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Fulltext A pentaplex real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for detection of four species of soil-transmitted helminths

Basuni M, Muhi J, Othman N, Verweij JJ, Ahmad M, Miswan N, et al.

Am J Trop Med Hyg, 2011 Feb;84(2):338-43.
PMID: 21292911 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2011.10-0499

Soil-transmitted helminth infections remain a major public health burden in low- and middle-income countries. The traditional diagnosis by microscopic examination of fecal samples is insensitive and time-consuming. In this study, a pentaplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was evaluated for the simultaneous detection of Ancylostoma, Necator americanus, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Strongyloides stercoralis. The results were compared with those obtained by conventional parasitological diagnostic methods. Real-time PCR was positive in 48 of 77 samples (62.3%) and microscopic examination was positive in six samples (7.8%) only (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the real-time PCR assay described in this study provides a specific and sensitive diagnostic tool for the detection of these four helminth species in epidemiological studies and monitoring of treatment programs.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/parasitology
Occurrence of Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts in the Temuan Orang Asli (aborigine) River System

Lim YA, Aahmad RA

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 2004 Dec;35(4):801-10.
PMID: 15916072

A survey of the river water frequently used by the Temuan Orang Asli (aborigine) indicated that 66.7% of the river water samples were Giardia cyst positive and 5.6% were Cryptosporidium oocyst positive. Although Giardia cysts were detected in samples from all the sites (e.g. upstream, midstream, and downstream), Cryptosporidium was only present in one river water sample taken from downstream from a village. The only sample of upstream water which contained Giardia cysts had a concentration of 0.7 cysts/l. All samples taken from midstream contained cysts with a mean concentration of 9.8 +/- 6.6 cysts/l (range = 1-20 cysts/l). Eighty-three point three percent of the samples collected from downstream contained cysts and 16.7% had oocysts. The average concentration of cysts was 12.9 +/- 16.4 cysts/l (range = 0-44 cysts/l), whereas the oocyst concentration was 0.4 oocysts/l. All river samples tested positive for the presence of E. coli, indicating fecal contamination. The results of this study imply that the river system is contaminated with fecal-oral transmitted parasites. The river water, used by the Orang Asli, is a probable route for Giardia and Cryptosporidium transmission in this community. Long term strategies, incorporating health education regarding personal hygiene, and provision of toilets and the importance of their proper usage, need to be embraced by this community in order to control the spread of these parasites.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/parasitology
Fulltext Lungworm of cattle in Malaysia

Lat-Lat H, Sani RA, Hassan L, Sheikh-Omar AR, Jeyabalan S, Hishammfariz M, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2010 Aug;27(2):236-40.
PMID: 20962721 MyJurnal

Bovine lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus is highly endemic in temperate regions. However, the occurrence of the lungworm has not been reported in any South East Asian country. The main aim of the present study was to detect the presence of lungworm in cattle in peninsular Malaysia and to examine the morphology of the parasite. A cross-sectional study was carried out in which 602 animals from four large scale government cattle farms and one dairy smallholder farm were sampled. In addition, 283 lungs from 11 abattoirs around the country were examined. Faecal samples were examined using the Baermann technique while post-mortem examination was performed on the lungs. Approximately 5% of faecal samples and 1% of lungs were positive for lungworm. Based on the morphology of adult lungworm, eggs and first stage larvae, Malaysian bovine lungworms were D. viviparus.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/parasitology
Fulltext Identification of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites in fresh stool sample: comparison of three staining techniques and study on the viability period of the trophozoites

Tan ZN, Wong WK, Nik Zairi Z, Abdullah B, Rahmah N, Zeehaida M, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2010 Apr;27(1):79-88.
PMID: 20562817 MyJurnal

Entamoeba histolytica causes about 50 million infections worldwide with a death rate of over 100,000 annually. In endemic developing countries where resources are limited, microscopic examinations based on Wheatley trichrome staining is commonly used for diagnosis of intestinal amoebiasis. Other than being a time-consuming method, it must be performed promptly after stool collection as trophozoites disintegrate rapidly in faeces. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacies of Eosin-Y, Wheatley trichrome and Iodine stains in delineating the diagnostic features of the parasite, and subsequently to determine the suitable microscopy observation period for detection of erythrophagocytic and non-erythrophagocytic trophozoites spiked in semi-solid stool sample. Wheatley trichrome staining technique was performed using the standard method while the other two techniques were performed on the slides by mixing the respective staining solution with the spiked stool sample. One million of axenically cultured non-erythrophagocytic E. histolytica and erythrophagocytic E. histolytica were separately spiked into 2 g of fresh semisolid faeces. Percentage viability of the trophozoites in the spiked stool sample was determined at 30 minute intervals for eight hours using the 0.4% Trypan blue exclusion method. The results showed that Eosin-Y and Wheatley trichrome stained the karyosome and chromatin granules better as compared to Iodine stain. The percentage viability of non-erythrophagocytic trophozoites decreased faster than the erythrophagocytic form in the first 5 hours and both dropped to ~10% in the 6th hour spiked sample. In conclusion, Eosin-Y staining technique was found to be the easiest to perform, most rapid and as accurate as the commonly used Wheatley trichrome technique; Eosin-Y stained slide sealed with DPX could also be kept as a permanent record. A period not exceeding 6 hours after stool collection was found to be the most suitable in order to obtain good microscopy results of viable trophozoites.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/parasitology*
Intestinal parasitic infections and risk analysis among urban refugees in the Klang Valley, Malaysia

Mohd Hanapi IR, Behnke JM, Sahimin N, Saifulazmi NF, Golam Mohammad Khan ASJ, Abdul Mutalib RNS, et al.

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2024 Jan 02;118(1):18-32.
PMID: 37497742 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad047

BACKGROUND: Global studies show intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) have been introduced and spread with refugee inflows from low to high socio-economic countries. However, there is relatively limited information on the prevalence of infections among the community.
METHODS: A 2-year cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for infections among urban refugees in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. A total of 418 faecal samples were collected and examined by microscopy.
RESULTS: Faecal screening revealed moderate levels (32.3%) of infections in the community. Three nematode (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm) and three protozoan species (Entamoeba, Giardia and Cryptosporidium) were recorded, with the highest prevalence being A. lumbricoides (20.6%) followed by T. trichiura (10.3%), while other infections were <5%. Statistical analysis found that young males with less education were more likely to be infected with helminths. Additionally, living near waste disposal sites, the presence of stray animals, eating with bare hands, bare footedness, poor handwashing practices and no anthelmintic treatment constituted significant risk factors for helminth infections. Protozoan infections were linked to drinking tap water or from water dispensers and poor handwashing practices.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasize the importance of health education in addition to introduction of biannual anthelmintic treatment to promote community health and well-being.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/parasitology
Parasitic coinfections among selected smallholder goat flocks in Malaysia

Paul BT, Jesse FAA, Kamaludeen J, Chung ELT, Mat Isa K, Azhar NA, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2023 Dec 01;40(4):444-452.
PMID: 38308832 DOI: 10.47665/tb.40.4.010

This paper describes the occurrence of multiple parasitic infection with special reference to emerging haemotropic Mycoplasma ovis. A cross-sectional survey of four selected goat flocks was conducted to collect samples and management information. Blood samples were processed using microhaematocrit centrifugation to determine the packed cell volume (PCV). Detection and morphological identification of blood protozoa and haemotropic Mycoplasma ovis from Giemsa-stained smears were done microscopically. M. ovis infection was classified mild (1-29% infected cells), moderate (30-59% infected cells), or severe (above 60% infected cells). Faecal floatation and McMaster faecal egg count were used to detect and classify strongyle infections as negative (no eggs/oocysts), light (< 500 epg), Moderate (500 - 1000 epg), or severe (>1000 epg) and coccidia infection as light (<1800 opg), moderate (1800 - 6000 opg), or severe (>6000 opg). There were 149 goats with blood protozoa (57.98%; 95% CI: 51.87 - 63.85) and 204 goats with GI parasites (79.38%; 95% CI: 74.02 - 83.87) involved in single (15.8%; 95% CI: 11.7 - 21.0) or multiple (84.2%; 95% CI: 79.0 - 88.3) infections. The risk of Strongyles increases by 2.49 (95% CI: 1.24 - 4.99) in females versus males and 6.79 (95% CI: 3.25 - 14.18, p =0.000) in adults versus young. The risk of Eimeria species increases by 7.32 (95% CI: 3.45 - 15.50, p =0.000) in adults versus young, while M. ovis coinfection risk increases by 4.51 (95% CI: 1.40 - 14.50, p =0.000) in female versus males. Thin animals had a significantly higher (p<0.05) mean burden of Strongyle (1370.37 ± 345.49) and Eimeria (1594.12 ± 695.26) than the moderate and fat goats. The PCV was negatively associated with mean faecal egg count (FEC) (p<0.05) such that a lower PCV was recorded in animals with a higher Strongyle epg output. A severe burden of M. ovis was accompanied by an increased nematode FEC and decreased haematocrit (p<0.05). Coinfections of Strongyles, or Eimeria species involving M. ovis were associated with a higher parasitaemia compared with single infections (p<0.05). This study highlights the importance of M. ovis and Strongyle or Eimeria species coinfections among goat flocks and provides valuable data for developing and implementing an integrated herd health management program for parasite control among low-input smallholder flocks.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/parasitology
An improved stool concentration procedure for the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in Orang Asli stool samples

Salleh FM, Moktar N, Yasin AM, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Anuar TS

J Microbiol Methods, 2014 Nov;106:143-145.
PMID: 25193442 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2014.08.019

To improve the stool concentration procedure, we modified different steps of the standard formalin-ether concentration technique and evaluated these modifications by examining stool samples collected in the field. Seven samples were found positive by the modified formalin-ether concentration technique (M-FECT). Therefore, the M-FECT procedure provides enhanced detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/parasitology*
Fulltext Epidemiology of intestinal polyparasitism among Orang Asli school children in rural Malaysia

Al-Delaimy AK, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Nasr NA, Sady H, Atroosh WM, Nashiry M, et al.

PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2014 Aug;8(8):e3074.
PMID: 25144662 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003074

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the current prevalence and risk factors associated with intestinal polyparasitism (the concurrent infection with multiple intestinal parasite species) among Orang Asli school children in the Lipis district of Pahang state, Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/parasitology
Factors that influence the shedding of Blastocystis cysts in an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patient--an evidence-based case study

Ragavan ND, Govind SK, Chye TT, Mahadeva S

Parasitol Res, 2015 Aug;114(8):2999-3005.
PMID: 25982571 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4502-3

Blastocystis is one of the most common gut parasites found in the intestinal tract of humans and animals. We have previously reported the irregular shedding of Blastocystis cysts in stools from infected patients. In the present study, we assess the factors influencing shedding patterns from a Blastocystis ST3-infected IBS patient. The stools samples were voluntarily submitted for examination for a period of 30 days from Blastocystis ST3-infected IBS patient. A questionnaire on the factors that could influence the shedding pattern of the cysts was designed to assess the following information: (a) the frequency of frequenting the toilet in a day, (b) the timing of frequenting the toilet, (c) the stool forms, (d) the type of mood the patient was in when frequenting the toilet and (e) food intake. A total of 79 stool samples were collected for 30 days. The highest number of cysts recorded when the patient visited the toilet three times a day was 22.2 × 10(6) cysts/g. Frequenting the toilet between 6 a.m. to 11.59 a.m. showed the highest number of cysts, i.e. 21.7 × 10(6) cysts/g. Semi-solid forms showed the highest cyst count, i.e. 2.00 × 10(6) cysts/g. Irregular shedding of cysts was seen in 10 out of 30 days where the widest range recorded on day 17 was between 0 to 1.2 × 10(6) cysts/g. The average daily cyst count on days of emotional fluctuations was from 0 to 5.13 × 10(6) cysts/g. In conclusion, the study confirms that there are factors influencing shedding patterns of Blastocystis, and these have important implications when it comes to diagnosis and transmission of the parasite.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/parasitology*
Molecular evidence of Sarcocystis species in captive snakes in Japan

Abe N, Matsubara K, Tamukai K, Miwa Y, Takami K

Parasitol Res, 2015 Aug;114(8):3175-9.
PMID: 26044884 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4564-2

Sarcocystis nesbitti, using snakes as the definitive host, is a causative agent of acute human muscular sarcocystosis in Malaysia. Therefore, it is important to explore the distribution and prevalence of S. nesbitti in snakes. Nevertheless, epizootiological information of S. nesbitti in snakes remains insufficient because few surveys have assessed Sarcocystis infection in snakes in endemic countries. In Japan, snakes are popular exotic pet animals that are imported from overseas, but the degree of Sarcocystis infection in them remains unclear. The possibility exists that muscular sarcocystosis by S. nesbitti occurs in contact with captive snakes in non-endemic countries. For a total of 125 snake faecal samples from 67 snake species collected at animal hospitals, pet shops and a zoo, this study investigated the presence of Sarcocystis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the 18S ribosomal RNA gene (18S rDNA). Four (3.2%) faecal samples were positive by PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rDNA sequences obtained from four amplification products revealed one isolate from a beauty snake (Elaphe taeniura), Sarcocystis zuoi, which uses rat snakes as the definitive host. The isolate from a Macklot's python (Liasis mackloti) was closely related with unidentified Sarcocystis sp. from reticulated pythons in Malaysia. The remaining two isolates from tree boas (Corallus spp.) were closely related with Sarcocystis lacertae, Sarcocystis gallotiae and unidentified Sarcocystis sp. from smooth snakes, Tenerife lizards and European shrews, respectively. This report is the first of a study examining the distribution of Sarcocystis species in captive snakes in Japan.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/parasitology
Fulltext Current status of parasitic infections among Pangkor Island community in Peninsular Malaysia

Ahmad AF, Ngui R, Muhammad Aidil R, Lim YA, Rohela M

Trop Biomed, 2014 Dec;31(4):836-43.
PMID: 25776610 MyJurnal

Limited data is available on the prevalence of parasitic infections among the island communities in Malaysia with most studies performed between 1960s-1980s. This study was conducted to determine the current prevalence status of parasitic infections among communities living in Pangkor Island Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 131 stool and 298 serum samples were collected and subjected to microscopic examination for intestinal protozoa and helminths and detection of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using commercial ELISA kits respectively. In addition, thin and thick peripheral blood films were microscopically screened for the presence of Plasmodium spp. and microfilariae respectively. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among Pangkor Island community was 9.9% (13/131) with T. trichiura (5.3%) being the most common intestinal parasite detected. Toxoplasmosis was reported in almost 60% of the community with the seroprevalence being significantly high among females (64.7%) compared to males (52.8%) (p=0.038). None of those examined samples were infected with intestinal sarcocystosis, malaria and filariasis. This study revealed that the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among Pangkor Island community has been greatly reduced compared to that reported 35 years ago. Massive improvements in the socioeconomic status, personal hygiene, water facilities and sanitation may have contributed to the low prevalence of parasitic infections in this community. Nevertheless, further studies still need to be performed to determine the possible risk factors for the high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in this community.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/parasitology
Fulltext Molecular detection of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar infection among wild rats in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Lau YL, Jamaiah I, Rohela M, Fong MY, Siti CO, Siti FA

Trop Biomed, 2014 Dec;31(4):721-7.
PMID: 25776597 MyJurnal

Entamoeba histolytica infection is the third-greatest parasitic disease responsible for death in the world. Wild rats harbouring E. histolytica can be the possible reservoir hosts for human amoebiasis. There were numerous studies on prevalence of intestinal parasites among wild rats in Malaysia but none has reported E. histolytica. Rats were captured from Sentul and Chow Kit areas, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The preserved stool samples were used for microscopy examination and molecular analysis. Out of 137 samples collected, 12 were positive for E. histolytica / E. dispar / E. moshkovskii microscopically. Two E. histolytica (1.4%), 1 E. dispar (0.7%) and 6 mixed infections of E. histolytica and E. dispar (4.3%) were detected using PCR. This is the first report of molecular detection of E. histolytica/dispar infection among wild rats in Malaysia. This study provides useful information about the potential risks of zoonotic agents and the importance of developing control measures to prevent zoonotic transmission.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/parasitology
Distribution of intestinal parasitic infections amongst aborigine children at Post Sungai Rual, Kelantan, Malaysia

Hartini Y, Geishamimi G, Mariam AZ, Mohamed-Kamel AG, Hidayatul FO, Ismarul YI

Trop Biomed, 2013 Dec;30(4):596-601.
PMID: 24522128 MyJurnal

Intestinal parasitic infections are important public health problems among underprivileged communities. This study was carried out to evaluate the infection rate of intestinal parasites among aborigine children at Pos Sungai Rual, Kelantan, Malaysia. A total of 111 faecal samples from aborigine children aged 4-12 years were screened for intestinal parasites by direct smear technique. Harada-Mori culture was also performed to identify hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis larvae. The results showed that 87.4% of the children examined were positive for one or more parasites. Intestinal parasites were significantly lower in boys (78.7%) as compared to girls (93.8%). The infection occurred in very young children aged 4-6 years (80.0%) and the percentage of parasite-positive cases appeared to be significantly higher (92.9%) among the children aged 7-9 years. Trichuris trichiura was the most common parasite found in aborigine children (65.8%). Low socioeconomic status, poor environmental sanitation and poor personal hygiene are possible contributing factors that increase the rate of intestinal parasitic infections among the children. Thus, the parasitic diseases will continue to threaten the people's health especially among communities from rural areas if no appropriate actions are taken to diminish the transmission of the parasites.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/parasitology
Fulltext Genetic assemblage of Sarcocystis spp. in Malaysian snakes

Lau YL, Chang PY, Subramaniam V, Ng YH, Mahmud R, Ahmad AF, et al.

Parasit Vectors, 2013 Sep 09;6(1):257.
PMID: 24010903 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-257

BACKGROUND: Sarcocystis species are protozoan parasites with a wide host range including snakes. Although there were several reports of Sarcocytis species in snakes, their distribution and prevalence are still not fully explored.
METHODS: In this study, fecal specimens of several snake species in Malaysia were examined for the presence of Sarcocystis by PCR of 18S rDNA sequence. Microscopy examination of the fecal specimens for sporocysts was not carried as it was difficult to determine the species of the infecting Sarcocystis.
RESULTS: Of the 28 snake fecal specimens, 7 were positive by PCR. BLASTn and phylogenetic analyses of the amplified 18S rDNA sequences revealed the snakes were infected with either S. nesbitti, S. singaporensis, S. zuoi or undefined Sarcocystis species.
CONCLUSION: This study is the first to report Sarcocystis infection in a cobra, and S. nesbitti in a reticulated python.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/parasitology
Serological and molecular detection of Strongyloides stercoralis infection among an Orang Asli community in Malaysia

Ahmad AF, Hadip F, Ngui R, Lim YA, Mahmud R

Parasitol Res, 2013 Aug;112(8):2811-6.
PMID: 23666229 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3450-z

Detection of Strongyloides stercoralis infection particularly in asymptomatic individuals is often hampered due to the lack of standard diagnostic tools. In this study, the use of serological and molecular approaches were investigated for the detection of S. stercoralis infection among an Orang Asli (indigenous) community following a preliminary detection by microscopic examination of faecal samples. Out of 54 individuals studied, 17/54 (31.5%) were detected to be positive for S. stercoralis infection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), compared to 0/54 (0%) by faecal examination. Further confirmation performed by a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using DNA extracted from faecal samples of these 17 individuals yielded 3/17 (17.6%) positives for S. stercoralis DNA amplification. No amplification was seen with the other 37 faecal samples, which were negative by microscopy and ELISA. As the high ELISA positive results were suspected to be false-positives, ELISA is not recommended for use as a detection tool but may be beneficial for evaluating the effectiveness of anti-Strongyloides drugs. The present finding indicated that PCR should be considered as an alternative diagnostic tool for the detection of S. stercoralis infection.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/parasitology
Fulltext Identification of Cryptosporidium from Dairy Cattle in Pahang, Malaysia

Hisamuddin NH, Hashim N, Soffian SN, Amin MH, Wahab RA, Mohammad M, et al.

Korean J Parasitol, 2016 Apr;54(2):197-200.
PMID: 27180579 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2016.54.2.197

Cryptosporidium, a protozoan parasite, can cause cryptosporidiosis which is a gastrointestinal disease that can infect humans and livestock. Cattle are the most common livestock that can be infected with this protozoan. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in cattle in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia and to find out the association between the occurrence of infection and 3 different ages of cattle (calves less than 1 year, yearling, and adult cattle). The samples were processed by using formol-ether concentration technique and stained by modified Ziehl Neelsen. The results showed that 15.9% (24/151) of cattle were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium in calves less than 1 year was the highest with the percentage of 20.0% (11/55) followed by yearling and adult cattle, with the percentage occurrence of 15.6 % (7/45) and 11.8% (6/51), respectively. There was no significant association between the occurrence and age of cattle and presence of diarrhea. Good management practices and proper hygiene management must be taken in order to reduce the infection. It is highly important to control the infection since infected cattle may serve as potential reservoirs of the infection to other animals and humans, especially animal handlers.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/parasitology
Fulltext Blastocystis sp. in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)--Detection in Stool Aspirates during Colonoscopy

Ragavan ND, Kumar S, Chye TT, Mahadeva S, Shiaw-Hooi H

PLoS One, 2015;10(9):e0121173.
PMID: 26375823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121173

Blastocystis is one of the most common gut parasites found in the intestinal tract of humans and animals. Its' association with IBS is controversial, possibly as a result of irregular shedding of parasites in stool and variation in stool detection. We aimed to screen for Blastocystis in colonic stool aspirate samples in adult patients with and without IBS undergoing colonoscopy for various indications and measure the interleukin levels (IL-8, IL-3 and IL-5). In addition to standard stool culture techniques, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques were employed to detect and subtype Blastocystis. All the serum samples collected were subjected for ELISA studies to measure the interleukin levels (IL-8, IL-3 and IL-5). Among 109 (IBS n = 35 and non-IBS n = 74) adults, direct stool examination and culture of colonic aspirates were initially negative for Blastocystis. However, PCR analysis detected Blastocystis in 6 (17%) IBS and 4 (5.5%) non-IBS patients. In the six positive IBS patients by PCR method, subtype 3 was shown to be the most predominant (3/6: 50%) followed by subtype 4 (2/6; 33.3%) and subtype 5 (1/6; 16.6%). IL-8 levels were significantly elevated in the IBS Blasto group and IBS group (p<0.05) compared to non-IBS and non-IBS Blasto group. The level of IL-3 in were seen to be significantly higher in than IBS Blasto group and IBS group (p<0.05) compared to non-IBS. Meanwhile, the IL-5 levels were significantly higher in IBS Blasto group (p<0.05) compared to non-IBS and non-IBS Blasto group. This study implicates that detecting Blastosystis by PCR method using colonic aspirate samples during colonoscopy, suggests that this may be a better method for sample collection due to the parasite's irregular shedding in Blastocystis-infected stools. Patients with IBS infected with parasite showed an increase in the interleukin levels demonstrate that Blastocystis does have an effect in the immune system.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/parasitology*
Detection of Schistosoma spindale ova and associated risk factors among Malaysian cattle through coprological survey

Tan TK, Low VL, Lee SC, Panchadcharam C, Tay ST, Ngui R, et al.

Jpn. J. Vet. Res., 2015 May;63(2):63-71.
PMID: 26164875

The present study was conducted to determine the occurrence of Schistosoma spindale ova and its associated risk factors in Malaysian cattle through a coprological survey. A total of 266 rectal fecal samples were collected from six farms in Peninsular Malaysia. The overall infection rate of S. spindale was 6% (16 of 266). Schistosoma spindale infection was observed in two farms, with a prevalence of 5.4% and 51.9%, respectively. This trematode was more likely to co-occur with other gastro-intestinal parasites (i.e., Dicrocoelium spp., Paramphistomum spp., strongyle, Eimeria spp. and Entamoeba spp.). Chi-square analysis revealed that female cattle are less likely to get S. spindale infection as compared to male cattle (OR = 0.3; 95% CI = 0.08-1.06; p < 0.05), and cattle weighing lower than 200 kg, were significantly at higher risk than those higher than 200 kg (OR = 5; 95% CI = 1.07-24.79; p < 0.05) to the infection. Multivariate analysis confirmed that among the cattle in Malaysia, the age (cattle with two year old and higher: OR = 21; 95% CI = 2.48-179.44; p < 0.05) and weight (weighing 200 kg and lower: OR = 17; 95% CI = 3.38-87.19; p < 0.05) were risk factors for S. spindale infection among Malaysian cattle.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/parasitology*
Fulltext Partially purified Strongyloides ratti antigen improved the diagnostic performance of strongyloidiasis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunochromatographic test (ICT)

Wongphutorn P, Worasith C, Kopolrat KY, Eamudomkarn C, Pitaksakulrat O, Hongsrichan N, et al.

Microbiol Spectr, 2025 Mar 04;13(3):e0236824.
PMID: 39902967 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02368-24

Strongyloides stercoralis infection is a neglected tropical disease with a global distribution. Serodiagnosis is a sensitive method, but improving its performance and simplifying into a point-of-care test (POCT) are needed. This study aimed to improve the diagnostic performance of serological tests using partially purified Strongyloides ratti antigen in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an immunochromatographic test (ICT). Crude S. ratti antigen was purified by an IgG affinity column to partition the antigen into flow-through, washing fraction (WF), and elution fractions. Optimized ELISA and ICT using crude and antigen fractions were used to analyze sera from three groups of subjects. Group 1 comprised subjects with proven strongyloidiasis, Group 2 were subjects with other parasitic infections, and Group 3 were negative parasitic infections. The diagnostic performance and Kappa agreement of the serological tests were analyzed and compared, using larvae detection as the reference test (fecal examination). The results showed that the WF was the most efficient antigen in terms of sensitivity and specificity, as determined by the ELISA and ICT. Kappa's agreement between fecal examination and WF-ELISA was moderate (Kappa = 0.52), and WF-ICT was almost perfect (Kappa = 0.94). The WF antigen reduced cross-reactivity to other parasitic infections, that is, Opisthorchis viverrini, Taenia spp., and hookworms, compared to crude S. ratti antigen when assessed by ELISA and ICT. We concluded that the WF of purified S. ratti improved the ELISA and ICT diagnostic performance, and the latter assay format could be used as a POCT for screening and controlling strongyloidiasis.IMPORTANCEThis study aimed to improve the serological diagnosis of strongyloidiasis, a disease caused by infection with the intestinal nematode Strongyloides stercoralis, by evaluating the impact of Strongyloides ratti antigen purification using an IgG affinity column for detecting parasite-specific IgG in serum via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunochromatographic test (ICT) formats. Compared to crude S. ratti antigen, the washing fraction (WF) of the purified antigen demonstrated significantly improved sensitivity and specificity in both ELISA and ICT, achieving strong diagnostic concordance with the gold-standard fecal examination. Furthermore, the WF antigen fraction exhibited reduced cross-reactivity with coinfections caused by the liver fluke (Opisthorchis viverrini), tapeworms (Taenia spp.), and hookworms. These findings underscore antigen purification as a promising strategy to enhance the accuracy of strongyloidiasis serodiagnosis.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/parasitology
Behavioral and occupational factors associated with Schistosoma japonicum egg excretion in Napu Valley, an elimination-phase setting in Indonesia

Koraag ME, Martini S, Garjito TA

Trop Biomed, 2026 Sep 01;43(3):323-329.
PMID: 42960652 DOI: 10.47665/tb.43.3.012

Despite substantial reductions in schistosomiasis prevalence following repeated praziquantel administration, Schistosoma japonicum infection remains a concern in agricultural communities in Indonesia. This study aims to examine the relationship between behavioral and occupational factors and S. japonicum egg shedding as an indicator of parasite burden among farmers in the Napu Valley, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. The study evaluates whether the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and post-exposure hygiene practices are associated with lower egg counts in the context of this elimination phase. A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 132 farmers selected through proportional random sampling. Data on occupational exposure, water contact behavior, PPE use, and hygiene practices were collected using interviewer administered questionnaires. Stool samples were examined using the Kato Katz method, and infection intensity was quantified as eggs per gram of feces / egg density (EPG). Associations with egg counts were assessed using bivariate and multivariable linear regression analyses. Detectable S. japonicum egg excretion was identified in 30 participants (22.7%). Longer duration of farming work was associated with higher egg counts (ρ = 0.188; P = 0.031). Farmers who used boots and gloves had significantly lower egg counts (P = 0.006). In multivariable analysis, PPE use remained independently associated with lower egg counts (β = -0.452; 95% CI: -0.870 - -0.034; P = 0.034). Detectable S. japonicum egg excretion remains present among farmers in Napu Valley despite declining endemicity. Longer farming duration was associated with higher S. japonicum egg density, whereas consistent use of personal protective equipment was independently associated with lower parasite burden in this elimination phase setting.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/parasitology

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