Search

Objective: Complications of ascariasis are a significant cause of abdominal pain in pediatric emergencies, especially where it is endemic. A literature review was conducted with the aim of improving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for these patients. Data sources: A PubMed search was conducted using the key terms “ascariasis complications” and “hepatobiliary ascariasis”. The search strategy included meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, observational studies, case reports, and reviews published up to December 2023. Summary of findings: Obstruction of the small bowel is the most common complication. Others that are, rarer and more difficult to properly identify and treat, such as biliary, hepatic, and pancreatic complications, acute appendicitis, Meckel’s diverticulitis, or peritoneal granulomas. Hepatic and pancreatic complications are rarer and more serious in children than in adults. While plain radiography is usually the only option in cases of intestinal obstruction, ultrasonography is the examination of choice in cases of hepatobiliary, pancreatic, and appendicular ascariasis complications in childhood. The treatment is clinical and conservative in most patients. Surgical treatment is indicated if conservative therapy fails, or if there are signs of complications. Laparoscopy has been used as an excellent technical alternative in adults with hepatobiliary complications of ascariasis, but further studies on its use in children are still needed. Conclusion: The creation of protocols and greater debate on this subject should be encouraged for a better understanding of the disease and to establish an early diagnosis and adequate treatment for children with complications resulting from massive infestation by Ascaris lumbricoides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human helminthiasis is one of the urgent problems of medical science and practical healthcare. More than 90 % of parasitic diseases in humans are caused by helminthiasis. Among helminths, soil-transmitted helminths are of particular importance due to their widespread distribution and the role they play in human pathologies. Ascaris lumbricoides is the most widespread helminth among soil-transmitted helminths. Ascariasis is widespread in all countries, as well as in Azerbaijan, according to the WHO, about 15 % of the world's population is infected with it. WHO has prepared a program for the control and prevention of soil-transmitted helminths for 2016-2020, taking into account the negative impact of this ascariasis on human pathology, especially in children and their widespread distribution not only in developing countries, but also in developed European regions. One of the main goals of this program is to eliminate ascariasis among schoolchildren in the European region by 2020. The Republic of Azerbaijan is one of the regions where soil-transmitted helminths is widespread. Many scientific-research works on various aspects of ascariasis have been carried out at the Scientific-Research Institute of Medical Parasitology and Tropical Medicine in Azerbaijan. Ascariasis infection causes nervous system and cognitive impairment, mental and physical weakness and growth retardation in children. In adults, in most cases, irritability, reduced work capacity, and sleep disturbances occur. Even if children and adults do not have any clinical symptoms, ascariasis causes weight loss and some infectious diseases (dysentery, typhoid fever, etc.). Ascariasis leads to complications of pregnancy and other pathological changes. Mechanical or parenchymal jaundice can be observed in 65 % of patients with ascariasis. Therefore, it is very important to study the current situation of the and to implement effective prevention and control measures against it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Complications of ascariasis are a significant cause of abdominal pain in pediatric emergencies, especially where it is endemic. A literature review was conducted with the aim of improving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for these patients. Data sources: A PubMed search was conducted using the key terms “ascariasis complications” and “hepatobiliary ascariasis”. The search strategy included meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, observational studies, case reports, and reviews published up to December 2023. Summary of findings: Obstruction of the small bowel is the most common complication. Others that are, rarer and more difficult to properly identify and treat, such as biliary, hepatic, and pancreatic complications, acute appendicitis, Meckel's diverticulitis, or peritoneal granulomas. Hepatic and pancreatic complications are rarer and more serious in children than in adults. While plain radiography is usually the only option in cases of intestinal obstruction, ultrasonography is the examination of choice in cases of hepatobiliary, pancreatic, and appendicular ascariasis complications in childhood. The treatment is clinical and conservative in most patients. Surgical treatment is indicated if conservative therapy fails, or if there are signs of complications. Laparoscopy has been used as an excellent technical alternative in adults with hepatobiliary complications of ascariasis, but further studies on its use in children are still needed. Conclusion: The creation of protocols and greater debate on this subject should be encouraged for a better understanding of the disease and to establish an early diagnosis and adequate treatment for children with complications resulting from massive infestation by Ascaris lumbricoides.

Nader Ahmed Mohammed,1 Abdulrahman OE Adam,2 Monzir Ahmed Hassan Osman,2,3 Hibatallah MA Abass,2,3 Awad MA Salih,2,3 Ameer AM Abaker,2,3 Alamin Mustafa,3,4 Mamoun Magoub5 1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kassala, Kassala, Sudan; 2Faculty of Medicine, Omdurman Islamic University, Omdurman, Sudan; 3Patient Support Organization Research Unit, Khartoum, Sudan; 4Faculty of Medicine, Al-Neelain University, Khartoum, Sudan; 5Department of Microbiology & Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine & Health Science, West Bank of Gash River, University of Kassala, Kassala, SudanCorrespondence: Mamoun Magoub, Department of Microbiology & Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine & Health Science, West Bank of Gash River, University of Kassala, Kassala, Sudan, Tel +24991291999, Email mamounmagzoub@kassalauni.edu.sd Alamin Mustafa, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Neelain University, JG37+2RM, 52nd St, Khartoum, Sudan, Tel +249902612984, Email alamin900005@gmail.comBackground: Ascaris lumbricoides is a common infectious parasite of the gastrointestinal tract worldwide, but the invasion of the pleural cavity is rare.Case Report: A 45-year-old man from Eastern Sudan presented to the emergency department complaining of breathlessness, cough stained with blood, and chest pain one month before his presentation. Also, he complained of high-grade fever for two weeks associated with sweating. Diagnosis of hydropneumothorax was made and a chest tube was inserted, two days later we found three adult A. lumbricoides worms in the chest drain.Conclusion: The patient was treated with Albendazole 200 mg, orally twice, daily for seven days, he improved and was referred to a cardiothoracic surgeon for more assessment. Our study highlights that internal medicine specialists should know about pleural ascariasis when patients present with respiratory signs and symptoms, especially in A. lumbricoides endemic regions like Eastern Sudan.Keywords: neglectable tropical diseases, pulmonology, pleural cavity, ascariasis, Ascaris lumbricoides

Hepatobiliary ascariasis is caused by the entry of the nematode A. lumbricoides from the duodenum into the biliary duct. We report a case of an Ascaris-induced extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction in a pediatric patient admitted to the hospital due to a wide spectrum of symptoms of biliary disease, which included abdominal pain in the upper abdominal quadrants, vomiting, and jaundice. Imaging tests—including ultrasound, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)—were performed to confirm the diagnosis of biliary ascariasis. The tests did, in fact, demonstrate signs of this disease. Nevertheless, during the ERCP, only the remains of Ascaris parasites in the form of tissue fragments were extracted. We also aim to discuss the prevalence of ascariasis in children, the causes of migration of Ascaris parasites into the bile ducts, together with its clinical manifestations, as well as the diagnostic and treatment methods of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, one of most severe environmental problems is the high levels of pollution of many of drinking water bodies in India. The present research is focuses on the relationship between total coliform bacteria levels and the increase of human digestive tract diseases in the highly polluted water in the various drinking water source of Bhopal. Aim of the studied to find out what is the connection between gastrointestinal diseases and water bodies of Bhopal by conducting an online survey with questions related to the topic. This survey was particularly based for the residents in Bhopal where a total of 333 respondents were surveyed. Most of the respondents were aged 18-25 years old. Out of all the respondents, majority were the females. Around 68.5 % respondents were the local residents of Bhopal who have been there in Bhopal for around 1-5 years. A majority of people were from the western part of the Bhopal and were also aware about the gastrointestinal diseases. The results presented here are the first of their kind of this water bodies and will serve as basis for future research exploring other similarly contaminated riparian communities. As the causes of pollution are directly related to the economic development and population growth of the region, further research should be conducted for prevention of diseases, educational programs, water remediation and conservation programs that will have a positive impact on the quality of life of the population presently at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synopsis: Gallbladder ascariasis in pregnancy presents with protracted nausea and vomiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a case of a 2-year-old child who expelled a single adult female Ascaris lumbricoides worm. The patient is from a rural county in Mississippi, USA, with no reported travel outside of the United States. The caregivers in the home practice good sanitation. Exposure to domestic pigs is the likely source of infection.

Ascariasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by Ascaris lumbricoides. The knowledge, attitude, and practices related to the prevalence of ascariasis among primary school children in Mkpat Enin LGA, Akwa Ibom State, were investigated. Two hundred sixteen faecal samples were examined for ascariasis. Data on sociodemographic and hygiene habits were obtained using a structured questionnaire. The formol-ether sedimentation concentration technique was used to diagnose the ascariasis. Chi-square at a 5 % level of significance was used in assessing the relationship between the prevalence of ascariasis and other variables. The overall prevalence of ascariasis among the pupils was 86.67 %. Prevalence of ascariasis among schools was highest (91.67%) for Primary School, Ikot Ebak, while True Church Primary School, Mkpat Enin, had the lowest (75.00 %) prevalence (p > 0.05). Based on the age distribution, pupils aged 3-5 years had the highest prevalence of ascariasis (92.00 %), while pupils aged 6-9 years had the lowest (84.71 %) prevalence (p > 0.05). Males had a higher (72.22 %) prevalence of ascariasis than females (70.37 %) (p > 0.05). Pupils with good knowledge about ascariasis, positive attitudes towards ascariasis, and good hygienic practices were less infected. There were significant associations between the prevalence of infection and some of the variables of knowledge, attitude, and practices. The high prevalence of ascariasis in the study area could be reduced through health education on proper hygiene habits and regular de-worming exercises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: The aim of the current study was comparison of the effectiveness of intravenous iron sucrose versus oral ferrous fumarate for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Materials & Methods: This is a prospective randomized clinical trial enrolling 100 pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia who visited the Al-diwaniya Educational Hospital for maternity and children from October 2022 to July 2023 whose ferritin level was less than 15 ng/ml and Hb level was between 70-10.9g/L. They were treated with either intravenous iron sucrose or oral ferrous fumarate for four weeks. Formerly, patients were allocated into two groups. The patients in the group I received ferrous fumarate pills, each enclosed with elemental Iron 100 mg. Group II got 100 ml of 0.9% NaCl containing a dose of iron sucrose dissolved in it and calculated by a specific equation. After four weeks, serum ferritin and hemoglobin levels were assessed, and the adverse effects were also monitored. Results: Comparing hemoglobin levels produces a substantial pre- and post-treatment difference (P=0.001). Serum Ferritin Level harvest significant differences pre- and posttreatment (P=0.001). The post-treatment comparison of the two groups showed a significant difference in each group (P= 0.001). Conclusion: Maternal iron reserves are more effectively increased by intravenous ferrous sucrose than by oral ferrous fumarate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: According to the World Health Organization, close to 21% of India's population may be affected by intestinal parasites, accounting for 39 million disability-adjusted life years, which may likely be due to substandard sanitation practices and insufficient personal hygiene standards. This research was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence of helminthic infections among school-aged children in the South Canara district of India. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving school children from nursery to the 8th Grade in the South Canara district of Karnataka, India. The presence of various intestinal parasites in different age groups was determined by performing routine stool microscopy. Modified acid-fast staining was performed for stool samples collected from children <5 years of age for the detection of intestinal coccidian parasites. Statistical analysis was carried out to analyze age-related trends in relation to the prevalence of commonly detected intestinal parasites. Results: Intestinal parasites were identified in 10 of the 253 students (3.9%), with the highest incidence observed in the age group of 7-10 years (1.9%). The most prevalent parasite identified was the cysts of Giardia lamblia, with a prevalence of 7.54%, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm, each having a prevalence of 5.66%. Of the 253 students, 92.2% practiced handwashing with soap after defecation, while 7.8% did not use soap. The handwashing practices did not significantly vary across different age groups. Clinically, pallor was observed in 64.2% of the individuals. Conclusion: Giardiasis was the most common parasitic infection, followed by soil-transmitted helminths such as Ascariasis and hookworm. The level of hygiene practices among children exceeded the prevailing national and state standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se da a conocer los resultados del tratamiento masivo con dosis única de pamoato de pirantel a una población de 1,627 personas de un orfanatorio de Lima, con la finalidad de observar sus efectos sobre E. vermicularis y A. lumbricoides. De 417 escolares seleccionados al azar para el estudio parasitológico y evaluación terapéutica (límites de confianza de más de 95%), cumplieron con los requisitos 386 para la técnica de Graham, específica para Enterobius; 269 de éstos cumplieron con los exámenes coproparasitoscópicos mediante las técnicas: directa, Faust, Baermann y Sedimentación Rápida, para la investigación de otros parásitos. De los 386 se comprobó huevos de E. vermicularis en 249 (64.5%). Ascaris lumbricoides se encontró en 22 de los 369 examinados por otros métodos. El tratamiento masivo con dosis única de pamoato de pirantel, en su forma de suspensión, fue administrado a la dosis de 10 miligramos por kilogramo de peso corporal, y los controles parasitológicos, con las mismas técnicas, fueron realizados entre el 7° y 26° días después. De los 249 escolares con E. vermicularis curaron 231, es deci, el 92.8% y de los 22 con A. lumbricoides curaron 21, es decir, el 95.5%, no habiéndose reportado efectos secundarios debidos a la droga. Se sumariza los trabajos de diferentes autores para compararlos con las observaciones realizadas y se comenta de las ventajas del pamoato de pirantel por su amplio espectro de ación antiherlmíntica, su fácil administración oral en dosis única, su carencia de efectos secundarios, así como su superioridad frente a otros medicamentos similares.

Parasitic infections continue to be a burden for developing countries—the lack of hygiene measures and clean water results in dangerous scenarios that can lead to challenging problems. Most Ascaris lumbricoides infections are usually mild; nonetheless, in rare cases in endemic regions, they can migrate to the bile duct and cause severe complications requiring surgery. We present the case of a 43-year-old woman who had severe cholangitis due to A. lumbricoides. The worm migrated from the bowel and obstructed the bile duct; after surgery, the patient fully recovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ascaris lumbricoides is a widely spread helminthic infection, predominantly affecting children, making them the most commonly infected population group. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides infestation in two municipalities, Tešanj and Maglaj, and to investigate the occurrence of Ascaris lumbricoides infections in the pediatric population, focusing particularly on preschool children. Materials and Methods: The study involved the collection of 1409 fecal samples from the Tešanj and Maglaj areas, gathered over a 6-month period, spanning from September 2018 to February 2019. The processing of these samples was conducted in the Microbiology Laboratory of Tešanj General Hospital. Results: Out of the total 1409 samples, 129 (9.16%) tested positive for Ascaris lumbricoides infestation. In Tešanj, where 1198 samples were collected, 106 (8.85%) tested positive, while in Maglaj, 211 samples were collected, with 23 (10.9%) testing positive. Notably, the majority of positive cases in both Tešanj and Maglaj were preschool-age children, accounting for 88.68% and 86.96%, respectively. The study did not identify any statistically significant correlation between age and gender distribution among those with positive test results in either Tešanj or Maglaj. Conclusion: Based on the study results, which have highlighted the infestation of preschool children with Ascaris lumbricoides in two municipalities in our country, it is imperative to implement preventive measures aimed at reducing the incidence of infection.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been a significant development in gastrointestinal endoscopy. I did my first ERCP at SKIMS on December 5, 1982, and over the last 40 years, I have performed 10,100 ERCP procedures, including 600 Sphincter of Oddi manometries (SOM), and 3200 therapeutic ERCPs. We were confronted with many clinical challenges that needed answers by applying ERCP as a primary diagnostic tool. These studies gave birth to and/or recognition of several clinical syndromes. The hepatobiliary and pancreatic ascariasis (HBPA) as a clinical disease was recognized in 1985. The nematode, Ascaris lumbricoides , was the most common cause of hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases in Kashmir, and its impact on healthcare, clinical profile, management policies, and control measures was identified. Kashmir was recognized as an endemic zone for recurrent pyogenic cholangitis (RPC), which constituted 12.5% of all biliary diseases. RPC in this population was found essentially to be an aftermath of HBPA. A subset of patients with hepatic hydatidosis with rupture into the biliary tract was recognized at ERCP and primarily treated by endotherapy. Cholangiographic abnormalities in children with portal cavernoma evolved into the recognition of portal biliopathy. Extensive studies of the sphincter of Oddi manometry in patients with unexplained biliary and/or pancreatic pain following cholecystectomy identified the entity of the sphincter of Oddi dyskinesia (SOD). In a cross-over trial, Nifedipine, compared with a placebo, showed a significant clinical response in 20 of 28 such patients. ERCP studies done in patients with tropical calcific pancreatitis showed an anomalous union of bile and pancreatic ducts. Forty of the 220 patients with liver transplantation had biliary complications namely biliary leaks, bile duct strictures, SOD, and recurrence of underlying primary biliary cholangitis. Biliary complications caused considerable morbidity and mortality in patients with liver transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aberrant migration of Ascaris lumbricoides may cause extra-intestinal ascariasis (EIA) involving hepato-biliary-pancreatic (HBP) or other extra-gastro-intestinal (EGI) organs. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to study the risk factors and clinical presentations of EIA, and differences in HBP and EGI ascariasis. Medline, Web of Science and Embase were searched for cases of EIA in the English language from India. From 1204 articles, 86 studies (105 cases) were included. The majority of the cases involved the HBP system (78%). Among HBP ascariasis, the most commonly involved site was the bile duct (53.6%). Females had 11.3 times higher odds (95% CI 2.852 to 44.856; p=0.001) of HBP ascariasis, while the pediatric population had lower odds (OR=0.323). Previous gallbladder disease was significantly associated with HBP ascariasis in adults (p=0.046), while a significantly higher number of cases of EGI ascariasis were observed among pediatric patients (p=0.003). Ocular symptoms occurred exclusively in the pediatric population (p=0.017). Overall, death was reported in 3.8% of patients (n=4). This review emphasizes the importance of the complications of EIA. It encourages future research into issues such as the reasons of higher gall bladder ascariasis in females and the implications of Ascaris -related complications following biliary tract interventions. It also suggests considering Ascaris as a differential diagnosis for airway obstuction in intubated critically ill patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The causative agents of ascariasis in humans are two species: Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum. For diagnosis, a fecal sample is most often examined. In some cases, the parasite can be identified when coming out with the intestinal passage, and very rarely up on colonoscopy. Aim to present a rare case of ascariasis where the diagnosis was made by colonoscopy on the background of elevated levels of fecal calprotectin (f-CP). Case presentation: A colonoscopy was performed on a 52-year-old female patient due to elevated f-CP. The patient had no complaints. The colonoscopy did not detect pathological changes of the intestinal mucosa, but documented larval stages of Ascaris spp. freely moving in the lumen of the large intestine. The patient was treated with albendazole. Subsequent parasitological examinations of fecal samples were negative. Discussion: In developed countries, the transmission of Ascaris lumbricoides is greatly reduced. On the background of a very limited transmission of Ascaris lumbricoides, many authors consider that most of the sporadic cases of ascariasis are due to Ascaris suum. In the case described by us, the f-CP levels normalized after the treatment, and for this reason, we cannot categorically reject the relationship between Ascaris infection and elevated f-CP levels. Conclusion: The presented clinical case is of interest due to the unusual way of diagnosi ascariasis. In the absence of clinical symptoms, and pathological changes of blood and biochemical parameters, except for elevated fecal calprotectin, inflammatory colon disease was suspected and was colonoscopy performed on this occasion.

Hepatobiliary ascariasis is caused by the entry of the nematode A. lumbricoides from the duodenum into the biliary duct. We report a case of an Ascaris-induced extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction in a pediatric patient admitted to the hospital due to a wide spectrum of symptoms of biliary disease, which included abdominal pain in the upper abdominal quadrants, vomiting, and jaundice. Imaging tests—including ultrasound, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)—were performed to confirm the diagnosis of biliary ascariasis. The tests did, in fact, demonstrate signs of this disease. Nevertheless, during the ERCP, only the remains of Ascaris parasites in the form of tissue fragments were extracted. We also aim to discuss the prevalence of ascariasis in children, the causes of migration of Ascaris parasites into the bile ducts, together with its clinical manifestations, as well as the diagnostic and treatment methods of this disease.

Abstract Introduction Curvularia hawaiiensis (formerly Bipolaris hawaiiensis) is a plant pathogen often isolated from soil and vegetative material. However, only a few cases of opportunistic invasive infections in humans have been described. Case A 16-year-old female patient without comorbidities was admitted to the emergency department because of fever and chest pain. We described the first coinfection of Curvularia hawaiiensis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis necrotising pneumonia. Discussion Multiple infections can alter immune responses. However, immunosuppression is the most critical risk factor for infection with species of the genus Curvularia. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully examine patients with tuberculosis, as they may rarely be coinfected with unusual fungi.

BACKGROUND: Biliary tract disorders are predominantly caused by cholelithiasis (gallstones). However, in regions endemic for parasitic infestations, or areas with poor hygiene and sanitation, hepatobiliary disorders may be due to an underlying worm infestation. THE CASE A 55-year-old female from Skardu, Pakistan, an Ascariasis-endemic area, presented to a tertiary care hospital with right hypochondrial pain and jaundice. Her condition did not respond to conservative treatment. Ultrasound (USG) and Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) identified multiple worms obstructing the common bile duct. Subsequently, an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure was performed, successfully retrieving the worms and achieving complete ductal clearance. The patient was discharged with oral anthelmintics and made a full recovery. CONCLUSION: This case underscores the importance of considering biliary ascariasis as a differential diagnosis for obstructive jaundice in endemic regions. MRCP emerges as a valuable diagnostic tool, providing a non-invasive and precise way to identify worm infestations of the biliary system. It effectively reduces the dependence on ERCP and its associated risks, reserving ERCP for therapeutic interventions. Equipping local healthcare centers in Ascariasis-endemic regions with the necessary resources to diagnose and treat these conditions is essential for mitigating patient suffering. This may lessen the need for travel to larger hospitals, minimising physical and financial inconveniences to the patient while also decreasing the burden on tertiary care hospitals.

The simultaneous occurrence of intestinal ascariasis and appendicitis presents a challenge in diagnosing pediatric abdominal emergencies due to overlapping symptoms. We present the case of an 8-year-old boy who experienced acute abdominal pain, characterized by a severe cramp in the mid and lower right abdomen, with pain rated 7 out of 10, a mild fever, and continuous nausea. The initial evaluation suggested appendicitis, supported by an Alvarado score of 9. However, ultrasonography did not conclusively confirm appendicitis but revealed an Ascaris worm in the ileum. This finding highlights the importance of careful diagnostic processes that combine clinical assessment with imaging techniques, while being mindful of their limitations. Surgical exploration confirmed retrocecal appendicitis coexisting with an Ascaris lumbricoides infection. The treatment involved surgical removal of the affected appendix and pharmacological expulsion of the parasitic worm using albendazole, which proved effective. This report emphasizes the consideration of ascariasis in diagnosing appendicitis, particularly in areas where intestinal parasites are common. It also demonstrated the improved diagnostic accuracy achieved through clinical scoring and imaging, thus reducing the risk of missing dual pathologies in young patients with acute abdominal pain.

Ascariasis and intestinal parasitic nematodes are the leading cause of mass mortality infecting many people across the globe. In light of the various deleterious side effects of modern chemical-based allopathic drugs, our preferences have currently shifted towards the use of traditional plant-based drugs or botanicals for treating diseases. The defensive propensities in the botanicals against parasites have probably evolved during their co-habitation with parasites, humans and plants in nature and hence their combative interference in one another’s defensive mechanisms has occurred naturally ultimately being very effective in treating diseases. This article broadly outlines the utility of plant-based compounds or botanicals prepared from various medicinal herbs that have the potential to be developed as effective therapies against the important parasites causing ascariasis and intestinal hookworm infections leading to ascariasis & infections and thereby human mortality, wherein allopathic treatments are less effective and causes enormous side-effects.

Geohelminthosis are one of the widespread parasitic diseases among humans. Over the years, many scientific-research works have been carried out on some aspects of these diseases, and the level of spread of geohelminthosis among the population in different regions and settlements, risk groups, epidemiological characteristics have been studied, efficient diagnostic methods, effective treatment schemes have been developed, and some achievements have been achieved in combating them. Despite all this, infection with ascariasis, trichocephalosis, ankylostomiasis, strongyloidosis, and toxocarosis remains high among the population, especially among school-aged children. In the last 30 years, it can be said that mass examinations on geohelminthoses, that is, active detection was not carried out, helminthological examinations were carried out once, mainly by the usual smear method. Therefore, there is on detailed information about the current state of distribution of geohelminthiasis among the population. In this regard, the study of the current state of geohelminthiasis and the implementation of effective control and prevention measures against them are very urgent issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Sanamed is the property of Sanamed and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the prevalence of digestive system parasites in backyard chickens in the Kırıkkale region. Material-Method: One hundred (100) faecal samples were taken by visiting the poultry houses where domestic chicken breeding was carried out. Care was taken to ensure that the faecal samples were fresh and not in contact with soil. Each faecal sample was separately placed in plastic containers with lids and delivered to Kırıkkale University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Routine and Epidemiology laboratory under appropriate conditions. The samples were analysed on the same day by native-Lugol and Fülleborn flotation technique and the faecal samples which were positive for Eimeria oocyst were sporulated in potassium dichromate for species identification. Result: Sixty-three of the faecal samples (63%) were found to be infected with one or more parasite eggs/oocysts. Eggs/oocysts of one, two and three different parasite species were detected in 42.9%, 39.7% and 11.1% of the faecal samples, respectively. Eimeria spp. 13%, Ascaridia spp. 6%, Capillaria spp. 12%, Eimeria spp.+Trichostrongylus tenuis 3%, Eimeria spp. + Ascaridia spp. 3%, Ascaridia spp. + Capillaria spp. 11%, Ascaridia spp. + Capillaria spp. + Eimeria spp. 3%, Capillaria spp + Eimeria spp. 4%, Capillaria spp + T. tenuis 1%, Eimeria spp. + Ascaridia spp. + Heterakis spp. 1%, Ascaridia spp. + Capillaria spp. + T. tenuis 1%, Capillaria spp. + Ascaridia spp. + Heterakis spp. 2%, Ascaridia spp. + Heterakis spp. 2% and T. tenuis 1% were detected in this study. Eimeria spp. oocysts were morphologically identified as E. tenella, E. necatrix, E. brunetti, E. mitis and E. maxima. Conclusion: As a result, it is thought that the parasite rate is high due to the fact that the sampled chickens are free-ranging in the natural environment, parasites are more common during the infective periods of parasites or parasite control and treatment are not performed regularly. In order to reduce the presence of parasite infections that cause yield losses, it is recommended that the animals should have access to clean feed and water sources and regular parasitic control and treatment should be carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polish Journal of Allergology / Alergologia Polska is the property of Termedia Publishing House and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Ascaris lumbricoides is the most common parasite of the gastrointestinal tract. On many occasions, it may pass via the ampulla of vater to reach the common bile duct, but its existence in the gallbladder is very rare. We describe a rare case where it reached the gallbladder and got mummified. A 45-year-old lady presented with pain in right upper quadrant of the abdomen for 2 months, which was associated with nausea. An ultrasonography abdomen was done, which showed multiple calculi of varying size in the gallbladder lumen. There was also evidence of a large, curved, and anechoic structure noted within the lumen of the gallbladder, suggestive of gallbladder ascariasis. A diagnosis of biliary ascariasis with cholelithiasis was made, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy was done. The postoperative specimen showed clumped mummified Ascaris lumbricoides with pigmented stone. She was discharged on 3rd postoperative day and doing well on 3rd month of follow-up. Gallbladder ascariasis is a rare presentation, and few cases are reported in the literature. The usual presentations are acute acalculus cholecystitis and empyema gallbladder. Rarely Ascaris lumbricoides can undergo mummification and be associated with gallstones. Ultrasound is the investigation of choice, which shows long, non-posterior acoustic shadowing tubular structure. Conservative management with antihelminthic drugs is preferred in acalculus cholecystitis, but operative intervention, preferably laparoscopic cholecystectomy or exploratory laparotomy, is the ideal treatment for the ascariasis gallbladder with calculus cholecystitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal Ascariasis is a common helminthic infection in developing countries and in some rare cases, worms migrate to the biliary tract and gall bladder. Extraintestinal biliary ascariasis presents with jaundice, right upper quadrant abdominal pain, and vomiting. Ultrasonography is a useful diagnostic modality. Albendazole and Mebendazole are commonly used anti-helmintic agents for conservative management, whereas endoscopic removal is needed in rare cases.

Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) due to helminths is a rare cause of acute kidney injury (AKI). Helminthiases often progresses insidiously, making diagnosis difficult. This was the case of a 72-year-old man, who presented with renal failure, itching and diarrhoea. Urinalysis revealed leukocyturia, microhaematuria and mild proteinuria. A full blood count revealed leucocytosis with eosinophilia. A stool parasitological examination revealed fertilised eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides. Tubulointerstitial nephropathy secondary to A. lumbricoides infection was suspected. A percutaneous renal biopsy was not performed since the patient refused the anti-platelet therapy discontinuation. Mebendazole, albendazole and prednisone therapy was administered. After worm eradiation and discharge, recovery from the parasitosis, absence of pruritus and eosinophilia, and progressive improvement of renal function were observed, strongly suggesting a causal relationship between Ascaris infection and AIN. Parasite infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained renal failure because early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to avoid irreversible complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ascariasis is still a major public health concern and is termed as neglected tropical disease. There are surgical morbidity and mortality due to ascariasis. Objective: The general objective of the study was to analyze the trend of hospital admission and mortality from ascariasis at a tertiary government hospital in Bangladesh. Methodology: This was a retrospective chart review performed in the department of pediatric surgery at Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Chattogram, Bangladesh from a period of January 2006 to December 2019. Patients of 0 to 12 years of age who were admitted and diagnosed as intestinal or biliary ascariasis were analyzed for yearly trend for admissions, surgeries, and mortalities. Results: There were a total of 33,426 patients with various disease admitted and among them 2799 (8.67%) patients were diagnosed as intestinal ascariasis and 375(1.12%) patients were diagnosed as biliary ascariasis. Admission rate for intestinal ascariasis decreased from 15.87% in 2006 to 8.67% in 2019 and that for biliary ascariasis decreased from 1.87% to 0.98 %. The surgical load for intestinal obstruction decreased from 5.20% in 2006 to 1.09% in 2019 among all surgeries. Only one surgery was performed for biliary ascariasis. Mortality rate of ascariasis among all mortalities decreased from 20% to 5%. There was no death from biliary ascariasis. Conclusion: Surgical morbidity and mortality from intestinal ascariasis decreased over time but ascariasis is still causing loss of valuable lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Curvularia hawaiiensis (formerly Bipolaris hawaiiensis) is a plant pathogen often isolated from soil and vegetative material. However, only a few cases of opportunistic invasive infections in humans have been described. Case: A 16-year-old female patient without comorbidities was admitted to the emergency department because of fever and chest pain. We described the first coinfection of Curvularia hawaiiensis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis necrotising pneumonia. Discussion: Multiple infections can alter immune responses. However, immunosuppression is the most critical risk factor for infection with species of the genus Curvularia. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully examine patients with tuberculosis, as they may rarely be coinfected with unusual fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals about how study the control measures against ascariasis, which is widespread among birds in the western zone of the republic. The best effective drugs against helminthiasis of birds are fenbendazole, nilverm, mebednazol, fenesal, filixan, hyperazine. These drugs should be given with feed or as a solution in water, in the dosage and order according to their instructions. The research work was carried out in the "Chinarli" peasant farm located in Shamkir region, in the laboratory of the "Epizootology, microbiology and parasitology" department of the "Veterinary Medicine" faculty. Mattresses and feathers of birds should be neutralized by biothermal or thermal methods, buildings and equipment should be disinfected regularly, a disinfecting place should be made at the entrance of birdhouses, and the place of birds kept in camp conditions should be changed every year. If helminths adapt to one of these drugs, deworming should be replaced by another drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ascaris lumbricoides causes one of the most common soil-transmitted helminthiases globally. The worms mostly infect the human small intestine and elicit negligible or nonspecific symptoms, but there are reports of extraintestinal ectopic ascariasis. We describe a rare case of biliary ascariasis mistaken for biliary stent in a 72-year-old female patient with a history of liver resection. She visited our outpatient clinic complaining of right upper quadrant pain and fever for the past week. She had previously undergone left lateral sectionectomy for recurrent biliary and intrahepatic duct stones 2 years ago. Besides mildly elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase levels, her liver function tests were normal. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed a linear filling defect closely resembling an internal stent from the common bile duct to the right intrahepatic bile duct. A live female A. lumbricoides adult worm was removed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Despite a significant decrease of the ascariasis prevalence in Korea, cases of biliary ascariasis are still occasionally reported. In this study, a additional case of biliary ascariasis, which was radiologically misdiagnosed as the biliary stent, was described in a hepatic resection patient by the worm recovery with ERCP in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the l950s, under the legacy of traditional agriculture, Ascaris lumbricoides, spread epidemically in the war-bitten society of Korea. Consensus on the parasite control was drafted in the Parasite Disease Prevention Act, which passed a parliamentary agreement in 1966, and established safe disposal of feces and mass chemotherapy as control strategies. Biannual stool examinations and treating infected schoolchildren were basic scheme of the control activity through which revenue could be secured for organized business. In the 27 years following 1969, a maximum of 16 million stool examinations had been done every year. Cellophane thick smear enabled the task. The infection declined remarkably in the 1970s when industrialization and green revolution proceeded. A population study of A. lumbricoides in the late 1970s helped us better understand its epidemiology. The data also settled down the understandable protest of teachers against the repeated stool examinations. In the 9 years following 1987, the target population was gradually reduced when the egg positive rate was below 0.1%. An article in the Korean Law, stipulating obligatory stool examinations, was made optional. Although the long-term Korean effort of Ascaris control was a success, the effect of mass chemotherapy was not as succinct in terms of lowering reinfection. In the period of control, Korean agricultural technology changed, and the economy grew and supplied sanitary facilities by which the vicious cycle was disconnected. Reduction of morbidity was a benefit of mass chemotherapy, which is the only control method feasible in economically difficult countries. The most important hurdle of parasite control in the 1960s was poverty of general population and limited financial resources in Korea but the society formed a consensus on the priority of intestinal helminthiasis control during the ordeal period. The national consensus in the 1960s was the critical milestone for Ascaris control in Korea. Under the social agreement, application of timely technical and research advancements in parasitology achieved the success of ascariasis elimination. The successful experience of ascariasis elimination in Korea can be a benchmark for countries where neglected tropical diseases are endemically recycled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La ascariasis es una enfermedad parasitaria que diezma la salud de cientos de miles de seres humanos, especialmente en los países en desarrollo. Sin embargo, la falta de profilaxis adecuada del parásito, asociado con un mayor riesgo de sufrir enfermedades inmunes, es un problema principalmente en los países desarrollados donde la prevalencia del parásito es muy baja. La relación evolutiva y los mecanismos por los cuales el parásito fue capaz de colonizar y establecerse en el huésped humano aún no se han descifrado. Del mismo modo, los mecanismos inmunes (proximales) de respuesta del huésped para eliminar o controlar el parásito no se entienden completamente. La comprensión de estos mecanismos nos permitirá establecer mejores tratamientos médicos, evitando efectos indeseables y más enfocados en el control de la parasitosis, así como para la terapia de estas enfermedades inmunológicas asociadas con la relación huésped-ascárido.

Ascariasis is a severe parasitic disease widely prevalent in remote, tropic, and subtropical regions with poor sanitation and improper water supply system. It is an important Soil-transmitted disease with enormous health and social implications for school-aged children in impoverished communities. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and intensity of Ascaris lumbricoides infection in relation to malnutrition among School-aged children in Savannah Staff Primary School of Lamurde LGA of Adamawa State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study of primary school-aged pupils was sampled, and questionnaires were administered to the pupils to determine their social demographic characteristics and their Body Mass Index (BMI) using nutritional indicators such as weight and height. Faecal samples were collected from 220 pupils and examined for Ova of A. lumbricoides using the wet mount, iodine mount and 10% formol-ether concentration technique, 74 pupils were positive with 33.7% prevalence, 26.4% low intensity and 7.3% moderate intensity, respectively. The Body Mass Index was observed to be more underweight children, with ≤18.5kg prevalence of 28.6%, healthy children at 4.6%, and overweight was 0.45%. There was no significant association between ascariasis and pupils' social demographic characteristics (P>0.05) and ascariasis was statistically significant to the BMI of pupils (p<0.05). A. lumbricoides infection in relation to malnutrition was of moderate prevalence; however, this may not be the reason for the level of underweight pupils recorded in our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Jurnal Veteriner is the property of Fakultas Kedokteran Hewan, Universitas Udayana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of thyme extract in puppies naturally infected with ascarids. Material-Method: The study consisted of 20 puppies of different sexes, 2-4 months old, naturally infected with ascarid. There were given an oral 20% concentration of thyme extract for 3 days to puppies, and faecal egg counts were conducted on the 0th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th days after the treatment was started (day 0). Also, serum urea, creatinine, AST, ALT levels were monitored on the 0th and 3rd days, together with daily clinical examination, to monitor possible toxic effects. Result: In 2 puppies (10%), the fecal egg count was highly variable at post-treatment examinations, but no reduction in egg count was observed. Egg shedding in 7 (35%) of the treated puppies was zero. It was observed that egg shedding was not completely zero in 11 of the puppies (55%). However, the egg counts decreased by 25% to 98.3%. It was also observed that the values of the measured blood biochemical values were within reference range except serum urea levels and the puppies did not show any clinical sign of toxicity during the treatment. Conclusion: It was concluded that the thyme extract did not have any toxic effect in the puppies at the concentration studied, and it could be effective in the treatment of ascariasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]