Current status of intestinal parasitosis among patients attending teaching hospitals in Zagazig district, Northeastern Egypt

Intestinal Parasitic Infection: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors at Delgi Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in developing nations such as Ethiopia. Determining epidemiological information of IPI is crucial for effective public health planning and intervention. The present study is aimed at assessing the prevalence and associated risk factors of human IPIs at Delgi Primary Hospital, Central Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2023. A stool specimen was collected from 404 selected participants and examined microscopically for the presence of developmental stages of the intestinal parasites. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding the sociodemographic and associated risk factors. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 23, and a crude odd ratio was calculated to verify and measure the possible association between IPIs and potential risk factors. A p value < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 47.20%. Six species of intestinal parasites were identified: Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (16.8%) was the most predominant parasite, followed by Giardia lamblia (9.9%), Ascaris lumbricoides (8.1%), Hookworm species (7.6%), Schistosoma mansoni (4.2%), and Hymenolepis nana (0.5%). Furthermore, double and triple parasitic infections were observed in 10.39% and 0.49% of the study participants, respectively. Not having a habit of handwashing after toilet (AOR = 2.048, CI = 0.694, 3.583, p = 0.001), the habit of eating unwashed vegetables (AOR = 3.046, CI = 0.685, 5.596, p = 0.016), and presence of dirt matter under the nail (AOR = 2.939, CI = 0.621, 4.418, p = 0.001) were found to be significantly associated risk factors. This study showed that IPIs remained a public health concern in the study area. Therefore, regular provision of health education on personal hygiene and sanitation is recommended to prevent and control IPIs in the study area.

Gastrointestinal parasitic infections: Prevalence and risk factors in West Ismailia, Arab Republic of Egypt

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) in the rural community of West Ismailia and its associated risk factors. Human infection by GIP is natural and expected. There are few records concerning parasitic infection in the rural areas of the Ismailia Governorate.

METHODS

From 520 individuals, sociodemographic and risk factors information were retrieved. Fecal samples were collected, concentrated, and tested for GIP infection using a microscopic examination.

RESULTS

The West Ismailia study population had a 40.4% prevalence of GIP infection, including single and concomitant parasite infections. The most common cause of GIP infection was protists (38%). Entamoeba sp., Blastocystis sp., and G. duodenalis were the most common parasites. Poly-parasitism was prevalent within the West Ismailia region. Age, abdominal symptoms, perianal itching, ownership of numerous animal species, exposure to turbid water, previous parasitic infection (PPI), and non-treatment reception of PPI were all considered significant factors associated with GIP infection. Specific individuals from the same family have been observed to have identical GIP.

CONCLUSION

GIP infection remains underestimated in rural areas. Periodic screening and treatment for GIP infection in children and public education on GIP hazards and prevention, focusing on personal hygiene, are recommended. Family members of affected individuals should be screened and treated for GIP.

The Impact of Parasitic Infestation on Nutritional Status and Micronutrients among Children

Background

Micronutrient deficiency is a great problem that is augmented by infection and poor nutrition. Iron, zinc, and selenium are trace elements needed for human growth.

Objective

To investigate the impact of parasitic infection on nutritional status and serum iron, zinc, and selenium in children attending Pediatrics Outpatient Clinic of Zagazig University Hospitals. Subjects and Methods. A case-control study included 140 parasitic infected children and one hundred age- and sex-matched controls. Anthropometric measures were evaluated using specific Egyptian growth charts. Parasites were detected in stool specimens using standard microscopic methods. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used for the detection of serum iron, zinc, and selenium. To examine the statistical relationship between intestinal parasitic infection and the relevant variables (gender, residence, socioeconomic status, and age group), the nonparametric chi-square (χ2) test was used. Data were analyzed statistically using SPSS version 25.

Results

Parasitic infected children showed a statistically significant low weight for age, height for age, and BMI. Serum iron, zinc, and selenium were significantly lower in parasitic infected children than controls. Serum iron, zinc, and selenium have significant positive correlations with weight, height, and BMI, respectively.

Conclusion

Studied serum micronutrients especially zinc and iron and anthropometric indices were significantly lower in parasitically infected children.

Distribution of the Intestinal Parasites According to Species and Gender in Patients Presented to the Microbiology Laboratory in a Tertiary Hospital, in Somalia Between January 2018 and October 2022

Purpose

In this study, it was aimed to determine the 5-year prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients admitted to the Microbiology laboratory of a tertiary hospital in Somalia. Intestinal parasites; Types of patients, age and sex of the patients, and the distribution by years were examined.

Patients and Methods

Stool samples were examined using wet preparation, native lugol and trichrome staining methods. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS V23 software and a P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Tables and figures were used to show the results.

Results

One or more parasites were detected in 6766 of 56,824 stool samples examined. It was observed that Giardia lamblia had a higher prevalence than other parasites (60.84%) in a five-year period. Entamoeba histolytica (33.07%) second rank and Ascaris lumbricoides (3.18%) third rank according to their prevalence. When the distribution of the parasite population by gender is evaluated; no statistically significant difference was found (p = 0.235). When the frequency of parasites was evaluated according to age groups, it was seen that the prevalence of parasites between the ages of 0-15 was higher (45.5%) compared to other age groups. A statistically significant difference was found between the distribution of parasite groups according to age groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Considering the effects of intestinal parasites on public health, it is still considered to be an important health problem for developing countries. It is thought that the frequency of parasitic diseases in society will decrease with the education of individuals, effective diagnosis, treatment, and implementation of preventive measures.

Mapping gut parasitism patterns in a cohort of Egyptians

In developing countries, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection is still significant, particularly due to geographical and socioeconomic variables. The objective of this study was to map the distribution pattern of intestinal parasitic infection in a cohort of the Egyptian population, as well as to assess associated risk factors. A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted on 386 patients. A single fecal specimen was collected from the study individual and examined microscopically for the detection of parasitic infection. DNA was extracted from all samples and utilized to amplify Entamoeba histolytica complex species, Cryptosporidium species, Giardia intestinalis assemblages, and Blastocystis species using PCRs. Typing of Cryptosporidium species and Giardia intestinalis assemblages was performed using restriction enzymes RasI and HaeIII respectively. While Blastocystis spp. subtypes (ST) were identified through sequencing of PCR products and phylogenetic analysis. 59.6% (230/386) of the study patients were infected with one or more intestinal parasites, 87.4%; 201/230 of patients had mono-parasitic infections, and 12.6%; 29/230 had multiple-parasitic infections (P < 0.0001). The predominant protozoa were Blastocystis, followed by Entamoeba histolytica complex, and Giardia intestinalis both as mono-parasites and as part of multiple parasites. Molecular assays showed that Blastocystis ST3, Entamoeba dispar, Giardia intestinalis assemblage B, and Cryptosporidium hominis were the most prevalent species. Intestinal parasitic infection was significantly associated with age, gender, residence, and water source. Multi-parasitism showed that residency in a rural area was a risk factor (OR 4.49; 95% CI 1.51-13.37; P = 0.007). Egyptians residing in rural areas have a high prevalence of intestinal multi-parasitism. Therefore, to lessen the prevalence and effects of these infections in this group, effective and sustainable control methods, providing health education focusing on good personal hygiene habits, and providing a safe drinking water supply should be implemented.