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Prevalence of giardiasis among primary school children
1Department of Biological Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbed.
Insights
Giardia lamblia infections were common (36%) in Northern Jordan primary school children, particularly affecting younger, rural boys from low-income families. Asymptomatic cases and contaminated water are key transmission factors.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Intestinal parasitic infections are a significant global health concern, especially in school-aged children.
- Prevalence and risk factors for these infections can vary greatly by geographic region and socioeconomic status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among primary school children in Northern Jordan.
- To identify epidemiological factors associated with parasite infection in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1100 primary school children from urban and rural areas in Northern Jordan.
- Stool specimen analysis using wet mount, formaline-ether concentration, and trichrome staining.
- Data collection via questionnaires on demographics, symptoms, and family income.
Main Results:
- Giardia lamblia was the most prevalent parasite, found in 36% of children.
- Higher infection rates were observed in younger children, those from rural areas, lower-income families, and boys.
- Younger children often presented with diarrhea and other symptoms, while older children were frequently asymptomatic.
Conclusions:
- Giardia lamblia poses a significant public health challenge in Northern Jordan's primary school population.
- Asymptomatic infections play a crucial role in transmission dynamics.
- Contaminated drinking water is a suspected primary source of infection, highlighting the need for improved water sanitation and hygiene education.
Abstract:
This cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among primary school children in Northern Jordan. Stool specimens were collected from 1100 children of both sexes from urban and rural schools. A questionnaire covering relevant informations was completed for each child. Wet mount preparation, formaline-ether concentration technique, and trichrome stain were prepared for the recovery and identification of parasites. Giardia lamblia was observed in 396 (36%) of the stool specimens examined. The infection rates were higher in the younger age group where several of them had diarrhoea and reported variable symptoms. The infection rates declined with age and children were asymptomatic. Rates were higher in children from the rural areas, from low income families, and it was higher in boys than girls. Contaminated drinking water is suspected to be the major potential source of infection. The importance of the asymptomatic cases and the epidemiological factors contributing to the transmission in these areas are discussed.