Epidemiology, Haemato-biochemical and Pathological Changes Related to Field Outbreaks of PPR in Small Ruminants in Odisha

Background: Odisha experiencing sporadic outbreaks of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) throughout the year. There is a scarcity of available literature on PPR in Odisha till today. This is the first ever detail investigative approach in the state undertaken with an objective to corelate the epidemiological risk factors, haemato-biochemical and pathological changes in natural field outbreaks occurring in eight different districts. Methods: Fourteen field outbreaks of PPR were evaluated clinically as well as epidemiologically and confirmed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Blood, serum, faecal and tissue samples were collected to observe haemato-biochemical and pathomorphological changes to asses disease severity. Result: Present study concluded an overall mortality rate of 46.81%. Chi-square analysis revealed significant highest prevalence among 7-12 months (46.13%) age, Ganjam breed (45.51%) and females (80.49%). Frequent migration among the border areas along with poor management and helminthic infection was major precipitating factor. There was polycythemia along with neutrophilia and lymphopenia. Significant increase in alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), K+ and Ca+2 along with creatinine, urea and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) BUN was observed in affected flocks. Antero-ventral consolidation of lungs, syncytia and presence of both eosinophilic intranuclear and intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies were major pathological changes.

Clinical Spectrum of Schistosomiasis: An Update

Schistosomiasis is a helminthic infection and one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). It is caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma. It is an important public health problem, particularly in poverty-stricken areas, especially those within the tropics and subtropics. It is estimated that at least 236 million people worldwide are infected, 90% of them in sub-Saharan Africa, and that this disease causes approximately 300,000 deaths annually. The clinical manifestations are varied and affect practically all organs. There are substantial differences in the clinical presentation, depending on the phase and clinical form of schistosomiasis in which it occurs. Schistosomiasis can remain undiagnosed for a long period of time, with secondary clinical lesion. Here, we review the clinical profile of schistosomiasis. This information may aid in the development of more efficacious treatments and improved disease prognosis.

FAMACHA©: Predictive value for control of Haemonchus sp. in sheep from Brazilian Cerrado

This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of FAMACHA© method, correlating with packed cell volume (PCV) and egg count (FEC), as well as to evaluate the clinical signs of Haemonchus sp. infection in sheep from Brazilian Cerrado. Over two years (2017 to 2019), 1,435 sheep were subjected to clinical and parasitological evaluations. Sheep from six breeds (Santa Inês, Dorper, White Dorper, Ile de France, Suffolk, and crossbreed) were subdivided into five production categories (pregnant, lactating, non-pregnant/lactating ewes, breeding males, and weaned lambs). Parasitological evaluations included FEC and coproculture. In the clinical evaluation, all sheep underwent determination of the FAMACHA© score and PCV. Haemonchus sp. larvae were predominant in coprocultures of the flocks (76.4%) and in each animal production category evaluated (69.4 to 84.3%). FAMACHA© method showed high sensitivity (70.6%) for evaluating sheep with scores ≥ 3, and PCV < 23%, and high specificity (97.5%) in animals with higher scores (4 and 5), and PCV < 18%. A negative correlation was observed between FAMACHA© scores and PCV (-0.46) and between PCV and FEC (-0.47), while a positive correlation was observed between FAMACHA© scores and FEC (0.22) (p < 0.01). The vast majority of the animals evaluated (54.5%) were clinically resistant to gastrointestinal parasites. Due to the high sensitivity and specificity, we concluded that the method could be a valuable diagnostic alternative and an ancillary tool in the implementation of selective treatment for helminthic infection in sheep from Brazilian Cerrado.

PENGGUNAAN HANDUK, KEBIASAAN MENGGIGIT KUKU JARI TANGAN TERHADAP KEJADIAN INFEKSI SOIL TRANSMITTED HELMINTH (STH) PADA ANAK PANTI ASUHAN DI JAYAPURA

Problem: Helminthiasis is generally caused by the group of Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) worms, namely Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm. Worms have an impact on health problems such as diarrhea, malnutrition and anemia. Risk factors for helminthic infection including poor personal hygiene care, nail biting habits, the habit of not wearing footwear, contact with soil media, will increase the transmission of eggs that inhabit the intestines. The Aim Of The Research: To determine the prevalence of helminthiasis and risk factors for STH intestinal worms in children living in an orphanage in Jayapura. Research Method: Fecal samples were collected from orphanage children (n= 63) using saturated salt solution to detect the presence of STH worm eggs between months August-October 2020. The Results: The prevalence of STH worm infection in orphanages in Jayapura was 12.69% in the highest age group, 6-11 years old with Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm infections. The dominant risk factors represented among the most infected children include sharing of towels, the habit of biting fingernails and the habit of not wearing footwear while playing were very significant factors for the incidence of STH worm infection (p<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of STH worm infection in orphanage children in Jayapura was 12.69% in the highest age group 6-11 years with the most dominant risk factors are the habit of not wearint footwear while playing, the habit of biting fingernails and sharing towel together.

Intestinal helminthic infection and allergic disorders among school children enrolled in mass deworming program, Sululta, Ethiopia

Background Intestinal helminths have been proposed to have a protective role against allergic sensitization and atopic diseases. However, consistent data demonstrating this are lacking in Sub-Saharan countries. We aimed to assess the association between intestinal helminths and allergic disorders among school children enrolled in mass deworming program in Sululta, Ethiopia. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted among 526 school children aged 5 to 14 years old from primary government schools in Sululta district, Ethiopia. An interviewer-led questionnaire administered to parents provided information on demographic and lifestyle variables. Questions on allergic disease symptoms were collected using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC) questionnaire 6 months following deworming treatments. Atopy was defined as a positive skin prick test reaction to one or both dust mite (Dermatophagoides) and German cockroach (Blatella germanica) allergens. Fresh stool samples were collected, processed, and examined by direct wet mount, Kato-Katz technique, and formol-ether concentration technique. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to assess the association between allergic disorder and helminths infection. Results Of the total 526 school children, 58.2% were females. Overall, 24% (126/526) had allergic symptoms, 5.1% (27/526) had atopy, and 16.9% (89/526) had intestinal helminths. There was no association between helminthic infection and self-reported allergic symptoms (P = 0.317), but Ascaris lumbricoides infection was positively associated with atopy (AOR = 4.307, 95% CI 1.143–16.222, P = 0.031). Atopy was related to increased allergy symptoms (AOR = 2.787, 95% CI 1.253–6.197, P = 0.012), and family history of allergy was associated with increased childhood allergy (AOR = 2.753, 95% CI 1.565–4.841, P = 0.001). Deworming in the past 6 months showed a reduced odd of self-reported allergic symptoms (AOR = 0.581, 95% CI 0.366–0.954, P = 0.034). Conclusion While no significant association between self-reported allergy and helminths was found in this study, this may have been due to the low prevalence and intensity of helminthic infection in the sample. There was a positive association between Ascaris lumbricoides and atopy. To further examine the underlying mechanism behind this positive association, a longitudinal study is needed.

Intestinal schistosomiasis in an apparently healthy rural population in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Background: Schistosomiasis is endemic in Nigeria and three species; Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma mansoni, and Schistosoma intercalatum have been reported in Niger Delta, Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis in rural communities of Bayelsa State, Nigeria.Methodology: Four rural homogeneous communities; Otuegala, Immiringi, Otuesega, and Ibelebiri in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, were randomly selected for the study. A structured questionnaire was administered to each participant in their native language and used to collect participant’s biodata and swimming history. Stool samples collected from all participants were examined qualitatively by wet preparation and after formolethol concentration. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 software and results presented in proportion and tables.Results: A total of 829 participants (age range 1 - 80 years) were recruited for the study. Helminth ova were identified in the stool samples of 218 (26.3%) participants. Among 380 males examined, 82 (21.6%) were infected, while out of 449 females examined, 138 (30.3%) were infected. The ova of seven helminths identified and their frequency of occurrence were; S. intercalatum 86 (10.4%), Ascaris lumbricoides 53 (6.4%), S. mansoni 35 (4.2%), Trichuris trichiura 22 (2.6%), hookworm 20 (2.4%) and Taenia spp 2 (0.2%). Schistosoma haematobium was identified in non-urine contaminated stool sample of an eight-year old boy. A total of 11 (1.3%) participants had double infections, affecting 7 (63.6%) females and 4 (36.4%) males, with the commonest combination being S. intercalatum and A.lumbricoides 6 (0.7%), followed by S. intercalatum and hookworm 4 (0.5%), and S. mansoni and hookworm 1(0.1%).Conclusion: S. intercalatum was the most prevalent intestinal helminthic infection in this study, which is a rare finding in most epidemiological investigations. The affinity of Schistosoma species to establish double infections with hookworm and other intestinal helminths should be taken into account during chemoprophylaxis. Keywords: Schistosomiasis, Chemoprophylaxis, Prevalence, Rural Population

Ancylostomaduodenale and Ascarislumbricoides Mixed Infection in Pregnant Woman in Maharashtra

Background: More susceptible helminthic infection decreases immunodeficiency in pregnancy and may pose a serious threat to health and sometimes fatal to the new-born baby also. Ancylostomaduodenale and Ascarislumbricoides are categorized as soil-transmitted helminths. These helminths lead to greater impairment of mental and physical development, mainly in developing nations. Due to the shortage of qualified staff and suitable technology, these infections remain hidden and asymptomatic.Furthermore, sporadic shedding of eggs or larvae makes it tough to diagnose. There is, therefore, a desperate necessity of fast and precise tests to diagnose soil-transmitted helminths. Microscopy and molecular approaches are included in the diagnostic methods.In countries where faeces are used as fertiliser and in the absence of sewage systems, these parasites are commonly observed, especially in tropical and subtropical areas.Case Presentation: A woman was enrolled in field survey DMIMS, Sawangi in July, 2017. The community-based field survey was held within four villages of district Wardha. A 22-year-old pregnant woman had a lot of complaints and history also. Symptoms correlated with electrolyte imbalance was seen. For detection purpose, microscopy and qPCR has been used in the case. Conclusion: The purpose of this study is to find out the reasons why pregnant women are more likely to get sick and to investigate the hygiene conditions in houses and evaluate the demographic feature. Throughout childhood to adulthood, a pregnant woman was malnourished. It is assumed from a study that the effect of under-nutrition may persist throughout life. A molecular technique like q PCR gives the most accurate results for infection.

Ascariasis and Cardiac Surgery: A Case Report

Ascariasis is a common helminthic infection, particularly in the tropical countries. We describe a case of eosinophilia who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Postoperatively, he was found to have ascaris lumbricoides in the oral cavity. Timely detection and removal of the worm prevented the possible complications such as airway obstruction, bronchospasm, lung collapse, or intestinal obstruction. The case emphasizes the importance of considering parasitic infection as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with eosinophilia for elective surgery.

Hydatid disease, hepatic injury and hypertonic saline: a clinical conundrum

Echinococcosis or human hydatid disease is a helminthic infection is caused by Echinococcus species. Classically, cystic echinococcosis is caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto, E. equinus, E. ortleppi and E. canadensis, though several other species have been implicated in hydatid disease. Echinococcus infection may lead to cystic disease of the liver, lungs and potentially other organs. Here we present a patient who had cystic disease of the lungs and liver. The patient initially experienced right upper quadrant pain and nausea, and later went on to develop a fever, cough and dyspnoea in the setting of hydropneumothorax. CT scan of the chest and abdomen revealed a large fluid collection at the left lung base and a large lobular complex fluid mass within the right lobe of the liver. Echinococcus titres were positive. The patient was commenced on albendazole; however, experienced significant derangement of liver enzymes within the following month. In light of this, the albendazole was ceased, and a hemi-hepatectomy was performed. During the hemi-hepatectomy there was some cyst content spillage, and subsequently a washout with hypertonic saline 3% was performed. This was followed by a course of praziquantel 1200 mg two times per day for 14 days. Repeat CT 6 months later demonstrated no evidence of recurrence.