and exist in different areas even if they have been poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to determine malaria-visceral leishmaniasis co-infection and their associated factors among migrant laborers.Methods: Community based cross-sectional study was conducted from October-December 2016 on migrant laborers who are residents of rural agricultural camp in West Armachiho district and involved in sesame and sorghum harvesting. Standardized questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and risk factors. Capillary blood was collected for giemsa stained blood film examination to detect and identify Plasmodium parasites. Recombinant kinensin (rk39) antigen test was performed to detect anti-leishmania donovani antibody. Data was coded, entered, checked for completeness and analyzed using SPSS version-20 statistical software. Chi-square test was applied to show a significant association between variables. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: A total of 178 migrant laborers were included in this study. Of these, 74.2% belong to the age group 15-29; 61.2% come from lowland areas and 51.6% visit the area more than four times. Seroprevalence of visceral leishmaniasis was 9.6% (17/178); and 22.4% (40/178) of tested migrant laborers were found malaria infected. The overall prevalence of malaria-visceral leishmaniasis co-infection was 2.8%. Of the total migrant laborer, 47.8% used bed nets, of them 1.2% were malaria-visceral leishmaniasis co-infected; 72.5% used outdoor sites as usual sleeping site, among them 3.1% were malaria-visceral leishmaniasis co-infected; 60.1% were migrants, of which 2.8% were malaria-visceral leishmaniasis co-infected. All variables were not significantly associated with malaria-visceral leishmaniasis co-infection (P > 0.05).Conclusions: Prevalence of malaria-visceral leishmaniasis co-infection was low and it is not significantly associated with residence, number of visits, bed net utilization and outdoor sleeping habit even if both diseases are prevalent in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An estimated 60% of the world's population is infected with one form of intestinal parasites. Amoebiasis and giardiasis are among the leading intestinal protozoan infections that affected mankind. However, literature that shows the magnitude of the problem among university students in Ethiopia is at scarce. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of feco-oral transmitted protozoan infections and associated factors among sport festival participant universities in Ethiopia., Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted among 483 randomly selected university sport festival participant students. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Stool specimens were examined using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. The data were entered into Epi Info version 6.04 and were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical software. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to control the possible confounders and an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval at p < 0.05 was used to identify an association between variables., Result: The overall prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections was 140(28.9%) with the predominantly higher prevalence of E. histolytica/E. dispar 95(19.7%). The female respondents were at lower risk of infections compared to their male counterparts (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.97]. Participants with educated father (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.86) and those who received pocket money of > 347 Ethiopian Birr (~ 14 USD) per month (AOR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.74) were at lower risk of infections. However, being married (AOR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.10, 2.23), rural resident (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.21, 3.32) and university stay for two or more years (AOR = 2.21, 95%CI: 1.48, 3.87) were more likely to be infected with protozoan infections., Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection among students who attend higher educational institutions was very high. Infection prevention strategies should be undertaken at respective universities with special focus to senior students and students from the rural area.

Background: Intestinal protozoa are parasites transmitted by consumption of contaminated water and food and mainly affect children and elder people and cause considerable health problems. They are the leading causes of outpatient morbidity due to diarrhea in the developing countries. So, assessing water and food source of diarrheal patients and identifying the main associated factors for transmission of protozoan parasitic infections help for effective control measures of protozoan infections. Hence, the current study was aimed at determining the prevalence of foodborne intestinal protozoa infections and associated factors among diarrheic patients in North Ethiopia.Methods: A health facility based cross-sectional study was conducted among 223 patients with watery diarrhea in four selected government health facilities in North Ethiopia from November 2016-June 2017. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demography of study participants and factors associated with foodborne protozoa infections. The diarrheic stool samples were collected, transported, and processed using direct wet mount, formal-ether concentration and modified ZiehlNeelson staining methods. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and descriptive statistics, bi-variate, and multivariate logistic regressions were computed. P-value < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant.Results: The overall prevalence of foodborne protozoa infection was 101 (45.3%). The predominant protozoa species identified was Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 55 (24.7%), followed by Giardia intestinalis 25 (11.2%) and Cryptosporidium species 5 (2.2%). The highest proportion of protozoa infection was observed among males (23.3%) and the age group 15-24 years (13.5%). Statistically significant associations were observed between foodborne protozoan infection and not using any type of recipe to decontaminate salads and fruits (AOR = 2.64, 95 CI: 1.34-5.19, P = 0.005) and using vinegar as a decontaminant (AOR = 2.83, 95 CI: 1.24-6.48, P = 0.014). Eating out (meals at a restaurant) on the other hand was found to be protective for foodborne protozoan infection (AOR = 0.43, 95 CI: 0.23-0.78, P = 0.006).Conclusion: Our study revealed that foodborne protozoa infections are of public health significance in the study area. Vinegar, which is frequently used as a recipe for decontaminating salads and fruits, is inversely related to foodborne protozoa parasite infection . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]