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Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children
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Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children

Published on: August 22, 2012

Intestinal parasitic infections among children in central Albania

A Sejdini1, R Mahmud, Y A L Lim

  • 1University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology
|August 2, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) affect 19% of Albanian children, with protozoa more common than soil-transmitted helminths (STH). STH infections were linked to diarrhea and abdominal pain in children from Tirana.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Parasitology
  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) are a significant global health concern, particularly in children.
  • Limited data exists on the prevalence and characteristics of IPI among children in Albania.
  • Understanding IPI in Albanian children is crucial for developing targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in children in Albania.
  • To identify the types of parasites causing infections in this population.
  • To explore potential risk factors and clinical associations of IPI in Albanian children.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2008 involving 321 children from Tirana and Elbasan counties.
  • Data on personal and clinical information was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire.
  • Stool samples were examined microscopically using formalin-ether concentration and permanent stains for parasite ova, cysts, and oocysts.

Main Results:

  • The overall prevalence of IPI was 19%, with protozoan infections (11.5%) more frequent than soil-transmitted helminths (STH; 8.1%).
  • Giardia duodenalis was the most common parasite (10.9%), followed by hookworm (5.6%).
  • STH infections were significantly more prevalent in Tirana children (12.5%) compared to Elbasan (4.1%) and were associated with increased risk of diarrhea, abdominal pain, and diminished appetite.

Conclusions:

  • Intestinal parasitic infections are prevalent in Albanian children, with protozoa being the predominant type.
  • Soil-transmitted helminth infections show geographical variation within Albania and are associated with significant gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Further research and public health strategies are needed to address the burden of IPI in this population.

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