Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among highland and lowland dwellers in Gamo area, South Ethiopia

Abstract

BackgroundEpidemiological information on the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in different regions is a prerequisite to develop appropriate control strategies. Therefore, this present study was conducted to assess the magnitude and pattern of intestinal parasitism in highland and lowland dwellers in Gamo area, South Ethiopia.MethodsCommunity-based cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2010 and July 2011 at Lante, Kolla Shelle, Dorze and Geressie kebeles of Gamo Gofa Zone, South Ethiopia. The study sites and study participants were selected using multistage sampling method. Data were gathered through house-to-house survey. A total of 858 stool specimens were collected and processed using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques for the presence of parasite.ResultsOut of the total examined subjects, 342(39.9%) were found positive for at least one intestinal parasite. The prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the highest 98(11.4%), followed by Giardia lamblia 91(10.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides 67(7.8%), Strongyloides stercoralis 51(5.9%), hookworm 42(4.9%), Trichuris trichiura 24(2.8%), Taenia species 18(2.1%), Hymenolepis nana 7(0.6%) and Schistosoma mansoni 1(0.12%). No statistically significant difference was observed in the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among lowland (37.9%) and highland dwellers (42.3%) (P = 0.185). The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was not significantly different among the study sites but it was relatively higher in Geressie (42.8%) than other kebeles. Sex was not associated with parasitic infections (P = 0.481). No statistically significant difference of infection was observed among the age groups (P = 0.228) but it was higher in reproductive age group.ConclusionsThe high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among the lowland and highland dwellers in Gamo area indicated that parasitic infections are important public health problems. Thus, infection control measures and the development of awareness strategies to improve sanitation and health education should be considered.

Levels of Zinc, Copper, Magnesium Elements, and Vitamin B12, in Sera of Schoolchildren With Giardiasis and Entrobiosis in Kashan, Iran

“…However some intestinal parasites, like Enterobius are still ignored, even though it can defect the grow and learning of the young population [1,18]. Intestinal parasites use carbohydrates, lipids, minerals, vitamin and other food sources of the host in order to essential energy of the life cycle [8].…”

“…Giardia lamblia and Enterobius vermicularis are one of the most common intestinal parasitic infections worldwide, that affect people particularly children in developing countries Africa, Asia and Latin America [1,2]. Approximately 3.5 billion people are infected by intestinal parasites and more than 450 million children are ill because of this parasitic infection [1]. Current worldwide prevalence of giardiasis and enterobiasis among children under 10 years of age was to range from 15 -20% and 11.4 -61%, respectively [3,4].…”

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in St. Marry Hospital, Axum, Northern Ethiopia: A Retrospective Study

“…Socioeconomic conditions, education, sanitation practices and presence of domestic animals in the home are some of the factors which determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite [8,9]. In Ethiopia intestinal parasites are widely distributed largely due to lack of environmental and personal sanitation, contamination of food and drinking water resulted from open defecation around the settlement and lack of awareness of simple health promotion practices [5,[10][11][12]. As far as we know no study was conducted on the prevalence of intestinal parasite in Axum St. Marry Hospital, Tigray.…”

Prevalence of parasitic Infections and its Effect on the Health Status of Primary School Children

“…Infection with intestinal parasites has known to cause iron deficiency anemia, growth retardation in children and other physical and mental health problems. Furthermore, chronic intestinal parasitic infections have become the subject of speculation and investigation in relation to the spreading and severity of other infectious diseases of viral origin, tuberculosis and malaria (19)(20)(21) . Although treatment with the current anti-helminthic can significantly reduce parasite burdens, chemotherapy alone is unlikely to prevent reoccurring infections with GI nematodes.…”