Intestinal Parasites in Healthy Subjects in Albania

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in 277 healthy subjects in the city of Mamuras (Albania, South Eastern Europe) and the correlation between parasitic infections and possible risk factors. Faecal samples collected with sodium-acetate-formalin fixative were concentrated by formalin ethylacetate sedimentation and examined as wet mounts, permanent stains and by anti-Giardia/Cryptosporidium fluorescent antibodies. Data concerning age, sex, level of education, availability of piped water, number of people living in the same house, and residence in rural or urban area were collected for each subject. Statistical analysis was performed by chi-square test and regression logistic analysis. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 183/277 (66.06%). In particular, pathogenic protozoa or helminths were found in 67 subjects (24.18%), including Trichuris trichiura in 34 (12.27%), Giardia duodenalis in 31 (11.19%), Hymenolepis nana in 5 (1.8%), Ascaris lumbricoides in 3 (1.08%). A significant correlation was observed only between parasite colonization and older age and between Trichuris trichiura infection and residence in rural areas.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in children from minority group with low hygienic standards in Slovakia

“…The key determinants of health undoubtedly include not only housing, but also drinking water. In numerous settlements, there are only single water wells serving all the residents, and the quality of water is not being monitored regularly (Rimárová, 2010). In our study we examined 81 children coming from Roma settlements for the presence of selected intestinal parasites -Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, Taenia spp., Cryptosporidium spp.…”

“…Giardia intestinalis was detected in 8.7 %, Ascaris lumbricoides in 4.3 %, and Trichuris trichiura in 18.0 %. Spinelli et al (2006) evaluated the prevalence of intestinal parasites in 277 healthy persons in the city Mamuras in the south eastern Albania. Total prevalence of parasites was 24.18 %, including Giardia intestinalis (11.19 %), Ascaris lumbricoides (1.08 %), and Trichuris trichiura (12.27 %).…”

“…In Slovakia, such  corresponding author ….. places are largely represented by the Roma settlements and housing. Estimations of the total number of Roma living across Europe range from 10 to 12 million people (Rimárová, 2010). In Slovakia, according to the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic there are from total 5 379 455 citizens 89 947 of Roma nationality, what represents 1.67 % only (Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic, 2001), however, estimated number of Roma citizens in Slovakia ranges from 480 000 to 520 000 with percentage of the total population between 9.0 to 9.7 % (Liegois & Gheorghe, 1995).…”

“…In Slovakia, according to the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic there are from total 5 379 455 citizens 89 947 of Roma nationality, what represents 1.67 % only (Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic, 2001), however, estimated number of Roma citizens in Slovakia ranges from 480 000 to 520 000 with percentage of the total population between 9.0 to 9.7 % (Liegois & Gheorghe, 1995). Also the fact that almost half of the Roma population in Slovakia is younger than 18 years old is very important (Popper et al, 2009;Rimárová, 2010). Material dimension of poverty in Roma national minority is particularly noticeable in the sphere of living.…”

Enteroparasites and commensals among individuals living in rural and urban areas in Abadia dos Dourados, Minas Gerais state, Brazil

“…The improvement of environmental conditions together with personal hygiene, direct care, and participating research would be capable of decreasing the rate of enterparasitosis incidence in the world 6,7 . Several studies conducted in different countries and populations revealed a varying rate of prevalence of enteroparasite infection from 14.6% to 91.0% [8][9][10][11][12][13] . In Brazil, the rate of infection is high at 88.4% [14][15][16] .…”