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Are there interactions between schistosomes and intestinal nematodes?
M Chamone1, C A Marques, G S Atuncar
1Department of Biochemistry-Immunology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Summary
Intestinal parasite infections, including schistosomiasis mansoni, were not random. Co-infections influenced Schistosoma mansoni egg excretion, with higher counts seen in patients with multiple helminth infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Helminthiasis is a significant global health concern, particularly in endemic regions.
- Schistosomiasis mansoni and other soil-transmitted helminthiases often co-exist in tropical and subtropical areas.
- Understanding co-infection patterns is crucial for effective disease control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and correlation of intestinal parasite infections in a homogenous rice cultivation area.
- To determine how co-infections with Ascaris lumbricoides, ancylostomes, and Trichuris trichiura affect Schistosoma mansoni egg excretion.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted in a homogenous rice cultivation area with endemic helminthiases.
- Faecal samples were analyzed to quantify Schistosoma mansoni eggs.
- Infection data for S. mansoni, A. lumbricoides, ancylostomes, and T. trichiura were collected and analyzed for distribution and correlation.
Main Results:
- Infections with S. mansoni, A. lumbricoides, ancylostomes, and T. trichiura were not randomly distributed.
- S. mansoni egg counts were positively correlated with ancylostome infection.
- S. mansoni egg counts were inversely correlated with A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura infections.
- Patients with schistosomiasis and two other helminth infections excreted more S. mansoni eggs than those with schistosomiasis and only one other helminth infection.
Conclusions:
- Co-infections significantly influence the intensity of Schistosoma mansoni infections.
- The pattern of helminth co-infection impacts S. mansoni egg excretion levels.
- Public health interventions should consider the complex interplay of multiple helminth infections.