scholarly journals The Prevalence, Intensity and Risk Factors of Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections in Outpatients in Bafoussam II, West Region, Cameroon

Author(s):  
Yannick Duclair Tchinde ◽  
Lem Edith Abongwa ◽  
Fotsing David ◽  
Ntonifor Helen Ngum

Background: Gastrointestinal parasitic infections remain a public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence and density of gastrointestinal parasites and to identify the risk factors of their transmission. Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out from June to October 2020, on outpatients visiting the Djeleng Sub divisional medical centre in Bafoussam II. All consenting participants provided a stool sample and completed an open-ended questionnaire. Stool samples were examined simultaneously as fresh wet mounts, formal-ether concentration technique and modified Zieihl Neelsen staining technique. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Results obtained from this study revealed that the overall prevalence and mean intensity of parasite infection was 29.1% (94/323) and 1464±314 ppg respectively. Parasites recovered were: Entamoeba histolytica 54.26% (51/94), Trichomonas intestinalis 21.28% (20/94), Entamoeba coli 19.15% (18/94), Cryptosporidium spp 3.19% (3/94) and Trichuris trichiura 2.13% (2/94). Prevalence was slightly higher in males 31.76% (27/85) than females 28.15% (67/238) and the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.364). The prevalence was higher among individuals aged 21-30 years 35.22% (31/88). Most infected individuals resided in Djemoun 40.0%(4/10) and this prevalence was significant (p=0.025). Hair dressers harboured the highest rate of intestinal parasites 60.0% (6/10) and the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.235). Hand washing practices, washing of fruits, walking bare footed, toilet cleaning, screening of houses, pet possession, and frequency of nail trimming were not identified as risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasitic transmission (p>0.05). Conclusion: Provision of health education, improving personal and communal hygiene, and community based deworming with addition of antiprotozoal drugs should be of major focus to prevent and control these infections.

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mesfin Wudu Kassaw ◽  
Ayele Mamo Abebe ◽  
Kenean Getaneh Tlaye ◽  
Alemu Birara Zemariam ◽  
Biruk Beletew Abate

Abstract Background Intestinal parasitic infestations triggered considerable gastrointestinal morbidity, malnutrition, and mortality worldwide. In particular, young children in developing countries affected most. Helminthiasis infestation accounts for 10–20% of prevalence on preschool children worldwide. Unfortunately, small children below 5 years are uniquely susceptible to intestinal parasitic infestations in poor communities. This is because of children’s behavior like playing with soil and putting hand -to- mouth habit. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infestations among preschool children in Sekota town, Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 378 preschool children in Sekota town from February 15 – March 10/2019. Stool specimens were collected and examined for intestinal parasites using wet mount and formal ether concentration technique. The risk factors of intestinal parasites were assessed using a pretested structured questionnaire. The data were entered and analyzed using Epi-data version 4.2.0.0 and SPSS-version 23 statistical software respectively. Both bivariable and multivariable analysis was carried out, and potential co-linearity was tested for closely similar variables. Variables with P value less than 0.05 in multivariable analysis was considered as statistically significant and reported with 95% CI and odds ratio. Results The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestations in Sekota town on wet mount and formal ether concentration techniques was 83(21.9%), (95% CI, 17.7–26.3%) and 113(29.9%), (95% CI, 25.1–34.8%) respectively. In multivariable analysis, not taking medication as periodical deworming (AOR, 95% CI), (2.5, 1.5–4.3), presence of animals in the living room (AOR, 95% CI) (3.1, 1.8–5.3), and being a government employee as an occupation (AOR, 95% CI), (3.4, 1.1–10.0) were increasing the odds of intestinal parasitic infestations. Conclusions The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestations in Sekota town is high, which is a public health problem. The risk factors that contributed to intestinal parasitic infestations in this study were preventable and modifiable. Therefore, the concerned bodies need to emphasis on periodical deworming and keeping animals in separate room.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ermias Alemayehu ◽  
Alemu Gedefie ◽  
Aderaw Adamu ◽  
Jemal Mohammed ◽  
Brhanu Kassanew ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Parasitic infections are known causes of morbidity among HIV infected patients with low CD4+ counts who are on antiretroviral therapy; mainly as a result of immune suppression. Thus, this study aimed to assess the extent of intestinal parasitic infection and its related risk factors among HIV infected patients attending ART clinic of Debretabor General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia.Patients and methods: A health facility based cross sectional study was conducted on a total of 383 HIV infected patients attending ART clinic of Debretabor General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia from December 2018 to March 2019. An interview based structured questionnaire were used to gather socio-demographic and risk factor data. About 5 grams of fresh stool specimen and 4 ml of venous blood sample were collected, then transported and tested in accordance with the laboratory standard operating procedures. The obtained data was entered into SPSS version 22.0; and analyzed. P-value <0.05 with 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant.Result: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 25.3%; with 18% and 23.8% by direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration technique respectively. 8 (2.1%) patients were infected by multiple parasites in concentration technique. Ascaris lumbricoides, 23(25.3%) was the most frequently identified parasite. Parasitic infection was significantly higher among illiterates (P=0.011); patients with a CD4 count of <200 cells/mm3 (P<0.001) and among patients who did not have latrine (P=0.049) than their counter parts.Conclusion: Relatively higher prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was found among HIV/AIDS patients. The distribution of intestinal parasites is greatly affected by illiteracy, reduced CD4+ counts and absence of toilet. Thus, HIV/AIDS patients with low CD4+ counts should be diagnosed consistently for intestinal parasites and routine stool examination and awareness creation should be advocated to be included as an essential component of the ART monitoring strategy for improved patient care.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yalewayker Tegegne ◽  
Tadelo Wondmagegn ◽  
Ligabaw Worku ◽  
Ayalew Jejaw Zeleke

Introduction. Intestinal parasitic infections are among the major public health problems in developing countries. Hence, it is significant to explore coinfection with intestinal parasites and pulmonary tuberculosis because coinfection increases the complexity of control and prevention of pulmonary tuberculosis and parasitic diseases.Objective. To assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites among pulmonary tuberculosis suspected patients.Method. Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted at University of Gondar Hospital from March to May, 2017. Stool samples were taken from each participant and examined by direct microscopy and concentration technique. Descriptive statistics was performed and chi-square test was used to show the association between variables.Pvalues of <0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results. Intestinal parasites were detected in 50 (19.6%) among a total of 256 pulmonary tuberculosis suspected patients who were included in the study, whereas the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis was 16.8% (43/256). Pulmonary tuberculosis and intestinal parasite coinfection was detected in 5 (2.0%) of the participants. The most prevalent intestinal parasites infection in this study wasAscaris lumbricoides,15 (5.85%), followed byEntamoeba histolytica/dispar,14 (5.46%), and Hookworm, 13 (5.1%).Conclusion. The prevalence of intestinal parasites and their coinfection rate with pulmonary tuberculosis among pulmonary tuberculosis suspected patients were considerable.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abebe Alemu ◽  
Habtie Tesfa ◽  
Ayalew Jejaw Zeleke ◽  
Yalewayker Tegegne ◽  
Yibeltal Aschale ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Hookworm is a major public health problem in Ethiopia. The prevalence of Hookworm and associated factors among podoconiosis patients and healthy residents has not been studied.Objective to determine the prevalence of Hookworm and associated risk factors among podoconiosis patients and healthy residents.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at Debre Elias from January to February 2018. One hundred ninety two participants were included. Stool sample was collected for microscopy, kato-katz and formalin ether concentration technique. Logistic regressions were performed to assess association between variables. P-value < 0.05 was used as statistically significant.Result The prevalence of Hookworm among podoconiosis patients was 84.4% and 75% among control. Hookworm infection was relatively higher among podoconiosis patients 52.9%. Higher age group, illiterate and farmers more affected with high proportion of podoconiosis patients. Being a formers, no history of stool examination and no shoe wearing habit were significantly associated with hookworm infection (AOR = 4.1; 95% CI= (1.65- 10.11)), (AOR = 3.03; 95% CI= (1.11-8.25)) and (AOR= 3.9; 95% CI= (1.11-14.24) respectively.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 25-34
Author(s):  
G.A. Ojo ◽  
T.A. Adekeye ◽  
H.O. Awobode

Dogs harbour a wide array of parasites and have been implicated in the transmission of zoonotic diseases to humans. In a community-based cross-sectional study, 292 dogs and 241 dog owners were examined for parasites in urban and rural communities of Egbeda Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. A questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic information of dog owners and identify possible risk factors. Ectoparasites were collected from dog fur and preserved in 70% alcohol before identification. Freshly passed stools from dogs and their owners were collected and examined for intestinal parasites by modified sucrose floatation technique. Ectoparasites were present on 199 (68.2%) dogs, while 239 (81.8%) had intestinal parasites. Six ectoparasite species identified were Ctenocephalides canis (5.5%), C. felis (39.7%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (51.3%), Haemaphysalis leachii (48.9), Trichodectes canis (2.1%) and Linognathus spp (1.7%). Gastrointestinal parasites identified in dogs wereToxocara canis (55.8%), Ascaris spp (36%), Ancylostoma spp (40.1%), Trichuris spp (7.5%), Isospora spp (14.4%) and Toxascaris leonina (15.1%). Prevalence of gastrointestinal as well as ectoparasites were higher in rural communities with more mongrels infected compared to exotic breeds (p < 0.001). Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancyclostoma spp and Trichuris spp were identified in 99 (41.1%) of the dog owners. There was a significant relationship (r=0.36, p < 0.001) between the prevalence of infection in dogs and their owners. Most (75%) of the dog owners were aware only of the possibility of contracting rabies but not other zoonotic parasitic infections from their dogs. The high prevalence of gastrointestinal and ectoparasites of dogs in these communities suggests a very high risk of parasite transmission among dogs, their owners and other inhabitants of the community. The need for intervention programs including regular anti-parasitic treatment of dogs and health education which emphasizes the dangers of zoonotic infections in these communities is imperative. Keywords: Dog owners, Ectoparasites, Gastrointestinal parasites, Urban and Rural dogs, Zoonoses


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bekalu Getachew Gebreegziabher ◽  
Tesema Etefa Birhanu ◽  
Diriba Dereje Olana ◽  
Behailu Terefe Tesfaye

Background: Stroke is a great public health problem in Ethiopia. According to reports, in-hospital stroke mortality was estimated to be 14.7% in Ethiopia. Despite this, in this country researches done on factors associated with stroke sub-types were inadequate. Objective: To assess the Characteristics and risk factors associated with stroke sub-types among patients admitted to JUMC. Methods and materials: A retrospective cross sectional study was conducted from May 2017 to May 2018 in stroke unit of Jimma University Medical Center. A total of 106 medical charts of patients diagnosed with stroke were reviewed. Checklist comprising of relevant variables was used to collect data. SPSS version 21 was employed for data entry and analysis. Chi-square test was used to point-out association and difference among stroke sub-types. The data was presented using text, tables and figures. Result: From a total of 106 patients, 67(63.2%) were men. The mean ± SD of age was 52.67±12.46 years, and no significant association was found. Of all the patients, 59(55.6%) had ischemic strokes and 47(44.4%) had hemorrhagic strokes. The most common risk factor in the patients was alcohol use with a prevalence of 69.9%. Of all the risk factors, only sex, cigarettes smoking and dyslipidemia were significantly associated to sub-types of stroke. Conclusion: Ischemic stroke was the most common subtype of stroke. Sex of patient, cigarette smoking and dyslipidemia are significantly associated with the two stroke subtypes.


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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Animen Ayehu ◽  
Yibeltal Aschale ◽  
Wossenseged Lemma ◽  
Animut Alebel ◽  
Ligabaw Worku ◽  
...  

Background. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL, also called kala-azar) is a public health problem in Ethiopia, especially in sesame and sorghum growing areas. Compared to other populations, labor migrants are the most exposed. Knowing the seroprevalence ofLeishmania donovaniand associated risk factors is essential to design appropriate control measures. The main aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of asymptomaticL. donovaniamong laborers and associated risk factors in agricultural camps of West Armachiho district, Northwest Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to know the seroprevalence and associated risk factors ofL. donovaniinfection.Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 185 laborers from October to December 2017. A simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants from selected agricultural camps. After obtaining written informed consent, data were collected using a structured pretested Amharic version questionnaire using the interview technique. A single finger prick blood sample was collected from the study participants and the blood samples were subjected to the serological diagnostic method using the rk39 kit. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors associated withL. donovaniinfection.Result. Among 185 participants examined using rk39, 14 (7.6%) were seroreactive forL. donovani.Leishmania donovaniinfection had a statistically significant association with sleeping underBalanitestrees (AOR: 4.36, 95%CI: 1.186-16.06), presence of domestic animals near sleeping place (AOR: 4.68, 95% CI: 1.25-17.56), and lack of knowledge about VL transmission (AOR: 3.79, 95% CI: 1.07-13.47).Conclusion. Seroprevalence of asymptomaticL. donovaniamong laborers in agricultural camps of West Armachiho was low. Prevention measures and health education about risk factors that expose toL. donovaniinfection for the laborers are essential to prevent the spread of the disease.


2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 293-305
Author(s):  
H. M. Al-Mekhlafi

SummaryHymenolepis nana is the most common cestode reported in humans worldwide. It is prevalent among children in the tropics and subtropics, particularly in rural poor communities where sanitation is inadequate or lacking. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence and significant risk factors of H. nana infection among children in rural Yemen. Faecal samples were collected from 498 children and screened for intestinal parasites by using wet mount, formalin-ether concentration and Kato–Katz techniques. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect demographic, socioeconomic, housing condition, and personal hygiene information. Overall, 77.5 % (386/498) of the children were found to be infected by at least one intestinal parasite species. The overall prevalence of H. nana was 17.5 % (87/498). Multivariate analysis confirmed that an age of < 6 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.28; 95 % (confidence interval [CI] = 2.04, 8.98), presence of other family members infected with H. nana (AOR = 2.48; 95 % CI = 1.45, 4.24), living in the highlands (AOR = 2.87; 95 % CI = 1.56, 5.26), living in a house without improved toilet facilities (AOR = 2.19; 95 % CI = 1.23, 3.88), not washing vegetables before consumption (AOR = 2.11; 95 % CI = 1.06, 4.19), and not washing hands after defecation (AOR = 1.88; 95 % CI = 1.08, 3.27) were the key factors significantly associated with H. nana infection among the studied children. In conclusion, H. nana is prevalent among children in rural Yemen, particularly among preschool-aged children. Thus, an integrated and effective programme to control intestinal parasitic infections should include preschool-aged children. Such a programme should focus on providing health education on hygienic practices, providing adequate sanitation and improved sources of drinking water, and screening and treating other infected family members.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyce Siwila ◽  
Annette Olsen

Intestinal parasitic infections are common among children worldwide. This study was aimed at determining risk factors for infection with soil transmitted helminths, Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia duodenalis, among children in preschools. The study was in two parts: a cross-sectional study in which data were collected from 403 children from 10 preschools and a longitudinal study in which 100 children from four preschools from the previous 10 were selected. Prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides was 12.0%, while that of hookworm was 8.3%. Overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis was 28.0% and 29.0%, respectively. Low education level of parent/guardian was a significant risk factor for A. lumbricoides (OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.02–5.41; P=0.04), while roofing types other than corrugated iron sheets were found to be protective for G. duodenalis infection in both bivariate and multivariate analyses (multivariate: OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.45–0.99; P=0.04). Low socioeconomic level was found to be protective for Cryptosporidium spp. infection in multivariate analysis (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.35–0.99; P=0.04). In the longitudinal study, none of the factors were associated with either infection. These findings may have implications for other preschools in other districts in Zambia.


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