Seroprevalence of five parasitic pathogens in pregnant women in ten Caribbean countries

Abstract

To date, published epidemiological studies of parasitic infections in humans in the Caribbean region are very limited. Here, we report the seroprevalence of five parasitic pathogens, including Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Schistosoma mansoni, and Toxocara canis in 435 serum samples collected between 2008 and 2011 from pregnant women in ten Caribbean islands. We tested the serum samples for IgG antibodies against the five parasites by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Among them, 66.2 % were serologically positive for at least one parasite. The most prevalent parasite was G. lamblia (40.5 %), followed by A. lumbricoides (37.9 %), T. canis (14.5 %), E. histolytica (6.7 %), and S. mansoni (3.0 %). Evidence of infections of G. lamblia and A. lumbricoides were detected in all ten Caribbean countries. Seroprevalence estimates significantly differed between countries for A. lumbricoides, E. histolytica, and T. canis (p values <0.001). For S. mansoni, significance was observed by Fisher's exact test (p = 0.013) but not by multiple comparisons. The prevalence of G. lamblia was not significantly different between countries (p = 0.089). A significant negative correlation between the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and overall seroprevalence by country was also observed (Pearson's r = -0.9202, p = 0.0002). The data strongly indicates that neglected parasitic infections remain a significant health burden on people in these countries. Thus, justification has been provided to regional health planners to enhance existing public health surveillance programs on parasitic diseases and to heighten the public's awareness through education and outreach programs on how they can minimize the occurrence of parasitic infections.

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“…After malaria, amoebiasis is the second cause of death due to parasitic diseases [4,5]. The symptoms vary from mild diarrhea to dysentery, but, occasionally, E. histolytica can invade the intestinal mucosal barrier and trigger liver abscesses [6]. Asymptomatic infections occur in 90% of individuals, whereas the remaining 10% contract symptomatic infections [7].…”

GiardiaandCryptosporidiumantibody prevalence and correlates of exposure among Alaska residents, 2007–2008

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Long-Standing International Cooperation in Parasitology Research: A Summary of 35 Years of Activities in the Bolivian Chaco

“…Among protozoa, Giardia intestinalis (syn. G. lamblia – G. duodenalis ) is the most common species, with an estimated 1.2–2 million cases per year and infection rates from 0.4 to 7.6% in developed countries and from 0.9 to 40% in LMIC [ 3 ]. Although they are rarely the direct cause of death, IPIs can induce malabsorption, diarrhea, blood loss, anemia, reduced work capacity, and reduced growth, thus representing important health and social problems.…”