Intestinal polyparasitism with special emphasis to soil-transmitted helminths among residents around Gilgel Gibe Dam, Southwest Ethiopia: a community based survey

Abstract

BackgroundOne third of the world population is estimated to be infected with intestinal parasites. The most affected people are children and the poor people living in tropics and subtropics. Polyparasitism (the concurrent infection with multiple intestinal parasite species) is found to be the norm among the same population although accurate estimate of its magnitude is unknown. It was found that polyparasitism might have a greater impact on morbidity than single species infection which might also increase susceptibility to other infections. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the prevalence and distribution of intestinal polyparasitism with special emphasis on Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) among residents around Gilgel Gibe dam located in Jimma zone of Oromia regional state, Ethiopia.MethodsA total of 1,021 participants were recruited in this study and provided stool samples for parasitological examination. Direct wet mount and Kato-Katz techniques were employed for stool examination. Pearson chi-square test was employed to assess the association of infection status and polyparasitism with gender and age group of the study participants.ResultsFive hundred thirty two individuals were infected with at least one parasite, providing the overall prevalence of 52.1%. Among positive individuals, 405 (76.1%), 114 (21.4%), and 13 (2.5%) individuals were infected with only one, two and three species of parasites, respectively. The overall prevalence of intestinal polyparasitism observed among the study participants was 12.4% (127/1,021). The predominant STH was hookworm, with a prevalence of 44.1%. Hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides were the most frequently recorded combination in cases of polyparasitic infection. The study revealed that there was no significant difference in the distribution of polyparasitism with regard to age group and sex of the study participants (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe study indicated the presence of high prevalence of parasites as well as distribution of polyparasitism in the area. Moreover, the detection of Schistosoma mansoni in the community living within close proximity of the newly constructed dam would be taken as an indication of future risk factor. Further investigation on the predictors of polyparasitism and the assessment of effects of polyparasitism on the population are needed. Finally, there is a need to undertake integrated control strategies which involve improved sanitation, health education and chemotherapy that targets the whole community instead of only certain segments of populations.

Soil transmitted Helminthiasis and associated risk factors among elementary school children in ambo town, western Ethiopia

“…The overall prevalence of helminths infection found in the present study (18.4%) was relatively lower than reported from other parts of Ethiopia by [ 11 – 14 ]. Besides, Afework Bitew A, et al [ 15 ] was also reported higher overall prevalence (65.6%) of helminth infection than in the present study.…”

“…In the present study, A. lumbricoides (7.8%) was found to be the pre dominant STHs, this is related with many studies [ 2 , 18 , 25 – 27 ], followed by Hookworm (2.8%) and T. trichiura (2.2%). The prevalence of Hookworm infection was comparatively lower than the prevalence of Hookworm infection previously reported from other regions of Ethiopia [ 13 , 16 ], and also lower than the prevalence reported from Langano area [ 11 ]. The prevalence of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura infections observed in the present study was 7.8% and 2.2%, respectively.…”

Epidemiology of intestinal helminthiases in a rural community of Ethiopia: Is it time to expand control programs to include Strongyloides stercoralis and the entire community?

“…Data of the STH prevalence from SAC-based surveys in Amhara region in recent years, showed a prevalence ranging from 36.4% [22], up to 66.4% [23]; only a small percentage of children had high intensity infections, as found in the population from the current study. A study conducted in the southwestern part of the country, in an area of similar altitude and at community level, showed an STH prevalence of 52.1%, including infections with both protozoans and helminths [24]. Again the majority of STH infections were categorized as light; the distribution of hookworm by age was similar to that found in the current study.…”

Prevalence and Intensity of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infection among Rural Community of Southwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Study

“…e revealed finding in this study was higher compared to Gilgel Gibe, Ethiopia [28]. However, light infection is not associated with morbidity; polyparasitism among the community may lead to some conditions like anemia [29].…”