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Intestinal parasites in University of Dacca students
Insights
Intestinal parasites like Ascaris lumbricoides significantly impact student health at Dacca University, contributing to low haemoglobin levels and nutritional deficiencies. This study highlights the prevalence and effects of these infections.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Tropical Medicine
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Low haemoglobin levels and nutritional deficiencies are prevalent among university students.
- Intestinal parasitic infections are a potential contributing factor to poor health outcomes in student populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among Dacca University students.
- To assess the relationship between parasitic infections and haemoglobin levels.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 933 Dacca University students.
- Examination of students for intestinal parasitic infections.
- Measurement of mean haemoglobin levels in male and female students.
Main Results:
- 57.3% of students had single or multiple intestinal parasitic infections.
- Common parasites included Ascaris lumbricoides (366), Entamoeba histolytica (113), and Trichuris trichiura (99).
- Mean haemoglobin levels were 80.5% for men and 70.0% for women.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal parasitic infections likely compound chronic nutritional deficiencies in students.
- Parasitic infections contribute to low body weight and reduced haemoglobin levels.
- Public health interventions targeting parasitic infections are crucial for improving student nutrition and health.
Abstract:
Nine hundred and thirty three students of Dacca University were examined: mean haemoglobin levels were 80.5 per cent for men and 70.0 per cent for women. Five hundred and thirty three (57.3%) of the students had single or multiple intestinal parasitic infections, of which Ascaris lumbricoides (366), Entamoeba histolytica (113) and Trichuris trichiura (99) were the commonest. It is suggested that chronic nutritional deficiencies are compounded by these parasites, leading to low weights, and low haemoglobins.