No abstract

Although there are programs to control other sexually transmitted diseases, there are none for trichomoniasis. The results of this study indicate the presence of T. vaginalis in the female population, and points to the need for more research in Brazil to gain a better understanding of the profile and epidemiology of the parasite.

SUMMARYThis study determined the prevalence of intestinal protozoa in Long Term Residency Institutions for the Elderly (ILPI) in elders, nurses and food handlers, identifying the risk factors associated with the infections. Stool samples taken from the elderly (n = 293), nurses (63) and food handlers (19) were studied. Questionnaires were used with questions related to sociodemographic variables, health, behavior and health characteristics. Stool samples were examined using the techniques of Faust and Ziehl Neelsen, and the prevalence of G. duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., E. histolytica/dispar in the elderly was 4.0%, 1.0% and 0.3% respectively. Nurses and food handlers showed 4.8% and 5.2% positivity only for G. duodenalis, respectively. The origin of the individuals and contact with domestic animals has been associated with infection by G. duodenalis in the elderly, and contact with domestic animals was considered a risk factor for infection. The last stool examinations were related to Cryptosporidium spp.. None of the variables were associated with E. histolytica/dispar. The frequency of hand washing was significantly associated with G. duodenalis among nurses. The frequency of positive samples of G. duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., E. histolytica/dispar showed that ILPIs environments are conducive to this occurring due to contact between the elderly, nurses and food handlers, which are often poorly trained in hygiene procedures and food handling.

Among the geohelminths, parasites from the Ascarididae family have a significant role in the human and animal health. This research aims to determine the prevalence of Ascarididae species in the soil in different areas located in a city of Minas Gerais State, Brazil (South America). The study was developed in squares, parks, sports clubs, orchards and municipal children's schools. Samples of sand/soil/grass were collected from January to August 2014. The optical microscope screening was performed through formal-ether and spontaneous sedimentation techniques. Out of the 183 collected samples, eight (4.4%) belonged to parks, 16 (8.7%) to sports clubs, 76 (41.5%) to squares, 23 (12.6%) to orchards, and 60 (32.8%) to schools. Out of the total, 28 (15.3%) contained Ascarididae eggs. Higher levels of positivity were demonstrated in the raining season (25.0%), in samples collected in the southern region of the town (25.1%), on ground soils (27.3%). Twenty-three (12.6%) were detected by the formal-ether sedimentation technique and 10 (5.5%) by spontaneous sedimentation technique. Therefore, it was concluded that the soils in the city of Uberlandia are contaminated with eggs and larvae of geohelminths, enabling dissemination of illnesses among animals and human beings.

Trichomonas vaginalis é o agente etiológico da tricomonose, sendo transmitido sexualmente ou por meio de fômites contaminados. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência do parasito, identificando os possíveis fatores de risco associados à infecção. Amostras de secreções vaginais de 157 mulheres procedentes da Unidade de Atendimento Integrado, em Uberlândia-MG, foram coletadas e questionários epidemiológicos foram aplicados com o intuito de se conhecer variáveis socioeconômicas e hábitos comportamentais. Foram coletadas duas amostras individuais de cada paciente, as quais foram analisadas por meio de exame direto a fresco, cultura e Papanicolaou. Do total, nove (5,7%) mulheres apresentaram o parasito, sendo encontrada maior prevalência da infecção entre as casadas, negras, morenas ou pardas e com idade média de 37 anos, apesar de não ser estatisticamente significante (p>0,05). A baixa escolaridade, a fase do ciclo menstrual e a presença de sinais clínicos foram variáveis associadas à infecção (p<0,05). Na comparação entre os métodos diagnósticos, o exame direto a fresco e a cultura mostraram concordância de 100% e apresentaram sensibilidade maior do que o Papanicolaou. Esses fatores constituem informações importantes no estudo socioepidemiológico envolvendo o parasito e são fundamentais para o controle da doença. DESCRITORES: Trichomonas vaginalis. Prevalência. Mulheres. Fatores de Risco.