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Prevalence of intestinal parasites in Saudi children: a community-based study
Y A al-Eissa1, S A Assuhaimi, A M Abdullah
1Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Intestinal parasites affect 21.1% of children in Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia, with Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica being most common. Cultural, ecological, and sanitation factors influence parasite prevalence in communities.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Intestinal parasitic infections are a significant global health concern, particularly in developing regions.
- Understanding the epidemiology of these infections in pediatric populations is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and types of intestinal parasites among children in the Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia.
- To identify demographic and potential risk factors associated with intestinal parasite infections in the study population.
Main Methods:
- A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted.
- Stool samples were collected and analyzed from 19,939 children.
- Data on age and sex were recorded for epidemiological analysis.
Main Results:
- A total of 21.1% of children were found to be infected with intestinal parasites.
- The most prevalent parasites were Giardia lamblia (9%), Entamoeba histolytica (5%), Hymenolepis nana (2%), and Enterobius vermicularis (2%).
- Children aged 5-9 years showed the highest prevalence, with near-equal sex distribution.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a substantial burden of intestinal parasites in the pediatric population of Al-Baha.
- Findings suggest a complex interplay between cultural practices, environmental factors, sanitation, and parasite patterns.
- Public health strategies should address these multifactorial determinants to control parasitic infections.
Abstract:
A community-based study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and types of intestinal parasites in the pediatric population of Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia. Stool samples were randomly collected from 19,939 children of whom 4208 (21.1%) were found to harbour intestinal parasites. The most affected age group was 5-9 years and the sex distribution was almost equal in all age groups. Specific prevalence rates were Giardia lamblia 9 per cent, entamoeba histolytica 5 per cent, Hymenolepis nana 2 per cent, and Enterobius vermicularis 2 per cent. The findings of this survey confirm the extremely complex nature of parasitic profile in developing communities, and indicate that relationships exist between cultural and ecological factors, sanitation, and observed pattern of intestinal parasites.