Abstract
Infection of intestinal parasitic infections especially hookworm and Schistosomiasis mansoni are considerable medical and public health problems in Ethiopia. However, information is limited on the epidemiology of these parasitic infections in different areas, it is very important to plan effective prevention and control measures. The objective of this study was to review and document the situation of hookworm and Schistosoma mansoni infections among clinically suspected patients who examined stool at the Workmeda Health Center. Institution based retrospective data were collected to determine the prevalence of hookworm and Schistosoma mansoni infections among patients who had stool examination from September 2012 to August 2013. A total of 2102 participants (46.7% males and 43.4% females) were included in the study. The overall prevalence of any parasitic infection was 27.7%. The prevalence of hookworm, Schistosoma mansoni and Ascarias lumbricoids were 21.1%, 3.5% and 3.9%, respectively. Patients in the age range 6-14 years had higher 34.6% prevalence. The total distribution of dual infections was 0.67%. The prevalence of S. mansoni and soil-transmitted helminthiasis needs periodic deworming program urgent to reduce morbidity and mortality. Provisions of sanitary facilities, clean water supply, mass treatment as well as health education are also critically needed to minimize the impact of helminthic infection.
Highlights
Intestinal parasitic infections which are caused either by protozoa or helminths or both are among the most widespread of human infections
High prevalence in the present study indicated that the population has less knowledge about hookworm which is transmitted through skin penetration
High prevalence of hookworm obtained in age range >18 in this study was comparable previous reported in Southern Ethiopia [18]
Summary
Intestinal parasitic infections which are caused either by protozoa or helminths or both are among the most widespread of human infections. Most of the World’s population is infected with intestinal parasites which may play significant role in morbidity [1]. It is estimated that nearly 3.5 billion people are affected, and 450 million are ill due to parasite infections, the majority being affected are children [2]. Intestinal schistosomiasis and helminthiasis are among the major public health problems in resource poor countries especially in Sub Saharan countries. About two billion people are affected, and 300 million are ill as a result of these infections based on the world health organization (WHO) report [3]. The recent global prevalence estimate shows that S. mansoni infects 67 million, A. lumbricoides 1.221 billion, T. trichiura 795 million and hookworm 740 million people [4]. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that leads to chronic infection. Globes 500–600 million people are at risk of infection; and 85% of the cases are found in 41 countries of Africa [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
