[Intestinal helminthiasis diagnosed in Dakar, Senegal]

Area of Science:

• Medical Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases Epidemiology

Context:

• Digestive helminthiasis is a significant public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Stool examination is a primary diagnostic method for identifying intestinal parasite infections.

Purpose:

• To determine the prevalence of digestive helminthiasis in patients attending Le Dantec Hospital in Dakar.
• To identify the etiological agents responsible for helminth infections.
• To analyze demographic factors associated with infection rates.

Summary:

• A study analyzed 1,526 stool samples from 2004-2009, revealing a 20.3% prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis.
• The most common helminths identified were Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, Taenia saginata, and Taenia solium.
• Infections were predominantly single (90.1%). Men (58%) were more frequently infected than women (42%), and the highest prevalence was observed in children aged 10-15 years (34.5%).

Impact:

• The findings indicate that digestive helminthiasis is endemic in Dakar.
• The study underscores the necessity for targeted deworming programs, health education, and environmental improvements to control parasitic infections.