The results indicate that BI is partly responsible for the HECb antiulcer and anti-Helicobacter pylori effects.

Little information is available on the occurrence and genetic variability of the diarrhoea-causing enteric protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis in indigenous communities in Brazil. This cross-sectional epidemiological survey describes the frequency, genotypes, and risk associations for this pathogen in Tapirapé people (Brazilian Amazon) at four sampling campaigns during 2008–2009. Microscopy was used as a screening test, and molecular (PCR and Sanger sequencing) assays targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA, the glutamate dehydrogenase, the beta-giardin, and the triosephosphate isomerase genes as confirmatory/genotyping methods. Associations between G. duodenalis and sociodemographic and clinical variables were investigated using Chi-squared test and univariable/multivariable logistic regression models. Overall, 574 individuals belonging to six tribes participated in the study, with G. duodenalis prevalence rates varying from 13.5–21.7%. The infection was positively linked to younger age and tribe. Infected children <15 years old reported more frequent gastrointestinal symptoms compared to adults. Assemblage B accounted for three out of four G. duodenalis infections and showed a high genetic diversity. No association between assemblage and age or occurrence of diarrhoea was demonstrated. These data indicate that the most likely source of infection was anthropic and that different pathways (e.g., drinking water) may be involved in the transmission of the parasite.

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A total of 1528 stool samples were examined during a survey of intestinal parasites in 542 members of the Tapirapé ethnic group (279 females and 263 males), who live in the Brazilian Amazon region of Mato Grosso. Overall, 542 individuals from six indigenous villages were enrolled of whom 45 (8.3%) were positive for Hymenolepis nana based on analysis by microscopy of fecal concentrates. H. nana was more prevalent in male individuals (77.8%) as compared to females (22.2%). Moreover, males aged under 15 years have been associated with positivity for H. nana (P = 0.02). This study is the first report of the prevalence of H. nana in members of the indigenous Tapirapé ethnic group from the Brazilian Amazon.

The results demonstrate that SIECm is not genotoxic, and does not present toxicity when used orally for up to 30 days. In addition, it showed protection to the genetic damage induced by HO The SIECm therefore has a high safety margin for therapeutic use.