Resumo O Paquistão é um país agrícola, onde a pesca desempenha um papel muito importante para o desenvolvimento econômico. Diferentes doenças são prevalentes em peixes do Paquistão, mas as informações relacionadas aos agentes causadores não são bem conhecidas. Tendo em vista a importância dos patógenos bacterianos como agentes causadores de múltiplas doenças em peixes, o presente estudo foi conduzido para identificação, caracterização e análise de genes de virulência de isolados de Aeromonas spp. de peixes doentes. Foram coletadas 50 amostras de peixes com múltiplas indicações clínicas em diferentes fazendas do distrito de Kasur, Punjab, Paquistão. Para isolar Aeromonas spp., as amostras foram enriquecidas e inoculadas em meio de isolamento. Os isolados foram identificados e caracterizados por diferentes testes bioquímicos, kit Analytical Profile Index (API) 20E, e ensaios de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Todos os isolados foram selecionados para três genes de virulência putativos, incluindo aerolisina (aer), hemolisina (hyl) e enterotoxina citotônica termolábil (alt). Sete isolados de Aeromonas hydrophila foram recuperados e identificados com base no API 20E. Esses isolados foram posteriormente confirmados como A. hydrophila de acordo com ensaios de PCR. Três isolados indicaram a presença de genes de virulência (alt e hyl), enquanto o gene aerolisina (aer) não esteve presente em nenhum dos isolados de A. hydrophila. O presente estudo confirmou A. hydrophila como o agente causador da síndrome ulcerativa epizoótica e septicemia móvel por Aeromonas em fazendas de peixes, no distrito de Kasur, Punjab, Paquistão. Além disso, a detecção de dois genes de virulência (alt e hyl) em isolados de A. hydrophila é uma ameaça para os consumidores de peixes da área de estudo.

Abstract Pakistan is an agricultural country and fisheries play a very important role in the economic development of the country. Different diseases are prevalent in Pakistani fish but information related to the causative agents is not well-known. Keeping in view the significance of bacterial pathogens as the causative agents of multiple fish diseases, the present study was conducted for identification, characterization and analysis of virulence genes of Aeromonas spp. isolated from diseased fishes. A total of fifty fish samples having multiple clinical indications were collected from different fish farms of district Kasur, Punjab Pakistan. For isolation of Aeromonas spp. samples were enriched and inoculated on Aeromonas isolation medium. Isolates were identified and characterized by different biochemical tests, Analytical Profile Index (API) 20E kit and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays. All isolates were screened for three putative virulence genes including aerolysin (aer), haemolysin (hyl) and heat labile cytotonic enterotoxin (alt). Seven isolates of Aeromonas (A.) hydrophila were retrieved and identified based on API 20E. These isolates were further confirmed as A. hydrophila on the basis of PCR assays. Three isolates were detected positive for the presence of virulence genes (alt and hyl). Whereas aerolysin (aer) gene was not present in any of A. hydrophila isolates. The present study confirmed A. hydrophila as the causative agent of epizootic ulcerative syndrome and motile Aeromonas septicemia in fish farms of district Kasur, Punjab Pakistan. Moreover, detection of two virulence genes (alt and hyl) in A. hydrophila isolates is a threat for fish consumers of study area.

BACKGROUND: Hyperprolactinaemia among patients on antipsychotic medications is generally overlooked due to lack of outwardly visible symptoms, patient resistance to reporting because the symptoms are perceived as shameful, or to clinician's insufficient knowledge AIM: The study aimed to evaluate the patterns and correlates of hyperprolactinemia among patients with schizophrenia on antipsychotic medications. SETTING: The study was conducted in a psychiatric facility in Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria. METHODS: A total of 209 patients with schizophrenia were evaluated through a cross-sectional design and assayed for serum prolactin with ELISA Kits. Frequencies and percentages were tabulated for categorical variables. Variables with significant associations with hyperprolactinaemia on chi-square (p < 0.05) were subjected to logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of hyperprolactinaemia was 45.9% in all patients on antipsychotic medication. The prevalence because of the use of typical and atypical antipsychotics was 51.5% and 25.0%, respectively. Hyperprolactinaemia was significantly associated with typical antipsychotics (β = 0314, p = 0.002), high overall drug dosage (β = 2.340, p = 0.003), high-dose typical antipsychotics (β = 3.228, p = 0.000), twice daily dosing frequency (β = 2.751, p = 0.001) and polypharmacy (β = 1.828, p = 0.0024). CONCLUSION: The findings support that patients on typical, high-dose antipsychotic medications and polypharmacy have a high prevalence of hyperprolactinaemia. As hyperprolactinaemia is often undetectable, screening and patient psycho-education on the significance of the signs and symptoms of hyperprolactinaemia is required for necessary clinical intervention. CONTRIBUTION: The study provides evidence for the rational use of antipsychotic medications in sub-Saharan Africa.

Manganese (Mn) mining produces a large amount of Mn-rich solid waste contributing to soil and groundwater pollution. Adding Mn-rich waste to soils could reduce mining pollution by allowing specialised plants to take up this mineral for growth, that is, phytoremediation. However, Mn interacts with other soil major and trace minerals. The interaction with phosphorus (P), a key element for plant nutrition and growth, has received less attention. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of P sources (i.e. rock phosphate and monopotassium [KH2PO4]) and application rates on the P and Mn relationships in clay and sandy soils mixed with Mn-rich waste. Soils differing in texture were incubated for 60 days at room temperature (±20 °C), and changes in available P Mn and soil pH were determined at 0, 30 and 60 days. The addition of Mn-rich solid waste significantly decreased available soil P in both soils with the greatest reduction of 62% and 52% from the sandy soil subjected to KH2PO4 and rock phosphate, respectively. In the clayey soil, the reduction was higher for the rock phosphate source implying more P was released from the rock phosphate in Mn-rich soils. This explanation was supported by the significant positive correlation between P and Mn for both soils when P is added in the form of rock phosphate. Our results suggest that Mn-rich waste is better in clay soils subjected to rock phosphate addition. Further research is needed to control Mn solid waste pollution levels in soils using specific crops with known phytoremediation properties. SIGNIFICANCE: South African mining and smelting processes produce a lot of Mn-rich waste as a by-product that harms the environment if not appropriately managed. The efficient use of Mn-rich solid waste in agricultural soils is poorly studied; hence, this study focused on the role of soil type and Mn-rich waste addition on phosphorus release and availability.

Abstract Background Migraine underdiagnosis and undertreatment are so widespread, that hence is essential to diagnose migraine sufferers in nonclinical settings. A systematic review of validation studies on migraine diagnostic tools applicable to nonclinical settings can help researchers and practitioners in tool selection decisions. Objective To systematically review and critically assess published validation studies on migraine diagnostic tools for use in nonclinical settings, as well as to describe their diagnostic performance. Methods A multidisciplinary workgroup followed transparent and systematic procedures to collaborate on this work. PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science were searched for studies up to January 17, 2022. The QUADAS-2 was employed to assess methodological quality, and the quality thresholds adopted by the Global Burden Disease study were used to tail signaling questions. Results From 7,214 articles identified, a total of 27 studies examining 19 tools were eligible for inclusion. There has been no high-quality evidence to support any tool for use of migraine diagnosis in nonclinical settings. The diagnostic accuracy of the ID-migraine, structured headache and HARDSHIP questionnaires have been supported by moderate-quality evidence, with sensitivity and specificity above 70%. Of them, the HARDSHIP questionnaire has been the most extensively validated. The remaining 16 tools have provided poor-quality evidence for migraine diagnosis in nonclinical populations. Conclusions Up till now, the HARDSHIP questionnaire is the optimal choice for diagnosing migraine in nonclinical settings, with satisfactory diagnostic accuracy supported by moderate methodological quality. This work reveals the crucial next step, which is further high-quality validation studies in diverse nonclinical population groups.

Resumo Antecedentes O sub-diagnóstico e o subtratamento da enxaqueca são tão difundidos que, portanto, é essencial para diagnosticar os portadores de enxaqueca em ambientes não-clínicos. Uma revisão sistemática dos estudos de validação das ferramentas de diagnóstico da enxaqueca aplicáveis a ambientes não-clínicos pode ajudar os pesquisadores e profissionais nas decisões de seleção de ferramentas. Objetivo Revisar sistematicamente e avaliar criticamente estudos de validação publicados sobre ferramentas de diagnóstico da enxaqueca para uso em ambientes não-clínicos, bem como descrever seu desempenho diagnóstico. Métodos Um grupo de trabalho multidisciplinar seguiu procedimentos transparentes e sistemáticos para colaborar neste trabalho. PubMed, Medline e Web of Science foram pesquisados por estudos até 17 de janeiro de 2022. O QUADAS-2 foi empregado para avaliar a qualidade metodológica, e os limites de qualidade adotados pelo estudo da Global Burden Disease foram usados para responder a questões de sinalização. Resultados De 7.214 artigos identificados, um total de 27 estudos examinando 19 ferramentas foram elegíveis para inclusão. Não houve evidência de alta qualidade para apoiar qualquer ferramenta para o uso de diagnóstico de enxaqueca em ambientes não clínicos. A precisão diagnóstica do ID-Migraine, questionário de dor de cabeça estruturada e questionário HARDSHIP foram apoiados por evidências de qualidade moderada, com sensibilidade e especificidade acima de 70%. Deles, o questionário HARDSHIP foi o mais amplamente validado. As 16 ferramentas restantes forneceram provas de má qualidade para o diagnóstico de enxaqueca em populações não-clínicas. Conclusões Até agora, o questionário HARDSHIP é a escolha ideal para o diagnóstico da enxaqueca em ambientes não-clínicos, com precisão diagnóstica satisfatória apoiada por uma qualidade metodológica moderada. Este trabalho revela o próximo passo crucial, que é a realização de mais estudos de validação de alta qualidade em diversos grupos populacionais não-clínicos.

Abstract Introduction The second most common cause of cancer-related mortality is colorectal cancer, and laparoscopic-assisted colectomy (LAC) has gained popularity among surgeons as an alternative to the conventional approach, which is open colecrtomy (OC). The differences between LAC and OC in terms of short-term outcomes have not been well documented, and the aim of the present work is to compare the short-term outcomes of both procedures. Materials and Methods The present prospective study comprised 164 participants submitted to LAC (n = 82) and OC (n = 82) at the Helwan and Zagazig University hospitals between January 2018 and January 2022. We collected and analyzed demographic data, surgical data, and the short-term outcomes. Results The LAC group had a significantly lower estimated amount of blood loss, shorter hospital stay, lower rates of incisional surgical site infection, and fewer cases of burst abdomen postoperatively, but with a considerably longer operative time (30.3 minutes) than the OC group. Conclusions Our findings show that LAC is favorable option to OC, with superior outcomes.

Abstract The study attempted to assess preparatory year students’ perception towards pharmacists and the pharmacy profession. This cross-sectional survey was conducted between December 2019 and March 2020. The students were invited to complete an anonymous questionnaire via Google Forms®. In total, 244 students, of which 53.7% were female with the mean age of 19.2 ± 0.65, from 12 universities participated in this study. As per our findings, the majority of the respondents (91.8%) regard pharmacy as a well-respected profession, 82.4% thought pharmacists are important decision-makers, 68.4% disagreed that most pharmacists were unkind, and 60.7% did not agree that pharmacy was a low-status occupation. Meanwhile, 95.5% agreed that pharmacists must have a university degree, 88.6% agreed pharmacists must take responsibility for patients, and 82.8% believed pharmacists had to work too hard. Moreover, 62.3% did not think pharmacy was a low-skill occupation, 54.9% did not agree pharmacists must do unpleasant things, and 45.1% disagreed pharmacists only did what physicians requested of them. Lastly, 48.8% had low confidence in choosing pharmacy as a career. The students’ overall perception toward pharmacists and the pharmacy profession was favorable. However, only one-fourth of the students displayed a tendency to choose pharmacy as a future career.

ABSTRACT Genus Eimeria is a group of obligate Protista parasites within phylum Apicomplexa that causes a major threat to animal production. Little information is available about the coccidia of pigeons. This study was undertaken to study experimental infection in domesticated pigeons, its clinical signs, and pathological interpretation due to Eimeria species. Eimeria labbeana-like oocysts were used as a model parasite for experimental infection of pigeons. Twenty pigeons were brought and examined for 7 days to ensure they were coccidia-free. Five pigeons were separated into parasite passage. The remaining pigeons were divided into a control group of five pigeons, and ten pigeons were infected with 3×104 E. labbeana-like oocysts. Infected pigeons showed ruffled feathers, greenish watery diarrhea, weakness, blood-tinged droppings, etc. Pre-patent and patent durations were five and fourteen days of oral inoculation of Eimeria. Oocysts shedding began on the 5th-day p.i. and peaked on the 8th-day p.i. There is a significant loss in body weight due to infection. Histopathological examination showed damage to intestinal mucosa with various Eimeria developmental stages in the duodenal of the small intestine. This study is considered basic information on the first detection of biology of Eimeria species infecting pigeons in Saudi Arabia.

RESUMO O gênero Eimeria é um grupo de parasitas protistas obrigatórios do filo Apicomplexa que causam uma grande ameaça à produção animal. Há poucas informações disponíveis sobre coccídios de pombos. Este trabalho foi realizado para estudar a infecção experimental em pombos domesticados, seus sinais clínicos e interpretação patológica devido a espécies de Eimeria. Oocistos semelhantes a Eimeria labbeana foram usados como modelo de parasita para a infecção experimental de pombos. Vinte pombos foram trazidos e examinados por sete dias para garantir que estivessem livres de coccídios. Cinco pombos foram separados para a passagem do parasita. Os pombos restantes foram divididos em um grupo de controle de cinco pombos, e dez pombos foram infectados com 3×104 oocistos do tipo E. labbeana. Os pombos infectados apresentaram penas desgrenhadas, diarreia aquosa esverdeada, fraqueza, fezes com coloração de sangue etc. As durações pré-patente e patente foram de cinco e quatorze dias de inoculação oral de Eimeria. A liberação de oocistos começou no 5º dia p.i. e atingiu seu pico no 8º dia p.i. Há uma perda significativa no peso corporal devido à infecção. O exame histopatológico mostrou danos à mucosa intestinal com vários estágios de desenvolvimento da Eimeria no duodeno do intestino delgado. Este estudo é considerado uma informação básica sobre a primeira detecção da biologia de espécies de Eimeria infectando pombos na Arábia Saudita.

The objective of this study was to develop two simple and selective visible spectrophotometric methods for the determination of antihistamine drug triprolidine hydrochloride (TRH) in the capsules. The methods were based on the formation of ion-pair complexes between TRH and two dyes, namely, bromocresol green (BCG) and bromophenol blue (BPB). The produced ion-pair complexes were measured at 415 and 410 nm for BCG and BPB methods, respectively. Beer’s law was applicable in the concentration ranges of 2.50-15.0 μg mL-1 TRH for both methods. The molar absorptivity values were found to be 2.12 × 104 and 2.07 × 104 L mol-1 cm-1 for the BCG method and BPB method, respectively, and the Sandell’s sensitivity values were 0.0149 and 0.0152 μg cm-2. The limits of detection and quantification were calculated and found to be 0.29 and 0.86 μg mL-1 for the BCG method and 0.31 and 0.95 μg mL-1 for the BPB method. The methods were applied successfully for TRH determination in bulk drug and in the capsules.

This study aims to examine the potential improvement of uniform corrosion resistance and critical pitting potential of AISI 316L stainless steel (SS) in a simulated marine environment containing 3.5 wt. % NaCl by applying layer of gelatin containing HfO2 nanoparticles using spin coating. Also, to examine the statistical significance of using different weight fractions of HfO2 in the applied layer on the corrosion protection performance. The corrosion performance was assessed from potentiodynamic polarization. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to check the presence of HfO2 in gelatin matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) were used to examine the surface morphology and elemental composition of corrosion products. The results showed that the applied nanocomposite coatings enhanced both uniform and localized corrosion resistance of the underlying AISI 316L SS, also Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test approved that the weight fractions of dispersed HfO2 nanoparticles have a statistical significant effect on the corrosion performance. Nanocomposites coating having 2 wt.% of HfO2 showed the best performance as compared to other examined coatings.

Resumen Las reacciones de cicloadición de tipo zwitteriónico (tipo zw) [3+2] (32CA) de N-metil-C-3-bromofenil-nitrona 1 con maleato de dimetilo 2 con aumento de la electrofilicidad se investigaron utilizando la Teoría de la Densidad Electrónica Molecular (MEDT, por sus siglas en inglés) utilizando el nivel de teoría MPWB95/6-311++G(d,p). Tanto la reactividad como la selectividad se racionalizan en relación con la polaridad de la reacción. Las reacciones asociadas de tipo zw 32CA se aceleran debido al alto carácter nucleofílico de N-metil-C-3-bromofenil-nitrona 1 y al fuerte carácter electrofílico del maleato de dimetilo 2, que también juega un papel crítico en el mecanismo de la reacción, influyendo en la estereoselectividad, con entalpías de activación entre 34.04 y 38.37 kJ.mol-1, en fase gaseosa. Los índices de la Teoría de Funcionales de la Densidad Conceptual (CDFT, por sus siglas en inglés) se utilizan para anticipar el flujo global de densidad de electrones desde el nucleófilo N-metil-C-3-bromofenil-nitrona 1 hasta el maleato de dimetilo electrofílico 2. Estas reacciones exergónicas 32CA tienen energías libres de Gibbs negativa a lo largo de las vías estereoquímicas endo y exo. El proceso estereoquímico endo es preferido sobre la vía estereoquímica exo en esta reacción 32CA controlada cinéticamente. Las predicciones de la teoría de la evolución de enlaces (BET, por sus siglas en inglés) para las vías endo y exo indican un proceso de un paso con estados de transición temprana, que es compatible con el examen topológico de la Función de Localización Electrónica (ELF, por sus siglas en inglés) de los estados de transición.

Abstract The zwitterionic-type (zw-type) [3+2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions of N-methyl-C-3-bromophenyl-nitrone 1 with dimethyl maleate 2 with increased electrophilicity were investigated using the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) at the MPWB95/6-311++G(d,p) computational level. Both reactivity and selectivity are rationalized in relation to the polarity of the reaction. The associated zw-type 32CA reactions are accelerated due to the high nucleophilic character of N-methyl-C-3-bromophenyl-nitrone 1 and the strong electrophilic character of dimethyl maleate 2, which also play a critical part in the mechanism of the reaction, influencing the stereoselectivity, with activation enthalpies in between 34.04 and 38.37 kJ.mol-1 in the gas phase. The CDFT indices are used to anticipate global electron density flux from the nucleophilic N-methyl-C-3-bromophenyl-nitrone 1 to the electrophilic dimethyl maleate 2. These exergonic 32CA reactions have negative Gibbs free energy along the endo and exo stereochemical pathways. The endo stereochemical process is preferred over the exo stereochemical pathway in this kinetically controlled 32CA reaction. The predictions of bonding evolution theory (BET) for the endo and exo pathways indicate a one-step process with early transition states, which is compatible with the ELF topological examination of transition states.

Abstract In this paper, the energy levels of the ground-state band (GSB) and other states for 114-128Cd isotopes have been determined using the Interacting Boson Model (IBM-1) with a New Empirical Equation (NEE). The GSB results showed that the IBM-1, NEE, and available experimental data were all in fairly consistent. The NEE and IBM-1 calculations for the high states above 6+ state are slightly overestimated compared to the experimental data, with the exception of the 114Cd and 118Cd nuclei. Furthermore, the reduced transition probabilities B(E2) extracted from the IBM-1 model agree well with the available experimental data. The potential energy surface (EPS) was also examined with the IBM-1. The EPS contour results for Cd isotopes demonstrate that the Cd isotopes under investigation represent a smooth transition behavior from light Cd nuclei toward a more collective vibrational mode as the neutron number increases.

Abstract Introduction Olfactory and gustative alterations are frequent in the initial stages of the COVID-19 infection. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to olfactory dysfunction. Objective The present study aimed to assess the relationship between vitamin B12 levels and smell affection in COVID-19 patients. Methods The present study included 201 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients. Smell affection was assessed using self-rated olfactory function. Serum vitamin B12 levels were assessed using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Results According to the smell function assessment, the patients were classified into three categories: normal osmesis (n = 77), hyposmia (n = 49), and anosmia (n = 75) (►Fig. 1). Four weeks later, 195 patients (97.0%) had their normal smell function restored. The remainder 6 patients included 4 anosmic and 2 hyposmic patients. Patients with hyposmia or anosmia had significantly lower vitamin B12 levels when compared with patients with normal osmesis (median [IQR]: 363.0 [198.0–539.0] versus 337.0 [175.0–467.0] and 491.0 [364.5–584.5] pg/ml, respectively, p < 0.001). Conclusion Vitamin B12 appears to have some contribution to smell affection in patients with COVID-19 infection.

Abstract Genus Dictyopteris is an important genus among marine seaweeds and is excessively distributed and known by its ocean smell due to its secondary metabolites including C11-hydrocarbons and sulfur compounds. This chemical feature is responsible for its interesting biological properties. This review detected the literature from 1959 to 2021 on the genus Dictyopteris and revealed the secondary metabolites, together with biological activities of the genus Dictyopteris to create the base for additional studies on its clinical and pharmaceutical applications.

Resumen El género Dictyopteris es un género importante entre las algas marinas y está excesivamente distribuido y conocido por su olor a océano debido a sus metabolitos secundarios que incluyen hidrocarburos C11 y compuestos de azufre. Esta característica química es responsable de sus interesantes propiedades biológicas. Esta revisión detectó la literatura de 1959 a 2021 sobre el género Dictyopteris y reveló los metabolitos secundarios, junto con las actividades biológicas del género Dictyopteris, para crear la base para estudios adicionales sobre sus aplicaciones clínicas y farmacéuticas.

Abstract Background: Ionizing radiations (IR) have widespread useful applications in our daily life; however, they have unfavorable effects on reproductive health. Maintaining testicular health following IR exposure is an important requirement for reproductive potential. The current study explored the role of melatonin (MLT) in mitigating IR-induced injury in young adult rat testis. Methods: Rats were given daily MLT (25 mg/kg) for 3 and 14 days after receiving 4 Gy γ-radiation. Results: Serum MLT levels and other antioxidants, including glutathione content, and the activity of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase in the testis of the irradiated rats were remarkably maintained by MLT administration in irradiated rats. Hence, the hydrogen peroxide level declined with remarkably reduced formation of oxidative stress markers, 4-hydroxynonenal, and 8-Hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine in the testis of irradiated animals after MLT administration. The redox status improvement caused a remarkable regression of proapoptotic protein (p53, Cyto-c, and caspase-3) in the testis and improved inflammatory cytokines (CRP and IL-6), and anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin IL-10) in serum. This is associated with restoration of disturbed sex hormonal balance, androgen receptor upregulation, and testicular cell proliferation activity in irradiated rats, explaining the improvement of sperm parameters (count, motility, viability, and deformation). Consequently, spermatogenic cell depletion and decreased seminiferous tubule diameter and perimeter were attenuated by MLT treatment post irradiation. Moreover, the testis of irradiated-MLT-treated rats showed well-organized histological architecture and normal sperm morphology. Conclusions: These results show that radiation-induced testicular injury is mitigated following IR exposure through synergistic interdependence between the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-DNA damage actions of MLT.

Resumo Os manipuladores de alimentos desempenham um papel fundamental na transmissão de protozoários e helmintos parasitas patogenicamente importantes. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de protozoários patogênicos intestinais e helmintos parasitas entre manipuladores de alimentos na Universidade de Malakand, Lower Dir, Paquistão. Amostras de fezes foram coletadas de 642 manipuladores de alimentos (todos do sexo masculino) em um estudo transversal de janeiro a novembro de 2017. Técnicas de montagem úmida e métodos de concentração usando soluções de sal e formol-éter. Trezentos e oitenta e quatro casos (59,8%) foram encontrados infectados com mais um parasita. A maioria dos indivíduos foi encontrada infectada por helmintos (47,6%) em comparação com protozoários intestinais (0,93%). Setenta e dois casos (11,2%) dos casos apresentavam infecção mista com protozoários intestinais e helmintos parasitas. A ordem de prevalência de helmintos intestinais foi Ancylostoma duodenale (n = 258, 40,1%), seguido por Taeniasa ginata (n = 96, 14,9%) Ascaris lumbricoides (n = 54, 8,40%) e Trichuris trichura (n = 30, 4,60 %). Para protozoários intestinais, Entamoeba histolytica / dispar (n = 36, 5,64%) foi o único protozoário detectado. Monoparasitismo foi maior do que poliparasitismo. A renda familiar e o nível de escolaridade foram os fatores significativamente (P <0,05) associados na prevalência de parasitos. A pesquisa atual mostrou que os IPIs são principalmente os patógenos de origem alimentar, ainda um importante problema de saúde pública no Paquistão. Programas eficazes de controle da transferência de doenças parasitárias e seus fatores associados são recomendados.

Abstract Food handlers plays a primary role in the transmission of pathogenically important protozoans and helminth parasites. This study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal pathogenic protozoans and helminth parasites among food handlers in and around University of Malakand, Lower Dir, Pakistan. Stool samples were collected from 642 food handlers (all of male) in a cross-sectional study from January to November, 2017. Wet Mount Techniques and concentration methods by using salt and formol–ether solutions. Three hundred and eighty four cases (59.8%) were found infected with one more parasites. Most of the individuals were found infected with helminth (47.6%) as compared to intestinal protozoans (0.93%). Seventy two cases (11.2%) of the cases presented mixed infection with both intestinal protozoan and helminth parasites. The order of prevalence for intestinal helminth was Ancylostoma duodenale (n = 258, 40.1%), followed by Taeniasa ginata (n=96, 14.9%) Ascaris lumbricoides (n = 54, 8.40%) and Trichuris trichura (n=30, 4.60%). For intestinal protozoa, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (n = 36, 5.64%) was the only protozoan detected. Mono-parasitism was higher than poly-parasitism. Family size income and education level were the factors significantly (P<0.05) associated in the parasites prevalence. Current research showed that IPIs are primarily the foodborne pathogens still an important public health problem in Pakistan. Effective control programs on parasitic diseases transfer and their associated factors are recommended.