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PARASITOLOGICAL STUDIES ON SOME INTESTINAL PARASITES IN PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN ASWAN GOVERNORATE, EGYPT
Insights
Intestinal parasite infections affect 31% of primary school children in Aswan, with higher prevalence in boys and rural areas. Common infections include Entamoeba histolytica and Enterobius vermicularis, often occurring as mixed infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Public Health
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Intestinal parasitic infections are a significant global health concern, particularly in developing regions.
- Primary school children are a vulnerable population susceptible to parasitic infections due to environmental and behavioral factors.
- Understanding the local epidemiology of intestinal parasites is crucial for implementing effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among primary school children in Aswan Governorate.
- To identify specific risk factors associated with parasitic infections in this population.
- To inform public health interventions for parasite control in the region.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 300 primary school children aged 6-12 years.
- Data collection included parental consent, a detailed questionnaire, clinical assessment, and stool analysis.
- Statistical analysis was performed to determine infection rates and associated risk factors.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 31%, with single infections at 26% and mixed infections at 5%.
- The most common helminthic infection was Enterobius vermicularis (6.6%), followed by Hymenolepis nana (3%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (1%).
- The most common protozoan infections were Entamoeba histolytica (8.3%), Giardia lamblia (3.7%), and Cryptosporidium parvum (1.7%).
- Parasitic infection was more prevalent in boys (53.8%) than girls (46.2%) and in rural children (39.73%) compared to urban children (20.13%).
- Significant mixed infections were observed, including E. vermicularis with E. histolytica (23.4%) and E. vermicularis with G. lamblia (17.6%).
Conclusions:
- Intestinal parasitic infections represent a considerable public health issue among primary school children in Aswan.
- Risk factors such as male gender and residing in rural areas are associated with higher infection rates.
- Targeted control measures are necessary to reduce the burden of intestinal parasites in this vulnerable population.
Abstract:
This cross sectional study in Aswan Governorate determined the prevalence of intestinal parasites and to identify the risk factors for infection in primary school children in this geographical area. The results would facilitate evaluation of the endemic level of different intestinal parasites and the determination of whether wiqespread or focal measures of parasite control are required. After obtaining official permission from the school administration, information and consent forms were given to the parents of all the schoolchildren. They were three-hundreds children aged between 6-12 year were enrolled; a detailed questionnaire, complete clinical assessment complete as well as stool analysis was done The study showed that the over-all infection was 31%, single parasitic infection was 26% and mixed one was 5%.The commonest helminthic infection was E. vermicularis 6.6% followed by H. nana 3% Ascaris lumbricoidesl%. The commonest protozoa infection was E. histolytica 8.3% followed by Giardia lamblia 3.7% and Cryptosporidium parvum 1.7%. Mixed infection was E. vernficularis plus E. histolytica (23.4%), E vermicularis plus G. lamblia (17.6%), E. vermicularis plus C. parvum (11.8%), E. histolytica plus H. nana (11.85%), A. -lumbricoides plus E. histolytica (17.6%) and G. lamblia plus E. histolytica in (11.8%). Parasitic infection was more prevalent in boys (53.8%) than girls (46.2%) and more prevalent in rural children (39.73%) than urban ones (20.13%) among age ranged from 6 to 12 years (8.97±1.72).
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