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Comparative Analysis of Automatic Fecal Analyzer versus Direct Wet Smear Microscopy for Detecting Parasitic Infections in Stool Samples
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Parasitic infections of the intestines

P C Okhuysen1, A C White

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical School, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.

Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
|October 13, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Intestinal parasites like protozoans and helminths are common globally, causing diarrhea in children and impacting nutrition. Mass chemotherapy is a key control strategy in developing nations.

Area of Science:

  • Global Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Intestinal parasites are a major global health concern, particularly in developing countries.
  • Intestinal protozoans are significant causes of childhood diarrhea.
  • Cryptosporidiosis, while decreasing in AIDS patients due to antiretroviral therapy, remains a concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the prevalence and impact of common intestinal parasites worldwide.
  • To highlight the ongoing challenges posed by food and waterborne parasitic outbreaks.
  • To discuss current strategies for controlling intestinal helminth infections.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing epidemiological data on intestinal parasite prevalence.
  • Analysis of factors contributing to outbreaks of Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, and Giardia.
  • Examination of the impact of helminth infections on host health.
  • Assessment of disease control strategies, including mass chemotherapy.

Main Results:

  • Intestinal protozoans cause significant childhood diarrhea in developing countries.
  • Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, and Giardia outbreaks are linked to contaminated food and water.
  • Ascaris, hookworm, and Trichuris each infect over a billion people.
  • Parasitic infections can have subtle but significant effects on cognitive function and nutrition.

Conclusions:

  • Intestinal parasites continue to be a widespread health issue globally.
  • Contaminated food and water remain key sources for parasitic outbreaks.
  • Mass chemotherapy is a primary approach for controlling helminth infections in endemic areas.

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