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[The distribution of intestinal parasites and their causative factors in children]

Ferda Yapici1, Gülden Sönmez Tamer, Emin Sami Arisoy

  • 1Kocaeli Universitesi Tip Fakültesi, Cocuk Sağliği ve Hastaliklari Anabilim Dali, Kocaeli, Turkey.

Turkiye Parazitolojii Dergisi
|January 22, 2009
PubMed

Insights

A study found 39% of children had intestinal parasitic infections, with Giardia intestinalis being most common. Risk factors include socioeconomic status and symptoms like abdominal pain and itching.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Gastroenterology
  • Public health

Context:

  • Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a significant global health concern, particularly in children.
  • Prevalence and associated risk factors vary geographically and socioeconomically.
  • Understanding local prevalence is crucial for effective public health interventions.

Purpose:

  • To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among children attending a specific hospital.
  • To identify socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with IPIs in this pediatric population.
  • To inform targeted screening and treatment strategies.

Summary:

  • This study investigated 400 children, finding a 39% prevalence of IPIs.
  • Common parasites identified were Giardia intestinalis (19.8%), Enterobius vermicularis (15%), and Blastocystis hominis (5.8%).
  • Factors associated with IPIs included lower socioeconomic/educational levels, urban living, abdominal pain, anal itching, salivation, and nasal itching.

Impact:

  • The findings highlight the need for evaluating children with specific risk factors for IPIs.
  • Results can guide healthcare providers in identifying at-risk children for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
  • This research contributes to understanding the burden of IPIs in pediatric populations and informs public health policies.

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