Conectar
Wound healing is a sequester program that involves diverse cell signalling cascades. Notwithstanding, complete signal transduction pathways underpinning acidic milieu derived from cancer cells is not clear, yet. MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, fluorescein diacetate/propidium iodide staining, and cell cycle flow cytometry revealed that acidic media decreased cell viability and cell number along with enhanced dead cells and S‐phase arrest in normal fibroblasts. Notably, the trends of intracellular reactive oxygen species production and lactate dehydrogenase release significantly increased with time. It seems the downregulation of Klf4 is in part due to acidosis‐induced DNA damage. It promoted cells towards S‐phase arrest and diminished cell proliferation. Klf4 downregulation had a direct correlation with the P53 level while acidic microenvironment promotes cells towards cell death mechanisms including apoptosis and autophagy. Noteworthily, the unchanged levels of Rb and Mlh1 indicated in those genes had no dominant role in the repairing of DNA damage in fibroblasts treated with the acidic microenvironment. Therefore, cells owing to not entering to mitosis and accumulation of DNA damage were undergone cell death to preserve cell homeostasis. Since acidic media decreased the level of tumour suppressor and DNA repair genes and altered the normal survival pathways in fibroblasts, caution should be exercised to not lead to cancer rather than wound healing.
The primary objective was to study pressure ulcer (PU) category II‐IV (including suspected deep tissue injury and unstageable PUs) cumulative incidence and PU incidence density, in a 30day observation period, associated with the use of the CuroCell S.A.M. PRO powered reactive air support surface in nursing home residents at risk for PU development. Secondary objectives were to study (a) PU category I cumulative incidence and PU incidence density and (b) user (caregivers and residents) experiences and perceptions of comfort associated with the use of the support surface under study. A multicentre cohort study was set up in 37 care units of 12 Belgian nursing homes. The sample consisted of 191 residents at risk of PU development (Braden score ≤ 17). The cumulative PU incidence was 4.7% (n = 9). The PU incidence density was 1.7/1000 observation days (9 PU/5370 days). The experience and perceptions of comfort analysis revealed that the CuroCell S.A.M. PRO powered reactive air support surface was comfortable for daily use. The mode of action and the quietness of the pump function had a positive impact on sleep quality. Patient comfort and sleep quality are essential criteria in the selection of a support surface.
Hospital‐acquired pressure ulcers (HAPUs) affect patients during hospitalisation, putting patients at risk for further complications. HAPU is one of the hospital quality indicators that require quality initiatives or programmes to minimise its occurrence and consequences. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a developed quality improvement programme in preventing HAPUs. This is a retrospective comparative study, which tracked the outcomes of pressure ulcer prevention programme (PUPP) for 5 years from 2014 to 2018. Data from 50 441 patients were collected from different units in a tertiary hospital in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. The programme focused on building a wound care team; providing education to hospital staff, patients, and their families; and continuous data monitoring, in addition to follow‐up visits after discharge. Implementation of the programme was successful showing a statistically significant reduction of HAPUs from 0.20% in 2014 to 0.06% in 2018 (P value <.001). The PUPP was effective in reducing the percentage of pressure ulcer cases. The programme can be extended and implemented in other hospitals.
The aim of this study was to study the role of Th1/Th2 cell‐associated chemokines in the formation of hypertrophic scars in rabbit ears. Twenty‐six New Zealand white rabbits were used to establish the hypertrophic scar model of rabbit ear and the normal scar model of rabbit's back. Two rabbits were sacrificed on days 0 and 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, and 63 after operation. The specimens were stained with haematoxylin‐eosin (HE). Scar elevation index (SEI) was used to detect the expression of 10 chemokines related to Th1/Th2 cells in both scar formation expressions. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results showed that two chemokines (CXCL10, CXCL12) were highly expressed during the formation of normal scar, and there was almost no expression during the formation of hypertrophic scar (*P < 0.05). The chemokines (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL7, CCL13, CX3CL1) were almost non‐expressed in the formation of normal scars but were expressed for a long time in the formation of hypertrophic scars. The four chemokines, CCL2, CCL4, CCL5, and CX3CL1, maintained a long‐term high expression level during the formation of hypertrophic scars (P < 0.01). There were also three chemokines (CCL14, CCL19, CCL21) that were almost undetectable in normal scarring, but there was transiently low‐level expression (P < 0.05) only during the peak proliferative phase in proliferative scarring. Th1/Th2 cell‐associated chemokines are different in the type, quantity and expression, and maintenance time of rabbit ear hypertrophic scars.
Diabetic neuropathy is defined as the presence of symptoms and signs of peripheral nerve dysfunction in diabetics. The aim of this study is to develop a predictive logistic model to identify the risk of losing protective sensitivity in the foot. This descriptive cross‐sectional study included 111 patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Participants completed a questionnaire designed to evaluate neuropathic symptoms, and multivariate analysis was subsequently performed to identify an optimal predictive model. The explanatory capacity was evaluated by calculating the R 2 coefficient of Nagelkerke. Predictive capacity was evaluated by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and estimation of the area under the receiver operational curve. Protective sensitivity loss was detected in 19.1% of participants. Variables associated by multivariate analysis were: educational level (OR: 31.4, 95% CI: 2.5‐383.3, P = .007) and two items from the questionnaire: one related to bleeding and wet socks (OR: 28.3, 95% CI: 3.7‐215.9, P = .001) and the other related to electrical sensations (OR: 52.9, 95% CI: 4.3‐643.9, P = .002), which were both statistically significant. The predictive model included the variables of age, sex, duration of diabetes, and educational level, and it had a sensitivity of 81.3% and a specificity of 95.5%. This model has a high predictive capacity to identify patients at risk of developing sensory neuropathy.
Wide local excision is the gold standard and only potential curative therapy for recalcitrant hidradenitis suppurativa. However, high recurrence rates persist even post‐surgery with little known on the influencing factors for remission. We evaluated the effect of patient, disease, and operative factors on local cure rate of moderate to severe hidradenitis following wide local excision. We performed a retrospective chart review for all patients who had undergone surgical excision of hidradenitis at a university hospital from 2012 to 2018. We identified 79 patients with a total of 220 operative sites. The majority were obese (mean body mass index [BMI] 32.5), female (71%), African‐American (84%), and had a mean age of 31 years. A quarter of operative sites experienced a recurrence (n = 56). Patients who achieved remission had a significantly lower number of affected regions than those who experienced a recurrence (2.3 vs 3.6, P = .0023). Additionally, recurrence rate differed significantly between body locations (P = .0440). Smoking, BMI, Hurley grade, closure method, and excision size did not influence local cure rate. Surgical excision remains a worthy management option for hidradenitis patients with three quarters achieving remission after a single operation. Number of affected regions and location of hidradenitis may play a factor in recurrence.
Exact data regarding the clinical role of maggot debridement therapy (MDT) for wound care in a specific country are not available. Thus, we analysed the use of MDT in hospitalised patients in Germany. Detailed lists of all hospitalised cases treated with MDT in Germany for the years 2011 to 2016 were provided by the Federal Statistical Office as well as the lists of the 15 most frequent principal and additional diagnoses, respectively, and the 10 most frequent procedures documented with MDT in 2016. Within the 6‐year time period of the study, the number of cases treated with MDT increased by 11% from 4513 in 2011 to 5.017 in 2016. Lower leg and foot were the most frequent anatomic sides of treatment counting up to 83.9% of all cases. In addition, MDT procedures for temporary soft tissue coverage including negative pressure wound therapy were often performed: for treatment of large areas in 36.7% and small areas in 6.2%. 41.3% of all cases treated with MDT had infection with Escherichia coli and 35.9% of all cases with Bacillus fragilis. Our analysis shows a limited use of MDT with a small increase only in the last 6 years in German hospitals. MDT is predominately used to treat foot or leg ulcers.
External appearance is the main aesthetic outcome in patients who undergo surgical procedures. Scars located in exposed areas, such as the neck and face, are important for patients. There are at least eight instruments that are used to evaluate postoperative scars, but few fulfil standard methodological conditions. The Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ) was designed and validated using psychometric methodology. However, this scale has not been translated or validated in the Spanish language. The aim of this study was to undergo a cross‐cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of the PSAQ scale to the Spanish language in patients who underwent head and neck surgery. We followed The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) guidelines for the translation and validation of health‐related scales. Forward and back translations were made by independent translators. We included adult patients who underwent thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, parotidectomy, and neck dissection. For the psychometric validation, we used a principal axis exploratory factor analysis with oblimin rotation. A reliability test involving Cronbachs alpha and the item‐total correlation was performed and for the convergent/concurrent validity, we selected the Spanish version of the Vancouver Scar Scale. A total of 180 patients were recruited. Factor analysis showed a five‐factor solution. Cronbachs alpha for the subscales was >0.7. The comparison between the PSAQ appearance subscale and the VSS demonstrated a high correlation (rho = − 0.89). In a sample of 62 patients, the test‐retest evaluation showed high correlation (0.74‐0.99). Our study supports the Spanish version of the PSAQ as a valid, reliable, and reproducible tool to assess the perception and impact of neck scars in Spanish‐speaking patients who undergo head and neck surgery.
Early reliable, valid screening, diagnosis, and treatment improve peripheral arterial disease outcomes, yet screening and diagnostic practices vary across settings and specialties. A scoping literature review described reliability and validity of peripheral ischaemia diagnosis or screening tools. Clinical studies in the PUBMED database January 1, 1970, to August 13, 2018, were reviewed summarising ranges of reliability and validity of peripheral ischaemia diagnostic and screening tools for patients with non‐neuropathic lower leg ischaemia. Peripheral ischaemia screening and diagnostic practices varied in parameters measured such as timing, frequency, setting, ordering clinicians, degree of invasiveness, costs, definitions, and cut‐off points informing clinical and referral decisions. Traditional ankle/brachial systolic blood pressure index <0.9 was a reliable, valid lower leg ischaemia screening test to trigger specialist referral for detailed diagnosis. For patients with advanced peripheral ischaemia or calcified arteries, toe‐brachial index, claudication, or invasive angiographic imaging techniques that can have complications were reliable, valid screening, and diagnostic tools to inform management decisions. Ankle/brachial index testing is sufficiently reliable and valid for use during routine examinations to improve timing and consistency of peripheral ischaemia screening, triggering prompt specialist referral for more reliable, accurate Doppler, or other diagnosis to inform treatment decisions.
by Yewande T. Nejo, David O. Olaleye, Georgina N. Odaibo
BackgroundPersistent infections with high-risk genital Human papillomavirus (HPV) especially types 16 and 18, are associated with cervical cancer. However, distribution of HPV types varies greatly across geographical regions and the available vaccines target only few types. This study was designed to determine the HPV types circulating in Southwestern Nigeria, thereby providing necessary information for effective control of the virus.
MethodsEndocervical swab samples were collected from a total of 295 consenting women attending routine cervical cancer screening, STI clinics and community-based outreach programme. Viral DNA was extracted from the samples and the consensus region of the HPV DNA was amplified by PCR using GP-E6/E7 primers. Type-specific nested multiplex PCR and Sanger sequencing were used to genotype the HPV isolates.
ResultsIn this study, 51 (17.3%) individuals were positive for HPV DNA using consensus primers that target the E6/E7 genes but only 48 (16.3%) were genotyped. A total of 15 HPV types (HPV-6, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 42, 43, 44, 52, 58, 66, 74, 81, 86) were detected, with HPV-31 being the most predominant (32.8%), followed by HPV-35 (17.2%) and HPV-16 (15.5%). Two rare HPV types; 74 and 86 were also detected. The HPV-74 isolate had three nucleotide (CCT) insertions at E7 gene that translated into amino acid proline. Highest nucleotide substitutions (n = 32) were found in HPV-44 genotype. Among positive individuals, 20.8% had dual infections and 86.2% had High-risk HPV types.
ConclusionsMultiple Human papillomavirus types co-circulated in the study. Most of the circulating Human papillomavirus are high-risk type with type 31 being the most predominant. Although the implication of HPV-74 with proline insertion detected for the first time is unknown, it may have effect on the transformation potential of the virus. Polyvalent HPV vaccine will be more effective for the infection control in Nigeria.
by Akiyoshi Matsugi, Naoki Yoshida, Satoru Nishishita, Yohei Okada, Nobuhiko Mori, Kosuke Oku, Shinya Douchi, Koichi Hosomi, Youichi Saitoh
ObjectiveTo investigate whether gaze stabilization exercises (GSEs) improve eye and head movements and whether low-frequency cerebellar repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) inhibits GSE trainability.
Methods25 healthy adults (real rTMS, n = 12; sham rTMS, n = 13) were recruited. Real or sham rTMS was performed for 15 min (1 Hz, 900 stimulations). The center of the butterfly coil was set 1 cm below the inion in the real rTMS. Following stimulation, 10 trials of 1 min of a GSE were conducted at 1 min intervals. In the GSE, the subjects were instructed to stand upright and horizontally rotate their heads according to a beeping sound corresponding to 2 Hz and with a gaze point ahead of them. Electrooculograms were used to estimate the horizontal gaze direction of the right eye, and gyroscopic measurements were performed to estimate the horizontal head angular velocity during the GSE trials. The percentage change from the first trial of motion range of the eye and head was calculated for each measurement. The percent change of the eye/head range ratio was calculated to assess the synchronous changes of the eye and head movements as the exercise increased.
ResultsBayesian two-way analysis of variance showed that cerebellar rTMS affected the eye motion range and eye/head range ratio. A post hoc comparison (Bayesian t-test) showed evidence that the eye motion range and eye/head range ratio were reduced in the fifth, sixth, and seventh trials compared with the first trial sham stimulation condition.
ConclusionsGSEs can modulate eye movements with respect to head movements, and the cerebellum may be associated with eye–head coordination trainability for dynamic gazing during head movements.
by Jesse Burk-Rafel, Ricardo W. Pulido, Yousef Elfanagely, Joseph C. Kolars
IntroductionThe United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) are important for trainee medical knowledge assessment and licensure, medical school program assessment, and residency program applicant screening. Little is known about how USMLE performance varies between institutions. This observational study attempts to identify institutions with above-predicted USMLE performance, which may indicate educational programs successful at promoting students’ medical knowledge.
MethodsSelf-reported institution-level data was tabulated from publicly available US News and World Report and Association of American Medical Colleges publications for 131 US allopathic medical schools from 2012–2014. Bivariate and multiple linear regression were performed. The primary outcome was institutional mean USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores outside a 95% prediction interval (≥2 standard deviations above or below predicted) based on multiple regression accounting for students’ prior academic performance.
ResultsEighty-nine US medical schools (54 public, 35 private) reported complete USMLE scores over the three-year study period, representing over 39,000 examinees. Institutional mean grade point average (GPA) and Medical College Admission Test score (MCAT) achieved an adjusted R2 of 72% for Step 1 (standardized βMCAT 0.7, βGPA 0.2) and 41% for Step 2 CK (standardized βMCAT 0.5, βGPA 0.3) in multiple regression. Using this regression model, 5 institutions were identified with above-predicted institutional USMLE performance, while 3 institutions had below-predicted performance.
ConclusionsThis exploratory study identified several US allopathic medical schools with significant above- or below-predicted USMLE performance. Although limited by self-reported data, the findings raise questions about inter-institutional USMLE performance parity, and thus, educational parity. Additional work is needed to determine the etiology and robustness of the observed performance differences.
by Linh V. Nguyen, Quang V. Ta, Thao B. Dang, Phu H. Nguyen, Thach Nguyen, Thi Van Huyen Pham, Trang HT. Nguyen, Stephen Baker, Trung Le Tran, Dong Joo Yang, Ki Woo Kim, Khanh V. Doan
Catecholamine excess reflecting an adrenergic overdrive of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) has been proposed to link to hyperleptinemia in obesity and may contribute to the development of metabolic disorders. However, relationship between the catecholamine level and plasma leptin in obesity has not yet been investigated. Moreover, whether pharmacological blockade of the adrenergic overdrive in obesity by the third-generation beta-blocker agents such as carvedilol could help to prevent metabolic disorders is controversial and remains to be determined. Using the high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mouse model, we found that basal plasma norepinephrine, the principal catecholamine as an index of SNS activity, was persistently elevated and highly correlated with plasma leptin concentration during obesity development. Targeting the adrenergic overdrive from this chronic norepinephrine excess in HFD-induced obesity with carvedilol, a third-generation beta-blocker with vasodilating action, blunted the HFD-induced hepatic glucose over-production by suppressing the induction of gluconeogenic enzymes, and enhanced the muscular insulin signaling pathway. Furthermore, carvedilol treatment in HFD-induced obese mice decreased the enlargement of white adipose tissue and improved the glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity without affecting body weight and blood glucose levels. Our results suggested that catecholamine excess in obesity might directly link to the hyperleptinemic condition and the therapeutic targeting of chronic adrenergic overdrive in obesity with carvedilol might be helpful to attenuate obesity-related metabolic disorders.by Adam Gilbertson, Barrack Ongili, Frederick S. Odongo, Denise D. Hallfors, Stuart Rennie, Daniel Kwaro, Winnie K. Luseno
IntroductionVoluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) provides significant reductions in the risk of female-to-male HIV transmission. Since 2007, VMMC has been a key component of the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief’s (PEPFAR) strategy to mitigate the HIV epidemic in countries with high HIV prevalence and low circumcision rates. To ensure intended effects, PEPFAR sets ambitious annual circumcision targets and provides funding to implementation partners to deliver local VMMC services. In Kenya to date, 1.9 million males have been circumcised; in 2017, 60% of circumcisions were among 10-14-year-olds. We conducted a qualitative field study to learn more about VMMC program implementation in Kenya.
Methods and resultsThe study setting was a region in Kenya with high HIV prevalence and low male circumcision rates. From March 2017 through April 2018, we carried out in-depth interviews with 29 VMMC stakeholders, including “mobilizers”, HIV counselors, clinical providers, schoolteachers, and policy professionals. Additionally, we undertook observation sessions at 14 VMMC clinics while services were provided and observed mobilization activities at 13 community venues including, two schools, four public marketplaces, two fishing villages, and five inland villages. Analysis of interview transcripts and observation field notes revealed multiple unintended consequences linked to the pursuit of targets. Ebbs and flows in the availability of school-age youths together with the drive to meet targets may result in increased burdens on clinics, long waits for care, potentially misleading mobilization practices, and deviations from the standard of care.
ConclusionOur findings indicate shortcomings in the quality of procedures in VMMC programs in a low-resource setting, and more importantly, that the pursuit of ambitious public health targets may lead to compromised service delivery and protocol adherence. There is a need to develop improved or alternative systems to balance the goal of increasing service uptake with the responsible conduct of VMMC.
by Arne Georg Kieback, Christine Espinola-Klein, Claudia Lamina, Susanne Moebus, Daniel Tiller, Roberto Lorbeer, Andreas Schulz, Christa Meisinger, Daniel Medenwald, Raimund Erbel, Alexander Kluttig, Philipp S. Wild, Florian Kronenberg, Knut Kröger, Till Ittermann, Marcus Dörr
Purpose and methodsA meta-analysis using data from seven German population-based cohorts was performed by the German Epidemiological consortium of Peripheral Arterial Disease (GEPArD) to investigate whether one question about claudication is more efficient for PAD screening than established questionnaires. Claudication was defined on the basis of the answer to one question asking for pain in the leg during normal walking. This simple question was compared with established questionnaires, including the Edinburgh questionnaire. The associations of claudication with continuous ABI values and decreased ABI were analyzed by linear and logistic regression analysis, respectively. The results of the studies were pooled in a random effect meta-analysis, which included data from 27,945 individuals (14,052 women, age range 20–84 years).
ResultsMeta-analysis revealed a significant negative association between claudication and ABI, which was stronger in men (β = -0.07; 95%CI -0.10, -0.04) than in women (β = -0.02; 95%CI -0.02, -0.01). Likewise, the presence of claudication symptoms was related to an increased odds of a decreased ABI in both men (Odds ratio = 5.40; 95%CI 4.20, 6.96) and women (Odds ratio = 1.99; 95%CI 1.58, 2.51).
ConclusionsAsking only one question about claudication was able to identify many individuals with a high likelihood of a reduced ABI with markedly higher sensitivity and only slightly reduced specificity compared to more complex questionnaires. At least in men, this question should be established as first screening step.
by David M. Markowitz, Jeffrey T. Hancock, Jeremy N. Bailenson, Byron Reeves
This preregistered study examined the psychological and physiological consequences of exercising self-control with the mobile phone. A total of 125 participants were randomly assigned to sit in an unadorned room for six minutes and either (a) use their mobile phone, (b) sit alone with no phone, or (c) sit with their device but resist using it. Consistent with prior work, participants self-reported more concentration difficulty and more mind wandering with no device present compared to using the phone. Resisting the phone led to greater perceived concentration abilities than sitting without the device (not having external stimulation). Failing to replicate prior work, however, participants without external stimulation did not rate the experience as less enjoyable or more boring than having something to do. We also observed that skin conductance data were consistent across conditions for the first three-minutes of the experiment, after which participants who resisted the phone were less aroused than those who were without the phone. We discuss how the findings contribute to our understanding of exercising self-control with mobile media and how psychological consequences, such as increased mind wandering and focusing challenges, relate to periods of idleness or free thinking.by Ifeoma D. Ozodiegwu, Mary Ann Littleton, Christian Nwabueze, Oluwaseun Famojuro, Megan Quinn, Richard Wallace, Hadii M. Mamudu
ObjectiveAdult women are disproportionately affected by overweight and obesity in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Existing evidence on the sociocultural context remains unconsolidated. In this qualitative research synthesis, we aggregate research literature on contextual factors that potentially predispose adult women and adolescent girls to overweight and obesity to inform research, policies and programs over the life course.
MethodsPubMed, CINAHL, PsychInfo, ProQuest Central, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched to locate qualitative research articles conducted in SSA countries beginning in the year 2000. After assessment for eligibility and critical appraisal, 17 studies were included in the synthesis. Textual data and quotes were synthesized using meta-aggregation methods proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute.
ResultsThe synthesized studies were conducted in South Africa, Ghana, Kenya and Botswana. The three overarching themes across these studies were body size and shape ideals, barriers to healthy eating, and barriers to physical activity, with cultural and social factors as cross-cutting influences within the major themes. Culturally, the supposedly ideal African woman was expected to be overweight or obese, and voluptuous, and this was associated with their identity. Although being overweight or obese was not acceptable to adolescent girls, they desired to be voluptuous. Healthy food choices among women and adolescent girls were hampered by several factors including affordability of nutritious foods and peer victimization. Both adult women and adolescent girls experienced ageism as a barrier to physical activity.
SignificanceThis is the first qualitative research synthesis to amplify the voices of women and girls in SSA countries highlighting the challenges they face in maintaining a healthy body weight. Sociocultural, institutional and peer-related factors were powerful forces shaping body size preferences, food choices and participation in physical activity. Our study findings provide insights for the design of contextually appropriate obesity prevention interventions and lay the foundation for further research studies.
by Jiaming Dan, Xueping Zhang, Zhihua Ren, Liqin Wang, Suizhong Cao, Liuhong Shen, Junliang Deng, Zhicai Zuo, Shumin Yu, Ya Wang, Xiaoping Ma, Haifeng Liu, Ziyao Zhou, Yanchun Hu, Hualin Fu, Changliang He, Yi Geng, Xiaobin Gu, Guangneng Peng, Zhijun Zhong
Giardia duodenalis is a zoonotic parasitic protist and poses a threat to human and animal health. This study investigated the occurrence of G. duodenalis infection in post-weaned calves from Sichuan province, China. Faecal samples were collected from a total of 306 post-weaned calves (3–12 months old) from 10 farms, including 4 intensive feeding farms and 6 free-ranging farms. The overall infection rate of G. duodenalis was 41.2% (126/306) based on the PCR results at any of the three genetic loci: beta-giardin (bg), triose-phosphate isomerase (tpi) and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) genes. Giardia duodenalis assemblages E (n = 115, 91.3%), A (n = 3, 2.4%), and A mixed with E (n = 8, 6.3%) were identified among the 126 positive specimens. Multilocus sequence typing of G. duodenalis revealed 34 assemblage E multilocus genotypes (MLGs), 1 assemblage A MLG and 7 mixed assemblage (A and E) MLGs. The eBURST data showed a high degree of genetic diversity within assemblage E MLGs. The phylogenetic tree revealed that MLG E3 was the primary MLG subtype in Sichuan province and also the most widely distributed in China.
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