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Alelign A, Mulualem N, Tekeste Z. Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among patients attending Debarq Primary Hospital, northwest Ethiopia. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298767. [PMID: 38451932 PMCID: PMC10919636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are major public health problems in developing countries. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of IPIs at Debarq Primary Hospital in northwest Ethiopia. A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2022 to June 2022. The study participants were recruited from patients who visited Debarq Primary Hospital during the study period. Stool samples were collected from each participant and examined for intestinal parasites using direct wet-mount and formal-ether concentration techniques. Socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Out of 422 individuals examined, 33.64% were infected with at least one intestinal parasite species. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia intestinalis, Ascaris lumbricoides, and hookworm were found in 12.79%, 8.53%, 7.10%, and 1.65% of the participants, respectively. Double and triple parasite infections were found in 2.37% and 0.23% of the participants, respectively. A habit of eating unwashed vegetables (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 9.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.68-37.14) and low income (AOR = 6.66, 95% CI = 1.87-23.70) were associated with increased odds of IPIs. Participants with a habit of hand washing after using the toilet had 0.05 (95% CI = 0.13-0.22) lower odds of IPIs than those who did not. In conclusion, IPIs are common among Debarq Primary Hospital patients and are associated with factors such as low income, not washing hands after using the toilet, and eating unwashed vegetation, necessitating control and prevention efforts in the study area that include health education and the provision and use of sanitary facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Alelign
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Nigus Mulualem
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Zinaye Tekeste
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Kpene GE, Lokpo SY, Deku JG, Agboli E, Owiafe PK. Asymptomatic Intestinal Parasitic Infestations among Children Under Five Years in Selected Communities in the Ho Municipality, Ghana. Ethiop J Health Sci 2021; 30:867-874. [PMID: 33883830 PMCID: PMC8047240 DOI: 10.4314/ejhs.v30i6.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The study investigated intestinal parasitic infestations (IPIs) and possible risk factors associated with asymptomatic children under five (5) years in five (5) selected communities in the Ho Municipality. Methods The study design was cross- sectional, with a simple random sampling technique involving 150 asymptomatic children under 5 years from 5 selected communities (Klave, Hoe, Freetown, Dave and Godokpe) in the Ho Municipality. A questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographics and other relevant parameters. Direct wet preparation, formol-ether concentration and Modified ZN staining techniques were used for the identification of intestinal parasites from participants' stool samples. The Fisher's exact test and binary logistic regression analysis were used to determine the difference in IPIs proportions and assess the risk factors associated with IPIs respectively. Results The overall IPIs cases was 14% (21/150). Cryptosporidium spp was most predominant [5.3% (8/150)], followed by Entamoeba spp [3.3% (5/150)], Cyclospora cayetenensis [2.7% (4/150)], Ascaris lumbricoides [1.3% (2/150)], Giardia lamblia [0.7% (1/150)] and Strongyloides stercoralis [0.7% (1/150)]. Children in rural communities (23.4%) recorded significantly higher case rate compared to those in urban communities (9.8%0), (p=0.04). Lower educational attainment of mother [OR=0.55, 95% CI (0.37 – 0.83), p-value = 0.015] and residence in rural communities [OR = 0.53, 95% CI (0.33–0.88)], p-value = 0.025] were significantly associated with IPIs. Conclusion Asymptomatic IPIs are quite prevalent among children under 5 years in the Ho Municipality. The study thus recommends active sensitization programs for parents/guardians on preventive measures and school health programs should be instituted in rural communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- G E Kpene
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - S Y Lokpo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - J G Deku
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - E Agboli
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - P K Owiafe
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
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Aschale A, Adane M, Getachew M, Faris K, Gebretsadik D, Sisay T, Dewau R, Chanie MG, Muche A, Zerga AA, Lingerew M, Gebrehiwot M, Berhanu L, Ademas A, Abebe M, Ketema G, Yirsaw M, Bogale K, Ayele FY, Melaku MS, Amsalu ET, Bitew G, Keleb A, Berihun G, Natnael T, Hassen S, Yenuss M, Dagne M, Feleke A, Kloos H. Water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions and prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among primary school children in Dessie City, Ethiopia. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245463. [PMID: 33534792 PMCID: PMC7857601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal parasitosis is a major public health problem that affects the health of primary school children in low- and middle-income countries where water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions are deficient. Since there is a paucity of information on the prevalence and associated factors of this problem among primary school children in Dessie City in Ethiopia, this study was designed to address these gaps. METHODS A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 407 stratified-sampled primary school children in five primary schools at Dessie City from April to June 2018. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire, an observation checklist and laboratory analysis of stool samples. Stool specimen from each study participant was collected using clean, properly labeled and leak-proof stool cup. A portion of stool from each study participant collected sample was processed using saline wet mount technique and examined by microscope. The remaining specimens were preserved with 10% formalin and transported to Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital laboratory to be processed by using formol-ether concentration technique. Then, slide smears were prepared from each processed stool specimen and finally, it was microscopically examined with 10x as well as 40x objectives for the presence or absence of intestinal parasites. Factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitosis were determined using binary logistic regression model at 95% CI (confidence interval). Thus, bivariate (COR [crude odds ratio]) and multivariable (AOR [adjusted odds ratio]) logistic regression analyses were carried out. From the multivariable analysis, variables having a p-value of less than 0.05 were declared as factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitosis among primary school children. MAIN FINDINGS The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was found to be 16.0% (95% CI: 12.5-19.4%), of these, 50.8% were positive for protozoa, 32.2% for helminth infections and 16.9% for double co-infections. Entamoeba histolytica was the most prevalent parasite (29.2%), followed by Giardia lamblia (21.5%), Ascaris lumbricoides (18.5%), Hymenolepis nana (9.2%) and Enterobius vermicularis (4.6%). Prevalence rates were similar among government (16.3%) and private (15.7%) school children. Water consumption was less than 5 liters per capita per day in 4 of the 5 schools. Thirty-eight (9.3%) of primary school students reported that they practiced open defecation. About two-thirds (285, 70.0%) said they always washed their hands after defecation. Mother's education (illiterate) (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.20-9.37), father's education (illiterate) (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.40-10.82), fathers who could read and write (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.25-7.86), handwashing before meal (sometimes) (AOR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.11-4.17) and poor knowledge of WASH (AOR = 9.3; 95% CI: 2.17-16.70) were statistically associated with presence of intestinal parasitic infections. CONCLUSION We concluded that the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in the study area among Grades 4-8 primary school children had public health significance. Factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitosis among primary school children's were illiterate mothers and fathers, irregular handwashing of children before meals, and poor knowledge of WASH. Health education to improve students' WASH knowledge and mass deworming for parasites are recommended as preventive measures; and improvements to the quality of WASH facilities in primary schools are strongly recommended to support these measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awoke Aschale
- Hygiene and Environmental Health/Infection Prevention and Control Unit, Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Metadel Adane
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Melaku Getachew
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Kebede Faris
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Gebretsadik
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Sisay
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Reta Dewau
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Muluken Genetu Chanie
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Amare Muche
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Aregash Abebayehu Zerga
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Mistir Lingerew
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Mesfin Gebrehiwot
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Leykun Berhanu
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Ayechew Ademas
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Masresha Abebe
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Gebremariam Ketema
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Mengistie Yirsaw
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Kassahun Bogale
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Fanos Yeshanew Ayele
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Mequannent Sharew Melaku
- Department of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Erkihun Tadesse Amsalu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Gedamnesh Bitew
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Awoke Keleb
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Gete Berihun
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Tarikuwa Natnael
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Seada Hassen
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Mohammed Yenuss
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Mengesha Dagne
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Alelgne Feleke
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Helmut Kloos
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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The Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among Kosovar and Serbian School-children in Kosovo. Helminthologia 2020; 57:276-279. [PMID: 32855615 PMCID: PMC7425239 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2020-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and distribution of species of intestinal parasites in the Balkans on the example of Kosovar and Serbian residents from the region of Gnjilane ineastern Kosovo,where the epidemiology of intestinal parasitic infections remains unknown. Parasitological examination of stools pecimens was performed in 2017 and 2018. Stool samples were collected from asymptomatic school-children aged 6–17 years: 530 Kosovars from the municipality of Kaçanik and310 Serbs from the municipalities of Kamenica and Strpce. Each patient provided two stool samples collected every second day,fixed in SAF preservative and 70 % spiritus vini, transported to the Department of Epidemiology and Tropical Medicine at the Military Institute of Medicine in Poland,and tested by light microscopy using three diagnostic methods: directs mearin Lugol’s solution,decantation in distilled water, and Fülleborn’s flotation. A total of 101 Kosovar children (19.1 % of the study group)were found to be infected with intestinal parasites: nematodes (n=20), cestodes (n=2), trematodes (n=2), and protozoa (n=79). Only 13 Serbian children (4.2 %) were found to beinfected with nematodes (n=4),cestodes (n=3),and protozoa (n=6). Giardia intestinalis was themost prevalent intestinal parasite in both groups (14,9 % vs. 1.9 % children). The prevalence ofasymptomatic parasitic infections was significantly higher in Kosovars in comparison to the Serbsliving in the same region of eastern Kosovo. This fact shows that there may be significant differencesin the quality of health care and sanitation as well as feed hygiene between these two communities.
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Abstract
CONTEXT Cryptosporidium spp. is a zoonotic infection, now being recognized as a significant cause of diarrhea in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. However, there still exist significant knowledge gaps in its estimated global burden, epidemiology, diagnosis and management. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A semi-systematic search was performed across PubMed to select studies on epidemiological burden of cryptosporidium diarrhea using the following keywords- ['crytosporidiosis' OR 'cryptosporidium'] AND ['diarrhea' OR 'diarrhoea']. Articles were included if participants were 'Humans', belonged to pediatric (0-18 y) age group, and were published after 1990. The results were compiled separately for acute and persistent diarrhea. RESULTS Cryptosporidium spp is commonly detected in stools of both cases (acute/ persistent diarrhea) and asymptomatic controls. The prevalence is higher in children with diarrhea than non-diarrheal controls (1.7-35% vs 0.3-15%); varying widely across different studies. The positivity rate is higher in younger children (<2 years) suffering from diarrhea. The main symptoms associated with cryptosporidiosis include fever, vomiting and abdominal pain with propensity for prolonged duration of diarrhea. It predisposes to malnutrition, which is also a risk factor for cryptosporidiosis. The prevalence is higher in HIV positive patients; certain socio-demographic factors play a more important role than mere geographical distribution for infection. CONCLUSION The high positivity rates during both acute and persistent diarrhea highlights the need to suspect this infection even in immunocompetent children.
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BAHMANI P, MALEKI A, SADEGHI S, SHAHMORADI B, GHAHREMANI E. Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoa Infections and Associated Risk Factors among Schoolchildren in Sanandaj City, Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2017; 12:108-116. [PMID: 28761467 PMCID: PMC5522686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal parasites are still a serious public health problem in the world, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal protozoa infections and associated risk factors among schoolchildren in Sanandaj City, Iran. METHODS This cross-sectional study involving 400 schoolchildren was carried out in 2015. Each student was selected using systematic random sampling method. Questionnaire and observation were used to identify possible risk factors. Fresh stool samples were observed using formal-ether concentration method. RESULTS Five species of intestinal protozoa were identified with an overall prevalence of 42.3%. No cases of helminthes infection were detected. The predominant protozoa were Blastocys hominis (21.3%) and Entamoeba coli (4.5%). Overall, 143 (35.9%) had single infections and 26 (6.4%) were infected with more than one intestinal protozoa, in which 23 (5.9%) had double intestinal protozoa infections and 3 (0.5%) had triple infections. A significant relationship was observed between intestinal protozoa infection with economic status, water resources for drinking uses, and the methods of washing vegetables (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Education programs on students and their families should be implemented for the prevention and control of protozoa infections in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pegah BAHMANI
- Research Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
- Kurdistan Environmental Health Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Afshin MALEKI
- Kurdistan Environmental Health Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Shahram SADEGHI
- Research Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
- Kurdistan Environmental Health Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Behzad SHAHMORADI
- Kurdistan Environmental Health Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Esmaeil GHAHREMANI
- Kurdistan Environmental Health Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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Epidemiological Observations on Cryptosporidiosis in Diarrheic Goat Kids in Greece. Vet Med Int 2015; 2015:764193. [PMID: 26819799 PMCID: PMC4706956 DOI: 10.1155/2015/764193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed at investigating the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in diarrheic goat kids in Greece and the risk factors associated with cryptosporidiosis. Altogether, 292 diarrheic 4–15-day-old goat kids from 54 dairy goat herds of Northern Greece were examined. Oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in 223 of 292 (76.4%) goat kids and the intensity of infection was scored as “high” in 142 samples, “moderate” in 45 samples, and “low” in 36 samples. Larger herds (>200 animals) had higher infection rates than smaller ones, although this difference was not statistically significant. Significantly higher infection rates were observed in herds during late kidding season (1 January to 30 April) compared to the early one (1 September to 31 December). These results suggest that cryptosporidiosis is very common in diarrheic goat kids in Greece, especially in large herds during the late parturition season.
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Lake RJ, Devleesschauwer B, Nasinyama G, Havelaar AH, Kuchenmüller T, Haagsma JA, Jensen HH, Jessani N, Maertens de Noordhout C, Angulo FJ, Ehiri JE, Molla L, Agaba F, Aungkulanon S, Kumagai Y, Speybroeck N. National Studies as a Component of the World Health Organization Initiative to Estimate the Global and Regional Burden of Foodborne Disease. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140319. [PMID: 26633010 PMCID: PMC4668835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) initiative to estimate the global burden of foodborne diseases established the Foodborne Diseases Burden Epidemiology Reference Group (FERG) in 2007. In addition to global and regional estimates, the initiative sought to promote actions at a national level. This involved capacity building through national foodborne disease burden studies, and encouragement of the use of burden information in setting evidence-informed policies. To address these objectives a FERG Country Studies Task Force was established and has developed a suite of tools and resources to facilitate national burden of foodborne disease studies. This paper describes the process and lessons learned during the conduct of pilot country studies under the WHO FERG initiative. FINDINGS Pilot country studies were initiated in Albania, Japan and Thailand in 2011 and in Uganda in 2012. A brief description of each study is provided. The major scientific issue is a lack of data, particularly in relation to disease etiology, and attribution of disease burden to foodborne transmission. Situation analysis, knowledge translation, and risk communication to achieve evidence-informed policies require specialist expertise and resources. CONCLUSIONS The FERG global and regional burden estimates will greatly enhance the ability of individual countries to fill data gaps and generate national estimates to support efforts to reduce the burden of foodborne disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin J Lake
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Brecht Devleesschauwer
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Public Health, Université catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States of America
| | | | - Arie H Havelaar
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States of America
| | - Tanja Kuchenmüller
- Division of Information, Evidence, Research and Innovation, WHO Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Juanita A Haagsma
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Nasreen Jessani
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States of America
| | | | - Frederick J Angulo
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States of America
| | - John E Ehiri
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, United States of America
| | - Lindita Molla
- Institute of Public Health, Health & Environment Department, Food Safety & Nutrition Section, Tirana, Albania
| | - Friday Agaba
- National Drug Authority, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Suchunya Aungkulanon
- International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yuko Kumagai
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Niko Speybroeck
- Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Public Health, Université catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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Nobre LN, Silva RV, Macedo MS, Teixeira RA, Lamounier JA, Franceschini SCC. Risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections in preschoolers in a low socio-economic area, Diamantina, Brazil. Pathog Glob Health 2013; 107:103-6. [PMID: 23683337 DOI: 10.1179/2047773213y.0000000075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To verify the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among preschoolers and to identify the associated risk factors. METHODS The study is a cross-sectional study nested in a cohort of children who were born and resident in Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil. At the time of the study, all children were aged 60 months ± five months. They were recruited after written informed consent was obtained from parents or guardians. The study was carried out between July 2009 and July 2010. In total 214 children provided a stool sample for examination on intestinal parasitic infections. Information on potential risk factors for parasitosis was obtained from parents and guardians of the children by a questionnaire. Logistic regression was used for analysis. RESULTS Intestinal parasitic infections were found in 27·5% (n = 59) of children. The boys' infection prevalence (26·1%, n = 36) was slightly lower than the infection prevalence of the girls (30·3%, n = 23), but not statistically different (p = 0·51). Fourteen children, (23·7%) were infected with two or more parasite species and forty-five (76·3%) with single parasites. A low per capita income of family was strongly associated with an increased risk for an infection (OR = 2·89; P = 0.003). Preschoolers whose mothers did not work outside home had a significantly lower risk for infection (OR = 0·41; p = 0·01). CONCLUSION Intestinal parasite infection is a health problem among Diamantina preschoolers. Poverty was implicated as an important risk factor for infection, while the presence of the mother at home full-time was a protective factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana N Nobre
- Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri - UFVJM, Diamantina, MG, Brazil.
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Ben-Shimol S, Sagi O, Greenberg D. Differences in prevalence of parasites in stool samples between three distinct ethnic pediatric populations in southern Israel, 2007-2011. Parasitol Int 2013; 63:456-62. [PMID: 24201297 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2013.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Intestinal parasites cause significant morbidity worldwide, particularly in developing populations. At least three pediatric populations reside in southern Israel: the Bedouin population, the general Jewish population and Jewish children of Ethiopian origin. Our aim was to compare intestinal parasite prevalence between the three pediatric populations in southern Israel. This is a retrospective, laboratory, population-based surveillance. Most ova and parasite (O&P) tests in southern Israel (hospital and community obtained) are performed by the hospital parasitology laboratory. All pediatric stool O&P tests examined by the hospital laboratory between 2007 and 2011 were included. Overall, 45,978 samples were examined; 27,354, 16,969 and 1655 from Bedouin, non-Ethiopian Jewish and Ethiopian children, respectively. 16,317 parasites were identified in 12,325 (26.8%) positive samples. Total prevalences were 36%, 11% and 46% for Bedouin, non-Ethiopian Jewish and Ethiopian children, respectively. Blastocystis hominis, Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba species were the most common parasites identified, constituting ≥80% of positive samples in all groups. Hymenolepis nana was rarely identified in non-Ethiopian Jewish children (0.04% of isolates compared with 2.6% and 0.5% in Bedouin and Ethiopian children, respectively). Other helminths, excluding H. nana and Enterobius vermicularis, were identified almost exclusively in Ethiopian children ≥5years of age. In conclusion, the Bedouin and Ethiopian children were characterized by higher parasite prevalence in stool, compared with the non-Ethiopian Jewish children, probably reflecting higher intestinal parasitic disease rates. Certain helminthic infections were identified almost exclusively in the Ethiopian children. These differences may be associated with lifestyle differences between the three populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalom Ben-Shimol
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
| | - Orli Sagi
- Parasitology Laboratory, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - David Greenberg
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
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