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Diagnostic stages of intestinal parasites isolated from fresh stool samples of food handlers from Bule Hora Town, Ethiopia: (a) Entamoeba histolytica cyst; (b) Ascaris lumbricoides egg; (c) Taenia saginata egg; (d) hookworm egg; (e) Giardia lamblia cyst. Scale bar represents 100 μm (magnification: ×400).
Source publication
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 E...
Citations
... A systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of intestinal parasites among Ethiopian food handlers indicated E. histolytica/dispar as the most frequent protozoan (prevalence 11.95%) [72]. This was confirmed by more recent studies in the country [73][74][75]. Moreover, E. histolytica was the most prevalent parasite in food handlers in Kano, Nigeria [76] and Erbil City, Iraq, accounting for 80.1% of samples positive for parasites [77]. ...
... The studies on food handlers reported links between intestinal infections and washing hands habits after toilet usage and before eating or cooking, trimming nails, and access to tap water [73][74][75][76]. ...
This narrative review was aimed at collecting updated knowledge on the risk factors, illnesses caused, and measures for the prevention of protozoan infections transmitted by food and drinking water. Reports screened dated from 2019 to the present and regarded global prevalence in food handlers, occurrence in food and drinking water, impact on human health, and recently reported outbreaks and cases of severe infections attributable to the dietary route. Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora cayetanensis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Cystoisospora belli were the protozoans most frequently involved in recently reported waterborne and foodborne outbreaks and cases. Blastocystis hominis was reported to be the most widespread intestinal protozoan in humans, and two case reports indicated its pathogenic potential. Dientamoeba fragilis, Endolimax nana, and Pentatrichomonas hominis are also frequent but still require further investigation on their ability to cause illness. A progressive improvement in surveillance of protozoan infections and infection sources took place in developed countries where the implementation of reporting systems and the application of molecular diagnostic methods led to an enhanced capacity to identify epidemiological links and improve the prevention of foodborne and waterborne protozoan infections.
... Globally, intestinal parasitic infections affect an estimated 3.5 billion individuals, with 450 million experiencing symptomatic illness and an annual mortality rate exceeding 200,000 deaths [5,6]. Most intestinal infections are caused by protozoan parasites Giardia duodenalis and helminths, such as Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Hymenolepis spp. ...
Background
Intestinal parasitic infections remain a significant global health issue, particularly affecting poor and marginalised populations. These infections significantly contribute to children’s diseases, malnutrition, poor school performance, cognitive disorders, and future economic losses. This study aimed to explore and compare the occurrence of intestinal parasites in early childhood among the group of infants from the Slovak majority population and from marginalised Roma communities (MRCs). Furthermore, it aimed to explore the health complaints of children with and without intestinal parasitic infection in the past month and assess the effect of various risk factors on the occurrence of intestinal parasitic infection in infants from MRCs.
Methods
We obtained cross-sectional data from mothers and stool samples of their children aged 13–21 months using the first wave of the longitudinal RomaREACH study. A total of 181 stools from infants were analysed: 105 infants from the Slovak majority population and 76 from MRCs.
Results
Infants from MRCs are significantly more often infected by Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Giardia duodenalis than their better-off peers from the majority population. Infection rates are 30% in infants from MRCs vs. 0% in the majority population (p < 0.001). Single and mixed infections were observed in children from MRCs. Infants with intestinal parasitic infections suffer significantly more often from various health complaints, particularly cough, stomach ache, irritability, and diarrhoea. Within MRCs, the risk of parasitic infections in infants is significantly increased by risk factors such as the absence of flushing toilets in households (OR = 4.17, p < 0.05) and contact with un-dewormed animals (OR = 3.61, p < 0.05). Together with the absence of running water in the household, these three factors combined increase the risk more than ten times (p < 0.01).
Conclusion
Maintaining hygienic standards in conditions of socioeconomic deprivation in MRCs without running water and sewage in the presence of un-dewormed animals is problematic. These living conditions contribute to the higher prevalence of parasitic infections in children from MRCs, causing various health complaints and thus threatening their health and healthy development.
... Foodborne intestinal parasitic diseases are the major causes of morbidity and high death rates globally (18). Intestinal parasites impose a substantial global burden, affecting approximately 3.5 billion people annually and causing over 200,000 reported deaths worldwide (19). Developing countries, especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa, bear a higher burden of intestinal parasites compared to developed nations (20). ...
... Studies conducted in different settings have reported a high prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers, ranging from 29 to 63% (11,13,26). Studies in different parts of Ethiopia have revealed a wide variability in the prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers (27,28), with rates ranging from 14.5 to 46.3% (6,17,19,21,(29)(30)(31)(32)(33). A recent review in Ethiopia found that 33.6% of food handlers in food establishments were infected with E. histolytica/ dispar and Ascaris lumbricoides (13). ...
Background
Intestinal parasitic infections pose significant global health challenges, particularly in developing countries. Asymptomatic infections often present a considerable burden with food handlers serving as potential carriers. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of these parasites varies across regions, and accurate data in the study area is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers working in hotels and restaurants in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods
A cross-sectional study collected stool samples from food handlers alongside a structured questionnaire gathering socio-demographic and hygiene practice information. Stool specimens were screened for intestinal parasites using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. The collected data were checked for completeness, entered into EpiData software version 3.1, and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was deemed statistically significant if the p-value was less than 0.05.
Results
A total of 257 food handlers working in hotels and restaurants in Gondar City participated in the study. Of these, 33.5% (86/257) were found positive for one or more intestinal parasites, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 28.0–39.5%. The study identified nine types of intestinal parasites, with E. histolytica/dispar (8.2%, 21/257) and Ascaris lumbricoides (6.6%, 17/257) being the predominant parasites, followed by hookworm (3.5%, 9/257) and S. mansoni (2.3%, 6/257). The prevalence of mixed infections was 9.3% (24/257). A significant association was observed between intestinal parasitic infection and the educational level of food handlers.
Conclusion
In this study, a high prevalence of intestinal parasites was detected indicating poor hygiene practices of the food handlers at the study site. Even the prevalence of mixed infections was high. Regular training, strict adherence to personal hygiene and food-handling practices, and routine inspections and medical checkups for food handlers are crucial.
... 18,28 Worldwide, 450 million individuals are suffering from IPIs, the majority of them are children, and approximately 3.5 billion people are affected. 29 Many studies on IPIs among school-aged children in Nepal have found prevalence rates ranging from 15% to 60%, with significant fluctuation over time and across the country. 30 Considering high prevalence of IPIs in Nepal with high DBM, this study aims to evaluate the comparative risk and associated factors of IPIs among underweight (body mass index [BMI] < 18.5), normal weight (BMI: 18.5-24.9) ...
Background and Aims
With existing undernutrition in the developing world, the prevalence of obesity is increasing rapidly. Some studies reported an association of intestinal parasitic infection (IPIs) with undernutrition while few recent studies reported an inverse association of IPIs with overweight and obesity. This study evaluated the comparative risk and associated factors of IPIs among under (body mass index [BMI] < 18.5), normal (BMI: 18.5–24.9) and overweight (BMI > 24.9) school‐aged adolescents.
Methods
A total of 105 fecal samples were collected, with 35 samples from each group. The collected samples were tested for the presence of intestinal parasites via concentration method, and the parasites were identified morphologically.
Results
Overall prevalence of IPIs was 5.71% with 3 protozoa viz Giardia lamblia (2.86%), Entamoeba histolytica (1.90%) and Endolimax nana (0.95%). Univariate and multivariable regression analysis indicated none of the nutritional, socioeconomic status, demographic, lifestyle and behavioral characteristics were significantly associated with the prevalence of overall IPIs. Yet, significant numbers of male reported undernutrition and elevated risk of IPIs in this study population.
Conclusion
Despite low prevalence of IPIs in this study, risk of IPIs is attributable to individual differences in behavior like “not using soap for hand washing”. Relatively elevated malnutrition with risky hygiene behaviors, male adolescents appeared as risky cluster of school age population.
... Intestinal parasites (Ips) are primarily transmitted by fecal-oral routes, mostly via ingestion with contaminated food and water or during direct hand-to-mouth contact [5,6]. It has been reported that food-borne parasitic infections are associated with the consumption of contaminated fresh vegetables [6]. ...
... Studies conducted on various items of fruit and vegetable samples have shown that Ascaris lumbricoides, Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Enterobius vermicularis, Fasciola spp., Giardia lamblia, hookworms, Hymenolepis spp., Taenia spp., Trichuris trichiura, Cyclospora spp., and Toxocara spp. Infect humans who consume contaminated fruits and vegetables without cooking or washing them properly [5]. This problem is becoming an increasing concern because of the expanding number of susceptible people (i.e., the elderly and the immune-compromised), more extensive produce trade across international borders, and changes in national and international policies concerning food safety [5][6][7]. ...
... Infect humans who consume contaminated fruits and vegetables without cooking or washing them properly [5]. This problem is becoming an increasing concern because of the expanding number of susceptible people (i.e., the elderly and the immune-compromised), more extensive produce trade across international borders, and changes in national and international policies concerning food safety [5][6][7]. ...
Background
Consuming contaminated raw vegetables and fruits is one of the primary means of parasite transmission to humans. Periodic monitoring of parasitic contamination in these food items is a crucial step in preventing the spread of parasitic disease in the community. This study was aimed at detecting intestinal parasitic contamination caused by consuming raw vegetables and fruits sold in three open-air markets and its associated factors in peri-urban areas of Jimma City, Oromia, Ethiopia.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted on fruits and vegetables collected from three peri-urban open-aired markets (namely; Hora Gibe, Bore and Jiren markets) in peri-urban areas of Jimma City between July and September 2021. A total of 187 fresh vegetable samples and 188 fruits were collected and examined for intestinal parasite contamination. About 200g of fruit and vegetable samples were processed and examined microscopically for parasite contamination, utilizing direct wet mount and modified Zeihl-Neelson staining methods in accordance with standard protocols. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the socio-demographic characteristics of vendors and risk factors for fruit and vegetable contamination. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.
Result
Of the 187 fresh vegetable samples and 188 fresh vegetable samples, 105 (56.1%) and 68/188 (36.2%) of vegetables and fruit samples, respectively, were found contaminated with one or more intestinal parasites. Remarkably, high level of contamination in fresh vegetable samples was recorded both in Carrot ( Daucus carota ) 63.8% (30/46) and Lettuce ( Lactuca sativa ) 63.1% (29/46) while Green pepper ( Capsicum spp.) is the least contaminated. In fruit samples, Avokado ( Persea americana ) 42.6% (20/47) and Banana ( Musa acuminata ) 14.9% (7/47) were the most and the least commonly contaminated items respectively. The identified helminthes and protozoans were Ascaris lumbricoides , Strongyloides stercoralis , Hymenolepis nana , Entamoeba histolytica/dispar , Giardia lamblia , Cryptosporidium spp., Toxocara spp. And Fasciola spp. The most predominant parasite encountered was A . lumbricoides 46(12 . 3%) whereas both Toxocara spp. 12(6.9) and Fasciola spp. 2(0.5) were the least detected parasites. It is worth-mentioned that the rate of contamination in Bore market (38.15%) was higher compared with Jiren market (34.7%) and Hora Gibe market (27%). However, the rate of contamination in vegetables and fruit obtained from the three district was non-significant ( p = 0.19). Contamination was more common in vegetables than fruits (AOR = 5.78, p<0.001). It was also observed that decreased parasitic contamination was significantly associated with washing the products before displaying it for selling ( p < 0.001).
Conclusion
The study has identified a high rate of raw vegetables and fruits contaminated with intestinal helminthes and protozoan. Contaminated fresh vegetables and fruits in open-aired peri-urban markets of Jimma city, Ethiopia may play a significant role in transmission of intestinal parasitic infections to humans, particularly A . lumbricoides infection. Therefore, it is urgently needed for health authorities to educate the public on the proper handling of vegetables and fruits prior to consumption.
... A systematic review and meta-analysis on prevalence of intestinal parasites among Ethiopian food handlers estimated that E. histolytica/dispar was the most frequent protozoan with 11.95% prevalence [82]. This was reaffirmed in studies regarding different parts of the country [83][84][85]. ...
... Many of the studies reported that washing hands after toilet use and before eating or cooking decreased the probability to have intestinal infections [82][83][84], as well as trimming nails [84] and having access to tap water facility [83,84]. ...
... Many of the studies reported that washing hands after toilet use and before eating or cooking decreased the probability to have intestinal infections [82][83][84], as well as trimming nails [84] and having access to tap water facility [83,84]. ...
This review summarizes the most recent developments of research on protozoan parasite infections ac-quired through food and drinking water and is aimed at gathering updated knowledge on the risk factors, illnesses caused, and measures for prevention. Reports included dated from 2019 to the present and regarded recent outbreaks and cases of severe infec-tions, prevalence in different population segments and food handlers, and occurrence in food and drinking water. Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, Trypanosoma cruzi and Toxoplasma gondii were the microorganisms most frequently involved in large outbreaks and/or severe infections, while Cyclospora cayetanensis was most frequently involved in single case reports. Cystoisospora belli was implied in severe infections in immunocompromised patients, while Blastocystis homi-nis, Sarcocystis spp., Dientamoeba fragilis, Endolimax nana and Pentatrichomonas hominis appeared to be less relevant for number of symptomatic infections and pathogenic potential. A progressive improvement in surveillance of protozoan infections and infection sources was highlighted, especially in developed countries. The apparent increase in cases was concomitant with the implementa-tion of reporting systems and the application of molecular diagnostic methods that represent valuable in-struments for establishing epidemiological links and preventing or limiting outbreaks. The pathogenic role and sources of infection should be better elucidated for some species.
... Intestinal infections such as giardiasis, amoebiasis, cryptosporidiosis, and helminthic infection are more common in tropical and nontropical regions (Suntaravitun and Dokmaikaw, 2018;Chen et al., 2022;Nath et al., 2022). The incidence rate is high in low income countries and areas of poor sanitation (Kamau et al., 2012;Hajare et al., 2021). Parasites cause zoonotic infections that transmit between vertebrates and invertebrate hosts and involve multiple life cycle stages. ...
An iron-containing milk protein named lactoferrin (Lf) has demonstrated antiparasitic and immunomodulatory properties against a variety of human parasites. This protein has shown its capability to bind and transport iron molecules in the vicinity of the host–pathogen environment. The ability of parasites to sequester the iron molecule and to increase their pathogenicity and survival depends on the availability of iron sources. Lf protein has suggested a iron chelating effect on parasites iron and, hence, has shown its antiparasitic effect. Since the parasites have a complex life cycle and have developed drug resistance, vaccines and other treatments are a handful. Therefore, therapeutic research focusing on natural treatment regimens that target the parasite and are non-toxic to host cells is urgently needed. The antiparasitic efficacy of Lf protein has been extensively studied over the past 40 years using both in vitro and in vivo studies. This review article highlighted past important studies on Lf protein that revealed its potential antiparasitic activity against various intracellular and extracellular intestinal or blood-borne human parasites. This review article structures the role of Lf protein in its various forms, such as native, peptide, and nanoformulation, laying the groundwork for its function as an antiparasitic agent and its possible known mechanisms of action.
... Parasitic infections pose a substantial global health challenge, impacting a considerable number of individuals across the globe, with a particular emphasis on low-and middle-income nations. On a global scale, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections results in the affliction of approximately 3.5 billion individuals and an annual mortality rate exceeding 200,000 (Hajare et al., 2021). According to the World Health Organization, the global population affected by soil-transmitted helminth infections exceeds 1.5 billion individuals (WHO, 2023a). ...
Parasites have a significant impact on the neurological, cognitive, and mental well‐being of humans, with a global population of over 1 billion individuals affected. The pathogenesis of central nervous system (CNS) injury in parasitic diseases remains limited, and prevention and control of parasitic CNS infections remain significant areas of research. Parasites, encompassing both unicellular and multicellular organisms, have intricate life cycles and possess the ability to infect a diverse range of hosts, including the human population. Parasitic illnesses that impact the central and peripheral nervous systems are a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in low‐ to middle‐income nations. The precise pathways through which neurotropic parasites infiltrate the CNS by crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and cause neurological harm remain incompletely understood. Investigating brain infections caused by parasites is closely linked to studying neuroinflammation and cerebral impairment. The exact molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in this process remain incomplete, but understanding the exact mechanisms could provide insight into their pathogenesis and potentially reveal novel therapeutic targets. This review paper explores the underlying mechanisms involved in the development of neurological disorders caused by parasites, including parasite‐derived elements, host immune responses, and modifications in tight junctions (TJs) proteins.
... Fruits and vegetables are frequently seen being sold in Bule Hora Town's open markets and on the streets, where they are being eaten by inhabitants. Although the town of Bule Hora has a high prevalence of intestinal parasitosis [13], data on the prevalence of intestinal parasites on raw fruits and vegetables are scarce. Terefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites and its associated factors among fruits and vegetables collected from local markets of Bule Hora Town, Southeast Ethiopia. ...
... It is located at an altitude of 1,716 meters above sea level and has coordinates of 5°35′N and 38°15′E, respectively. Te town has 27,820 populations, where 14,519 males and 13,301 females were recorded as living in Bule Hora Town overall in the 2014 National Census [13]. Fruits and vegetables are frequently seen sold in Bule Hora Town's open markets, on the streets, and in overcrowded areas. ...
Background
Vegetable and fruit consumptions are important for health as they are good sources of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, contamination of vegetables and fruits is indicated as the main contributing factor to parasitic contamination.
Objective
This study aims to assess the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasites among fruits and vegetables collected from local markets in Bule Hora Town, Southeast Ethiopia.
Methods
A cross-sectional assessment was carried out on 391 raw fruits and vegetables from the market in Bule Hora Town from July 29 to August 17, 2022. After being soaked in physiological saline and vigorously shaken for 15 minutes with the help of a mechanical shaker, a total of 391 samples taken from various fruits and vegetables were evaluated using the sedimentation concentration technique. Software SPSS version 25 was used to analyze the data after it had been entered using EpiData version 3.1. To assess various associated factors, binary and multivariable logistic regression was employed.
Results
142 (36.3%) of the 391 samples analyzed had at least one species of parasite. The parasite Ascaris lumbricoides (40.1%) was found the most frequently, whereas Strongyloides spp. was found the least frequently. Variables such as fingernail trimming (AOR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.274–3.108), hand washing habit with soap after using toilet (AOR = 2.912; CI: 1.896–4.47), and eating raw vegetables or fruits (AOR = 0.604; CI: 0.394–0.925) were associated with parasitic contamination.
Conclusions
The results of this study show that eating vegetables that are raw in the study area carries a potentially significant risk of contracting parasitic illnesses. Therefore, the appropriate bodies should make an effort to lower the rate of product contamination with intestinal parasites by educating vendors and the general public.
... About 3.5 billion people, mostly in developing countries, are afected by the intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) worldwide [9,10]; in this sense, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworms, most prevalent soiltransmitted helminths (STHs), afect about 447, 290, and 229 million individuals, respectively [11]. Additionally, intestinal protozoan parasites are less frequent than STHs, with 184 million (Giardia lamblia), 104 million (Entamoeba histolytica), and 64 million (Cryptosporidium spp.) patients, respectively [12]. ...
The present study was done to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in patients with COVID-19 in health care centers (Imam Reza and Golestan hospitals), Tehran, capital of Iran. By designing a matched case-control study, 200 fecal samples were collected for each of the COVID-19 patients and healthy individuals. Nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swab samples were collected from all participants for the diagnosis of COVID-19. RNA extraction was performed, and then real time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay was applied to detect viral RNA. Considering the lung complications, 25%> lung complications was detected in 49 patients, 25–49% in 42 patients, and 50%≤ in 109 patients. Fecal samples were examined using different parasitological techniques. After nested-PCR, sequencing was applied to identify Cryptosporidium spp. and microsporidia spp. A relatively lower prevalence of IPIs was detected among control group (7.5%), than in COVID-19 patients (13%), though not significant P = 0.13 . The most prevalent parasite among patients was Blastocystis sp. (6%). Also, 13.76% of IPIs were detected in inpatients with more than 50% lung complication. As well, a remarkably significant difference in IPIs was observed among diarrheic COVID-19 patients, in comparison with nondiarrheic patients P < 0.00001 . Moreover, the isolated sequences in the present study belonged to C. parvum subtype IIa and Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes D and Peru 8. In conclusion, more epidemiological and clinical research studies are needed to better understand the status and interaction of IPI in COVID-19 in Iran and other countries.
