Intestinal Protozoa Infections and Associated Risk Factors in Rural Community of Samosir Island Indonesia

Abstract

Intestinal Protozoa Infections and Associated Risk Factors in the Community of Samosir Island Indonesia Hemma Yulfi 1 , Dewi Masyithah Darlan 1 , Toni Wandra 2 , Akira Ito 3 1 Department of Parasitology, Medical Faculty of Universitas Sumatera Utara 2 Directorate General of Disease Control and Environlmental Health, Ministry of Health of Indonesia 3 Department of Parasitology, Asahikawa University ABSTRACT Background: Intestinal protozoa infections are still a major health concern in tropical countries, including Indonesia. Giardia lamblia as one of the human protozoa can cause significant morbidity. It is associated with personal hygiene and environmental sanitation, such as the use of proper toilet, the habit of handwashing, the safe supply of household water, and the safe handling of foods. Some other protozoa such as Balantidium coli and Blastocystis hominis are correlated with the safe farming. However, information on the prevalence is still scarce in Indonesia, Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the correlation between the risk factors and the prevalence of protozoa infections among the community in Samosir Island, the island in the centre of Lake Toba, North Sumatera, Indonesia. Method: This is an analytical study using cross-sectional design, conducted in 2015. The fecal samples were collected from 217 participants and then examined microscopically for qualitative analysis. Demographic data and and risk factors were also collected using questionnaires, which was then analysed using computer statistical analysis program for data description and correlation. Results: The study found that 21.7% of fecal samples were positive for intestinal protozoa. Giardia lamblia was the most common infection (11.1%), followed by Blastocystis hominis (5.1%) and Entamoeba coli (4.1%). There were also mix infections between species, each comprises less than 5%. The use of proper toilet, washing hands with soap before eating and after defecating, pig farming, household water source, and drinking water showed strong correlation, all of which with p value > 0.05. However there was no correlation showed with cattle farming. Conclusion: The study showed moderate prevalence of intestinal protozoa in the island community. The risk factors suggest that contaminated water play important role in transmission. Key words: intestinal protozoa, personal hygiene, sanitation, Samosir, toilet, washing hands