Intestical polyparasitism in a rural Kenyan community

Abstract

Background: Polyparasitism seems to be a common feature in human populations in sub-Saharan Africa. However, very little is known about its epidemiological significance, its long term impact on human health or the types of interactions that occur between the different parasite species involved. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and co-occurrence of intestinal parasites in a rural community in the Kibwezi, Makueni district, Kenya. Design: A cross sectional study. Setting: Kiteng'ei village, Kibwezi, Makueni district, between May and September 2006. Subjects: One thousand and forty five who comprised of 263 adult males, 271 adult females> 15 years of age and 232 boys, and 279 girls < 15 years of age. Interventions: All infected members of the community were offered Praziquantel (at dosages of 40 mg/ kg body weight) for Schistosomiasis and Albendazole (600 mg) for soil transmitted helminths. Results: A total of ten intestinal parasite species (five protozoan and five helminth parasite species) were present in this community and polyparasitsm was common in individuals 5-24 years of age with no gendar related differences. Most of the infections were mild. The protozoan parasites of public health significance present were Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia with prevalence of 12.6% and 4.2%, respectively. The helminth parasites of public health significance in the locality were Schistosoma mansoni with a prevalence of 28%, and hookworms prevalence of 10%. About 53% of the study population harboured intestinal parasite infections, with 31 % of the infected population carrying single parasite species infections, and 22% harbouring two or more intestinal parasite species per individual. Significant positive associations (p values <0.05) were observed between S. mansoni and hookworms, hookworms and Hymenolepis. nana and Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba coli. Conclusion: Intestinal polyparasitism was common in the Kiteng'ei community, particularly in individuals aged of 5-24 years old. An integrated control programme of approach would be recommended for the control of S. mansoni, hookworms and Entamoeba histolytica for this community.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Polyparasitism in Okpokwu Benue State, Nigeria

“…Previous study [12] had reported poor hygienic practice in a similar study in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State. However, the prevalence of polyparasitism in the study area was low and it was in agreement with [12] who reported a low prevalence in Oju of Benue State but differs with that of Nguhiu, et al [13] in 2014 in Kenya who reported polyparasitism rate of 71.4%. The females had higher prevalence than the males, this could be as a result of the domestic roles (cooking, laundry, cleaning up the children after defecation) women play in a household which could pre-expose them to the infective stages of the various parasites.…”

Prevalence and pre-disposing factors associated to gastro intestinal protozoan infections among diarrheal children under 5 years in kisii county, kenya.

“…Prevalence and distribution of gastro intestinal protozoa Out of a total of 120 screened stool samples, 34 (28.3%) tested positive for gastrointestinal protozoans with Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia or both (co-infections) accounting for 18.0 %, 5.0 % and 5.0 % respectively. This prevalence is higher than Kitui County, that reported a prevalence 12.6%, of intestinal protozoa (Nguhiu et al, 2009). The high rates observed were comparable to other ndings in Mukuru informal settlement in Nairobi with 25.6%, (Mbae et al, (2013).…”

The Prevalence of Polyparasitism in Oju, Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

“…This indicated very unsanitary habits especially in source of drinking water and the type of toilet system use. This study shows that prevalence of polyparasitism is lower compared to that of in 2014 in Kenya [12,13,14] who reported polyparasitism rate of 71.4%, 22%. The present study is not in agreement with the previous studies.…”