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Intestinal parasitic infections among school children in Tripoli, Libya

Najla Ben Musa1, Aisha Sehari, Ali Hawas

  • 1Department of Parasitology, Faculties of Medicine, El-Fateh University, Tripoli, Libya. najla_bm@yahoo.com

Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology
|April 4, 2008
PubMed

Insights

A pilot study in Tripoli found 14.6% of school children infected with intestinal parasites. Giardia lamblia was the most common, highlighting the need for a national control program.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Intestinal parasite infections are a significant public health concern globally.
  • Baseline data on the prevalence of intestinal parasites in Tripoli district was lacking.
  • Reliable, reportable data is crucial for developing effective national control programs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct an epidemiological survey in Tripoli district to establish baseline data on intestinal parasite prevalence.
  • To identify common intestinal parasites affecting school children in the region.
  • To inform the development of a national control program for parasitic infections.

Main Methods:

  • A pilot study involving 486 school children aged 5-14 years in Tripoli district.
  • Collection of morning stool samples for parasite analysis.
  • Distribution of questionnaires to record general child information and public health awareness campaigns using posters and leaflets.

Main Results:

  • 14.6% of surveyed children were infected with at least one intestinal parasite.
  • 2% of infected children had double infections.
  • Giardia lamblia was the most prevalent parasite, followed by Enterobius vermicularis and Ascaris lumbricoides.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides essential baseline data on intestinal parasite prevalence in Tripoli school children.
  • Giardia lamblia is a significant pathogen requiring targeted interventions.
  • Findings can guide the implementation of a feasible national control program for intestinal parasites.

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