Intestinal Parasitic among Children with Less Than Fifteen Years Old in the Rural Neighbourhoods of Saurimo, Province of Lunda-Sul, Angola

Abstract

Background: Intestinal parasites are among the most common pathogens found in humans. Helminths and protozoa which colonize the intestine constitute an important public health problem in the world. Considering that more than half of the world population is infected by enteroparasites, with high prevalence among the poorest, this research aimed to investigate parasitological indicators among children under fifteen years of age in the rural community of Saurimo, Angola. The research had an individualized, observational and cross-sectional design, in the year of 2012. Material and methods: 721 stool samples were examined and preserved in Merthiolate-iodine-formaldehyde solution (MIF). Laboratory tests were performed by coproscopic method. Results: 308 helminth, eggs or protozoan cysts were found, corresponding to the prevalence coefficient (PC) of 42.7%. Among them, 229 were positive for helminths (PC = 31.8%) and 118 for protozoa (PC = 16.4%). Monospecific parasitism was identified in 241 (PC = 33.4%) and polyparasitism in 67 (PC = 9.3%). Ascaris lumbricoides was the most frequent species with 158 cases, with dominance coefficient (DC) of 51.3%. Among protozoal infections, the most common species was Entamoeba coli, in 101 cases (DC = 32.8%), whereas parasitism by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was found in 16 cases (DC = 5.2%). The age group between two and five years old was the class with the highest incidence, with 144 cases, dominance coefficient (DC) of 46.8%. Cases of simultaneous parasitism by two or more species occurred in 62 samples (PC = 8.6%, DC = 20.1%), and simultaneity by three species occurred in five cases (PC = 0.7%, DC = 1.6%). The results were the basis for proper counselling and intervention. Conclusions: The study revealed the need for orientation of government measures and educational partners to improve the living conditions of the community of Saurimo, Angola.