Abstract
A cross-sectional retrospective survey using the past five years clinical records (2005–2009) was conducted. The study was aimed at assessing the status of common intestinal parasites from Bale-Robe Health Center, Southeastern Ethiopia, in 2009/2010. The survey involved collection of data recorded on intestinal parasite from the health center during 2005–2009. Precoded questionnaires and interviews were also supplemented for knowledge attitude practices survey (KAPs survey) to assess awareness level of treatment seekers. Analysis of the various associations and strength of significant variations among qualitative and quantitative variables were assessed. The results revealed that Entamoeba histolytica (36.1%) and Giardia lamblia (11.0%), both being protozoan parasites were found to be the most prevalent intestinal parasites encountered during 2005–2009. The least prevalent intestinal parasite recorded was Strongyloides stercoralis (1.1%). Most intestinal parasites were detected among age group of 15 years and above than 0–4 and 5–14 years as shown in Table 4. There was a significant correlation between intestinal parasites prevalence and the age of treatment seeking individuals (P < 0.05). A sharp increasing trend of E. histolytica and Ascaris lumbricoides infections was observed owing to low personal and environmental sanitation of the majority of the society. Initiation of health education at different levels could be recommended to mitigate infectious parasites in the area.
Highlights
Parasitic infections are among the dominant contributors of morbidity and mortality and, major public health problem worldwide
It is well known that eggs of some intestinal parasites like that of Ascaris lumbricoides and Enterobius vermicularis are carried by blowing dust particles as Bale-Robe appears to be highly favorable for such mode of transmission
It is estimated that some 3.5 billion people are affected, and 450 million are ill as a result of these infections [14]. e rate of infection is remarkably high in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority of HIV/AIDS cases are concentrated [15]. e incidence of intestinal parasitic infections is 50% in developed countries, whereas it reaches up to 95% in developing countries. ese infections are caused both by protozoa and helminthes, with main clinical manifestation of diarrhoea [16]
Summary
Parasitic infections are among the dominant contributors of morbidity and mortality and, major public health problem worldwide. Infections due to intestinal parasites are common throughout the tropics, posing serious public health problems in developing countries [4,5,6]. Intestinal parasitic infections, as in many developing counties, are common in Ethiopia and cause serious public health problems such as malnutrition, anaemia, and growth retardation as well as higher susceptibility to other infections [7]. As far as sanitation of drinking water and food is concerned, there might not be pronounced care for personal and environmental hygiene in Bale-Robe town service providers such as cafeteria, restaurants, and hotels, as intestinal parasites can be contracted through contaminated food, water, and fomites. Improved sanitation which mainly includes avoidance of food and water contamination and health education about the modes of transmission of infections are the two key ISRN Parasitology components of preventive and control measures for intestinal parasites [8]. In order to investigate the prevalence of common intestinal parasites with the aforementioned perspectives, this study was initiated
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