scholarly journals Prevalence and associated risk factors of human intestinal parasitic infections: a population-based study in the southeast of Kerman province, southeastern Iran

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Javad Abbaszadeh Afshar ◽  
Maryam Barkhori Mehni ◽  
Mostafa Rezaeian ◽  
Mehdi Mohebali ◽  
Vali Baigi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Determination of the prevalence and distribution pattern of intestinal parasites is a fundamental step to set up an effective control program to improve the health status. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county, southeast of Kerman province, southeastern Iran.Methods In this cross-sectional study, 861 stool specimens were collected from inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county through a multistage cluster sampling method in 2018. The collected specimens were examined by parasitological methods including, direct wet-mounting (for the fresh specimens with a watery consistency), formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation and agar plate culture.Results The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 34.2% (95% CI 30.1 to 38.2). The prevalence of protozoan parasites 32.3% (95% CI 28.4 to 36.5) was significantly higher than helminthic parasites 3.2% (95% CI 2.1 to 4.7). Blastocystis sp. , Entamoeba coli and Giardia lamblia as protozoan parasite and Hymenolepis nana as helminthic parasite were the most common detected intestinal parasites in the study. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar , Iodamoeba bütschlii , Chilomastix mesnili , Entamoeba hartmanni , Ascaris lambercoides , and Enterobius vermicularis were other detected parasites. Multiple logistic regression revealed a significant association of intestinal parasitic infections with source of drinking water and residency status (rural/urban). Multiple infections with 2 or 3 parasitic agents constituted 22.7% of 295 infected cases.Conclusions This study revealed a high prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections among inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county. Intestinal parasites especially protozoans remain a challenging public health problem wherever sanitation and health measures are limited in Iran.

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Javad Abbaszadeh Afshar ◽  
Maryam Barkhori Mehni ◽  
Mostafa Rezaeian ◽  
Mehdi Mohebali ◽  
Vali Baigi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Determination of the prevalence and distribution pattern of intestinal parasites is a fundamental step to set up an effective control program to improve the health status. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county, southeast of Kerman province, southeastern Iran. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 861 stool specimens were collected from inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county through a multistage cluster sampling method in 2018. The collected specimens were examined by parasitological methods including, direct wet-mounting (for the fresh specimens with a watery consistency), formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation and agar plate culture. Results The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 34.2% (95% CI 30.1 to 38.2). The prevalence of protozoan parasites 32.3% (95% CI 28.4 to 36.5) was significantly higher than helminthic parasites 3.2% (95% CI 2.1 to 4.7). Blastocystis sp. (13.3%), Entamoeba coli (11.4%) and Giardia lamblia (10.6%) as protozoan parasite and Hymenolepis nana (2.4%) as helminthic parasite were the most common detected intestinal parasites in the study. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (1.5%), Iodamoeba bütschlii (1.0%), Chilomastix mesnili (0.5%), Entamoeba hartmanni (0.4%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.3%) and Ascaris lambercoides (0.3%) were other detected parasites. Multiple logistic regression revealed a significant association of intestinal parasitic infections with source of drinking water and residency status (rural/urban). Multiple infections with 2 or 3 parasitic agents constituted 22.7% of 295 infected cases. Conclusions This study revealed a high prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections among inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county. Intestinal parasites especially protozoans remain a challenging public health problem wherever sanitation and health measures are limited in Iran.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Kefale Shiferaw ◽  
Teklemichael Tesfay ◽  
Girmay Kalayu ◽  
Gebrehiwot Kiros

This study was aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections in grade school children in Maksegnit, Northwest Ethiopia. Five species of intestinal parasites were identified with an overall prevalence of 155 (40.4%). Among these, Ascaris lumbricoides 122 (31.8%) and Entamoeba histolytica 18 (4.7%) were predominant. Of the total 155 (40.4%) positive individuals, 149 (39%) had a single infection and the rest 6 (1.6%) had double parasitic infections. Of the different variables assessed, age, gender, shoe wearing, and eating raw or undercooked vegetables were not significantly associated with the prevalence of intestinal parasites ( P > 0.05 ). However, a statistically significant association ( P < 0.05 ) was observed between infected children and variables including defecation habit (AOR = 0.216), cleanliness of fingernails (AOR = 0.146), drinking river water (AOR = 0.124), and hand washing habit after defecation (AOR = 0.236) ( P < 0.05 ). Regular deworming, education on personal hygiene, and environmental sanitation to both students and their parents shall be implemented to reduce the prevalence rate of intestinal parasitic infections in the study area.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL4) ◽  
pp. 2698-2703
Author(s):  
Rajendra Kumar Karadiya ◽  
Saroj Hooja ◽  
Nita Pal ◽  
Rajeev Yadav ◽  
Nitya Vyas

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are one of the major causes of morbidity in the developing world. This hospital-based prospective study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence rates of IPIs and to assess the risk factors associated with these infections in children attending a paediatric hospital. Seven hundred and five patients were analysed for IPIs and associated risk factors from April 2018 to March 2019. Information on the associated risk factors was obtained from a structured questionnaire protocol. Microscopic examination of stool samples was done by direct slide smear and after the formol-ether concentration technique. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 20.9%. In the age group, 5-9 years, the prevalence of parasitic infection (27.4%) was high. Among the intestinal parasites detected helminths and protozoans were 60.8% and 39.1% respectively. Among the helminths, Ascaris lumbricoides (20.5%) was most prevalent followed by Trichuris trichiura (18.1%) while among the protozoa Giardia intestinalis (18.7%) was most prevalent, followed by Entamoeba spp. (8.4%). Among the positive samples, the single parasite was detected in 87.8% while dual parasites were detected in 12.2% stool samples. Univariate analysis showed age, drinking water from an open well, a habit of open defecation, illiteracy and living in a rural area to be associated with a high risk of IPIs (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression revealed a significant association of intestinal parasitic infections with age (0-5years) and (10-14 years) and drinking water from an open well. Identifying and rectifying risk factors by creating awareness are needed to prevent community spread. Periodic deworming programmes should be implemented successfully in the community.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Yafet Kesete ◽  
Huruy Tesfahiwet ◽  
Ghimja Fessehaye ◽  
Yohana Kidane ◽  
Yafet Tekle ◽  
...  

Background. Research studies on determination of risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections and related malnutrition and anemia in various tropical areas are necessary for appropriate preventive resource allocation and cost effective control. This study is aimed at evaluating the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitosis, malnutrition, and anemia amongst elementary and junior school students in Ghindae area, Eritrea. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 6 schools around Ghindae from February to April 2018. 460 children were selected randomly for analysis and consent was taken from guardians. The pertinent sociodemographic data was collected using a pretested questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements were carried out to determine the proportion of students with malnutrition, stunting, and thinness. Fecal samples were examined by formal-ether concentration technique, and blood specimen was collected and analyzed for the assessment of hemoglobin using Hemocue analyzers. The association between predictors and outcome variables were measured with a stepwise logistic regression model. Result. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 45.3%. Protozoan infections (38.2%) were more prevalent than soil-transmitted helminthic infections (10.4%). The presence of different intestinal parasitic infections had statistically significant association with the residence area, hand washing habits, source of drinking water, and type of latrine used. The prevalence of malnutrition was 36.9% with 18.5% stunting and 21.2% thinness. Students of rural areas had 2.03 times more odds of having malnutrition. The current prevalence of anemia was 12.4%, out of which 7.6% had mild anemia while 4.4% of them had moderate anemia and 0.4% were severely anemic. Conclusion. The prevalence of parasitic infection among school-age children in Ghindae area was high. Unsafe drinking water sources from streams and springs were among the core problems for increased prevalence along with decreased awareness on personal hygienic and sanitation practices. Undernutrition was widely prevalent among students in Ghindae area. Height for age and BMI for age scores of all participants were found to be below the WHO growth standards. Malnutrition was in higher prevalence in rural areas outside Ghindae, which is attributed to two times higher odds than their counterparts. The magnitude of anemia found in this study is considered a mild public health problem.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-146
Author(s):  
Baye Sitotaw ◽  
Yezina Gebeyaw ◽  
Haile Mekonnen

The burden of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) has been a common problem on children in Ethiopia. While communities in Bure town, northwest Ethiopia, are presumed to be exposed to IPIs, no study has been conducted before. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the prevalence of IPIs and associated risk factors among school children in Bure town by conducting a cross-sectional study from January to June 2019. A total of 430 students were selected using stratified systematic random sampling technique. Direct wet-mount and formal-ether concentration techniques were used for parasitological analysis from stool samples taken from each student. Information about the risk factors was collected using structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. The overall prevalence of IPIs among the children involved in the study was found to be 40% (172/430). Some 37.7% of the students exhibited single parasite infection, 2.1% double and 0.23% triple parasite. Seven species of intestinal parasites were detected, and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the most prevalent parasite (22.1%) followed by Giardia lamblia (8.6%), hookworms (6.75%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (3.7%). Hymenolepis nana, Trichuris trichuira and Taenia species were rare  (<1% prevalence each). Knowledge about personal and food hygiene as well as environmental sanitation were the most important predictors for IPIs (P<0.05). Primary school children in Bure town are at high risk of IPIs. Awareness creation on personal hygiene and environmental sanitation is strongly recommended. Keywords: Intestinal parasitic infections; Prevalence; Primary school children; Risk factor; Bure town


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Gebre Ayanaw Alula ◽  
Abaineh Munshea ◽  
Endalkachew Nibret

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are the common health problems in developing countries with low socioeconomic and poor living conditions. IPIs affect millions of pregnant women worldwide and may lead to adverse maternal and fetal effects. The present study was aimed at determining the prevalence and associated risk factors of IPIs among pregnant women in Ethiopia. A hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 384 pregnant women was conducted from November 2018 to March 2019. Relevant information on potential risk factors associated with IPIs was gathered using a semistructured questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and examined using wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the possible association between dependent and independent variables. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 36.7%. Seven species of parasites were identified. The most prevalent intestinal protozoan parasite identified was Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (9.6%) followed by Giardia intestinalis (8.9%). The predominant helminth parasite identified was Ascaris lumbricoides (8.6%), followed by hookworm (5.2%), Taenia spp. (3.6%), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.3%), and Schistosoma mansoni (1.04%). Six pregnant women (1.56%) had infection by two parasite species. The odds of IPIs were higher among illiterates ( AOR = 4.63 ), lowest monthly income earners ( AOR = 3.49 ), primigravida (pregnant for the first time) ( AOR = 2.04 ), those who used unboiled well/stream/river water for drinking ( AOR = 14.55 ), ate soil ( AOR = 2.32 ), and consumed raw vegetables ( AOR = 1.91 ). The prevalence of IPIs in the study subjects was substantially high. Thus, screening of the women for IPIs and providing health education during their antenatal care (ANC) visit are recommended to prevent possible adverse maternal and fetal effects resulting from these infections.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 121-126
Author(s):  
Hassan Rezanezhad ◽  
Mohammad Reza Shokouh ◽  
Enayatollah Shadmand ◽  
Nooshin Mohammadinezhad ◽  
Zahra Mokhtarian ◽  
...  

Background: Parasitic infections, especially intestinal agents could affect social and personal hygiene and health; and to avoid the spread of pollution, monitoring the infectious sources is critical. Objective: The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites and identify factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections among students of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences between 2013-1014. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out between September 2013and February 2014. A total number of 1293 stool samples were taken from 431 students and were examined by direct wet mounting and formalin-ether methods. A questionnaire for common risk factors was completed for each individual. Results: Overall, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was estimated to be 125 (29%) that infected by pathogenic and non-pathogenic intestinal parasites. Various species of protozoan infections were detected: Entamoeba coli was the most common parasite (9.04%) followed by Blastocystis hominis (8.12%), and Giardia lamblia (4.64%). About 3.2% students were infected with multiple parasites. A significant association was observed between the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections with the type of accommodation (OR=1. 5; 95% CI: 1.1; 1.9), parents’ educational level (OR=1. 5; 95% CI: 1.1; 1.9) and gender (OR=1. 5; 95% CI: 1.1; 1.9). No age association was detected, and a slightly positive prevalence with increasing age was observed (p=0.66). Conclusions: These data showed intestinal parasites were slightly more prevalent than expected, that might be due to interior sources of infection in college, such as carrier students. Hence, performing periodic monitoring among students is a necessity to promote the hygiene of the students.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 80-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi Chege

BackgroundIntestinal parasites are a major public health problem in the developing world and have attracted increasing levels of interest from health researchers over the past decade. Epidemiology-based studies have shown that the prevalence of intestinal parasites is high and they frequently recur in regions with poor sanitation and inadequate sewerage facilities. In this study, we determined the prevalence of intestinal parasites, their egg intensities per sample, and associated risk factors in an informal settlement.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted in three randomly selected public primary schools located in the informal settlements of Nakuru town. A total of 248 stool samples were collected from asymptomatic pupils and screened, using the Kato Katz technique, for infections caused by soil-transmitted helminths (STH). A random subset of stool samples (n=96) was also screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect intestinal protozoa. Socio-demographic variables were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire; these data were analysed to identify risk factors for infection. ResultsThe overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 17.3% (43/248 pupils). The overall prevalence of both STH and intestinal protozoan parasites was 1.2% and 41.7%, respectively. The most commonly diagnosed STH infection was Trichuris trichiura (1.2%), followed by hookworms (0.4%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (0.4%). The prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites ranged from 0% to 38.5% and included Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba hartmanni, Entamoeba dispar, Giardia intestinalis, and Entamoeba coli. All infections were light, with an egg intensity <100 for each of the STH infections. The prevalence of multiple infections, including intestinal protozoan parasites, was 5.2% (n=5) and 0.4% (n=1) for STH in the subset samples. Finally, our analysis identified several significant risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections, including goat rearing (p=0.046), living in a home with an earthen floor (p=0.022), the number of rooms in the household (p=0.035), and the source of food (p=0.016). ConclusionThe low prevalence of intestinal parasites in the informal settlements of Nakuru may be attributed to improvements in hygiene and sanitation, deworming, and general good health practices that are facilitated by the Department of Public Health.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Destaw Damtie ◽  
Baye Sitotaw ◽  
Sissay Menkir ◽  
Bizuayehu Kerisew ◽  
Kedir Hussien

Background. Intestinal parasitic infection is still common in Ethiopia. Periodic evaluation of the current status of human intestinal parasitic infections (HIPIs) is a prerequisite to controlling these health threats. This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence and determinant factors of HIPIs among elementary school-age children in Merawi town. Methods. A school-based cross-sectional study design was used among 403 children. The direct wet mount method was used to diagnose the stool samples. The sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of the respondents were collected using structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test and logistic regression. Results. Out of the 403 students, the overall prevalence of HIPIs was 173 (42.9%). The magnitudes of single and double infections were 39.7% and 3.2%, respectively. Seventy-two (17.9%) were positive for Entamoeba histolytica, 63 (15.4%) for Giardia lamblia, 28 (9.6%) for Ascaris lumbricoides, 22 (6.9%) for hookworm, and 1 (0.2%) for Schistosoma mansoni. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was high in the age group of 6–11 years compared to other age groups. The following were the risk factors associated with HIPIs: groups aging 6 to 11 ( AOR = 9.581 ; 95% CI: 0.531-17.498; P = 0.008 ), aging 12 to 18 ( AOR = 3.047 ; 95% CI: 0.055-1.828; P = 0.008 ), not washing of hands after defecation ( AOR = 3.683 ; 95% CI; 1.577-8.598; P = 0.003 ), not regularly washing of hands after defecation ( AOR = 2.417 ; 95% CI; 1.224-4.774; P = 0.003 ), dirty fingernails ( AOR = 2.639 ; 95% CI: 1.388-5.020; P = 0.003 ), not wearing shoes ( AOR = 2.779 ; 95% CI: 1.267-6.096; P = 0.011 ), rural residence ( AOR = 6.6 ; 95% CI; 0.06-0.351; P < 0.0001 ), and a family size greater than or equal to five ( AOR = 2.160 ; 95% CI: 1.179-3.956; P = 0.013 ). Conclusion. The prevalence of HIPIs among elementary school children in Merawi town was very high. Thus, there is a need for intensive health education for behavioral changes related to personal hygiene and mass treatment for effective control of HIPIs in the study area.


Parasitology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 146 (12) ◽  
pp. 1602-1614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hesham M. Al-Mekhlafi ◽  
Nabil A. Nasr ◽  
Yvonne A. L. Lim ◽  
Fatin Nur Elyana ◽  
Hany Sady ◽  
...  

AbstractThis cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of S. stercoralis infection among 1142 Orang Asli primary schoolchildren in six different states of Peninsular Malaysia. Fecal samples were examined using direct smear, formalin-ether sedimentation (FES), agar plate culture (APC) and PCR techniques. Overall, 15.8% of the children were found to be infected with S. stercoralis. The prevalence was 0.2, 1.3, 15.2 and 13.7% by direct smear, FES, APC and PCR, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that an age of >10 years, being male, belonging to a Proto-Malay tribe, belonging to the Senoi tribe, indiscriminate defecation, using an unimproved water source for drinking water and not wearing shoes when outside were the significant risk factors of infection among these children. In conclusion, we provide new evidence on the occurrence of S. stercoralis in Malaysia to show that there is a relatively high prevalence of infection among Orang Asli schoolchildren. Therefore, the use of specific methods for detecting S. stercoralis should be considered when screening these children for intestinal parasites. Moreover, prevention and control measures specific to S. stercoralis should be integrated into the intestinal parasitic infections control programme in Malaysia.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document