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Comparative Analysis of Automatic Fecal Analyzer versus Direct Wet Smear Microscopy for Detecting Parasitic Infections in Stool Samples
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Risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections among children

Gehad T El-Sherbini1, Mostafa Mohamed Abosdera

  • 1Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University Cairo, Egypt.

Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology
|May 24, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Young children in tropical climates are more susceptible to intestinal parasites. Factors like poverty, poor hygiene, and malnutrition increase infection rates, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Intestinal parasites are a major global health issue, causing widespread illness.
  • Effective control requires understanding local risk factors, especially in vulnerable populations.
  • School children are a key demographic for studying parasitic infection prevalence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To retrospectively analyze demographic and environmental factors associated with intestinal parasite prevalence.
  • To identify specific risk factors among school children in Giza Governorate, Egypt.
  • To correlate these factors with increased rates of parasitic infection.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 650 school children (aged 5-15) over four years (2010-2013).
  • Data collection through interviews, observation, and anthropometric assessments.
  • Stool specimen analysis using the formal ether concentration technique; statistical analysis via SPSS.

Main Results:

  • Young age, female gender, and severe malnutrition were positively correlated with higher infection rates.
  • Poverty, illiteracy, poor hygiene, lack of potable water, and tropical climate also increased infection risk.
  • Parasite prevalence varied significantly depending on the specific intestinal parasite species identified.

Conclusions:

  • Demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors significantly influence intestinal parasite prevalence in school children.
  • Targeted interventions addressing poverty, hygiene, and water access are crucial for control.
  • Understanding species-specific prevalence is key for effective prevention strategies in endemic areas.

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