Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica and other enteral parasitic diseases in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. A cross-sectional study.

Background: Enteral parasitic diseases are a public health problem in nations with low economic development and in settings with poor sanitation. Amebiasis is the second most frequent form of parasitosis, with a high burden of disease. Knowledge of the prevalence of enteroparasitoses in a given region is useful for planning clinical decision-making.

Hematological profile in natural progression of giardiasis: kinetics of experimental infection in gerbils.

Introduction: The clinical manifestations of giardiasis and its impact are harmful to children, and may cause deficits in their physical and cognitive development. The pathogenic mechanisms are usually unknown and the available reports can be controversial.

Methodology: The present study aimed to know, for the first time, the evolution of the hematological profile of the gerbils, experimentally infected with Giardia lamblia, up to the infection's resolution.

Evaluation of diagnostic methods for the detection of intestinal schistosomiasis in endemic areas with low parasite loads: Saline gradient, Helmintex, Kato-Katz and rapid urine test.

Background: In some tropical countries, such as Brazil, schistosomiasis control programs have led to a significant reduction in the prevalence and parasite burden of endemic populations. In this setting, the Kato-Katz technique, as the standard diagnostic method for the diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni infections, which involves the analysis of two slides from one fecal sample, loses its sensitivity. As a result, a significant number of infected individuals are not detected.

Differentially expressed genes of virulent and nonvirulent Entamoeba histolytica strains identified by suppression subtractive hybridization.

Entamoeba histolytica is a parasite which presents capacity to degrade tissues and therefore has a pathogenic behavior. As this behavior is not shown by all strains, there have been several studies investigating molecular basis of the cytotoxicity process. Using the suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) technique, differential gene expressions of two E.

High prevalence of enteroparasitosis in urban slums of Belo Horizonte-Brazil. Presence of enteroparasites as a risk factor in the family group.

The present study evaluates the prevalence of enteroparasitosis in the urban slums of Belo Horizonte, Brazil and the risk of transmitting enteroparasites to the family members of infected individuals. Stool samples were collected and examined at clinical laboratories near each slum. Individuals were identified and classified as positive for parasitosis (IP(+)), and individuals with negative stool tests were classified as negative for parasitosis (IP(-)) and enrolled as control patients.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitism and associated symptomatology among hemodialysis patients.

Intestinal parasites are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Immunocompromised individuals may develop more severe forms of these infections. Taking into account the immunity impairment in patients suffering from chronic renal failure (CRF), we will determine the prevalence and associated symptoms of intestinal parasites in these patients.

Effects of metronidazole analogues on Giardia lamblia: experimental infection and cell organization.

The chemotherapeutic agents used for the treatment of giardiasis are often associated with adverse side effects and are refractory cases, due to the development of resistant parasites. Therefore the search for new drugs is required. We have previously reported the giardicidal effects of metronidazole (MTZ) and its analogues (MTZ-Ms, MTZ-Br, MTZ-N(3), and MTZ-I) on the trophozoites of Giardia lamblia.