Prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in children in schools located in vulnerable neighborhoods of the metropolitan area of the Central Department, Paraguay, 2023-2024

Globally, millions of people suffer from intestinal parasitic infections. These infections are among the most common resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality. In Ethiopia and particularly in Jimma and its surroundings intestinal parasitic infections are highly prevalent because of low living standards and poor environmental sanitation. The objective of the survey was to determine the prevalence and predictors of intestinal parasitosis among school children in four woredas of Jimma zone surrounding Gilgel gibe hydraulic dam and serve as a base line data to help evaluate health promoting activities for the future and monitor those already delivered to the community.A cross-sectional study was carried out in October, 2008 in four Woredas of Jimma zone bordering Gilgel Gibe Dam. Children attending grades 1-8 in the schools located within 10 Kms ofthe Dam in the four bordering woredas and those living 30 Kms away from the shore line were the study subjects. Six hundred twenty four and 321 children were selected from the schools around Gilgel Gibe dam and from the schools in Bulbul, respectively. Data on background of participant was collected and stool specimen collected and processed. Data were filtered and entered into computer then analyzed using SPSS for windows version 13.0.1.Of the 937 selected individuals, 855 participated in the study giving a response rate of 91.2%. The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 47.1% where 174 (20%) had Ascaris lumbricoides monoinfection; 4.3% had dual infection involving Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm and 0.2% had triple infection but all the infections were of light intensity. In addition, there was no association between prevalence of intestinal parasitosis with availability or regular use of latrine and clinical symptoms.The prevalence and intensity of intestinal parasites in the study area is lower than national, urban and rural setting of Jimma zone. These might be due to a better awareness of the study community on prevention of intestinal parasitosis following increased health promoting activities in the area, delivered through various activities of Jimma Public health training program.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and investigate the factors associated with intestinal parasitic diseases in children from an urban slum in Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted in children living in SEWA community, an urban slum located in Araguari, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was determined via stool parasitological examination by spontaneous sedimentation. Socioeconomic, demographic, and behavioral data were collected to identify associated factors. The statistical analysis used the Poisson regression model, with robust variance for identification of associations. Fifty-two children were interviewed, 41 of whom underwent parasitological examination. The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 43.9% (95% confidence interval - 95%CI 34.6-51.4), and 23% of children presented polyparasitism. Endolimax nana, Entamoeba coli, Giardia lamblia and Strongyloides stercoralis were identified in the stool samples. The adjusted analysis indicated negative associations of parasitosis with annual parasitological examination, possession of private health insurance, a mother who was married or in a stable relationship, and access to water treatment. Positive associations were observed with male sex, habit of playing with dirt, water ingestion from the hose, unemployed parents, low parental education, and the presence of a septic tank at home. The high prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in the SEWA community is a public health problem. The identification of modifiable and preventable factors highlights the need for interventions to improve living conditions not only for children but also for the entire community.

Background Research studies on determination of risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections and related malnutrition and anemia in various tropical areas are necessary for appropriate preventive resource allocation and cost effective control. This study is aimed at evaluating the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitosis, malnutrition, and anemia amongst elementary and junior school students in Ghindae area, Eritrea. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in 6 schools around Ghindae from February to April 2018. 460 children were selected randomly for analysis and consent was taken from guardians. The pertinent sociodemographic data was collected using a pretested questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements were carried out to determine the proportion of students with malnutrition, stunting, and thinness. Fecal samples were examined by formal-ether concentration technique, and blood specimen was collected and analyzed for the assessment of hemoglobin using Hemocue analyzers. The association between predictors and outcome variables were measured with a stepwise logistic regression model. Result The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 45.3%. Protozoan infections (38.2%) were more prevalent than soil-transmitted helminthic infections (10.4%). The presence of different intestinal parasitic infections had statistically significant association with the residence area, hand washing habits, source of drinking water, and type of latrine used. The prevalence of malnutrition was 36.9% with 18.5% stunting and 21.2% thinness. Students of rural areas had 2.03 times more odds of having malnutrition. The current prevalence of anemia was 12.4%, out of which 7.6% had mild anemia while 4.4% of them had moderate anemia and 0.4% were severely anemic. Conclusion The prevalence of parasitic infection among school-age children in Ghindae area was high. Unsafe drinking water sources from streams and springs were among the core problems for increased prevalence along with decreased awareness on personal hygienic and sanitation practices. Undernutrition was widely prevalent among students in Ghindae area. Height for age and BMI for age scores of all participants were found to be below the WHO growth standards. Malnutrition was in higher prevalence in rural areas outside Ghindae, which is attributed to two times higher odds than their counterparts. The magnitude of anemia found in this study is considered a mild public health problem.

BackgroundIntestinal parasitosis, caused by both helminths and protozoans, are among the most prevalent infections, especially in developing countries. Enteric parasites continue to be a major cause of parasitic diseases which is the most common among street and school going children with poor sanitation. This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and potential risk factors of intestinal parasitosis among school going children of two schools of Saptari district of southern Nepal. Stool samples were collected in a clean, dry, screw-capped, and wide-mouthed plastic container, fixed with 10% formal-saline solution, and transported to the laboratory for further microscopic analysis by following concentration technique.ResultsOut of the 285 stool samples analysed, 94 (33%) were positive for the parasitosis. Presence of intestinal parasites was marginally more in rural school (44.6%) than in urban (30%) (P < 0.05). Giardia lamblia was highly prevalent (15.4%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica-like (7.7%), E. coli (7%), Ascaris lumbricoides (1.8%), and Hymenolepis nana (1.08%), respectively. Children of the age group 11–15 years were highly affected (44.2%) compared to younger age groups. The findings of intestinal parasitosis in the study population were statistically significant with family income, hand-washing habit, type of drinking water, and availability of a toilet facility at home (P < 0.05). Over 85% of infection was associated with parasitosis that indicated mainly waterborne infection rather than soil-borne helminths.ConclusionsPoor hygiene measures and farming occupation are identified as major risk factors of parasitic infections, so sanitation especially focusing on safe drinking water along with multi intervention strategies must be emphasized in the Saptari district of Nepal to reduce the burden of parasitic diseases in school children.

BackgroundIntestinal parasitosis is a major public health problem that affects the health of primary school children in low- and middle-income countries where water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions are deficient. Since there is a paucity of information on the prevalence and associated factors of this problem among primary school children in Dessie City in Ethiopia, this study was designed to address these gaps.MethodsA school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 407 stratified-sampled primary school children in five primary schools at Dessie City from April to June 2018. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire, an observation checklist and laboratory analysis of stool samples. Stool specimen from each study participant was collected using clean, properly labeled and leak-proof stool cup. A portion of stool from each study participant collected sample was processed using saline wet mount technique and examined by microscope. The remaining specimens were preserved with 10% formalin and transported to Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital laboratory to be processed by using formol-ether concentration technique. Then, slide smears were prepared from each processed stool specimen and finally, it was microscopically examined with 10x as well as 40x objectives for the presence or absence of intestinal parasites. Factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitosis were determined using binary logistic regression model at 95% CI (confidence interval). Thus, bivariate (COR [crude odds ratio]) and multivariable (AOR [adjusted odds ratio]) logistic regression analyses were carried out. From the multivariable analysis, variables having a p-value of less than 0.05 were declared as factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitosis among primary school children.Main findingsThe overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was found to be 16.0% (95% CI: 12.5–19.4%), of these, 50.8% were positive for protozoa, 32.2% for helminth infections and 16.9% for double co-infections. Entamoeba histolytica was the most prevalent parasite (29.2%), followed by Giardia lamblia (21.5%), Ascaris lumbricoides (18.5%), Hymenolepis nana (9.2%) and Enterobius vermicularis (4.6%). Prevalence rates were similar among government (16.3%) and private (15.7%) school children. Water consumption was less than 5 liters per capita per day in 4 of the 5 schools. Thirty-eight (9.3%) of primary school students reported that they practiced open defecation. About two-thirds (285, 70.0%) said they always washed their hands after defecation. Mother’s education (illiterate) (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.20–9.37), father’s education (illiterate) (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.40–10.82), fathers who could read and write (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.25–7.86), handwashing before meal (sometimes) (AOR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.11–4.17) and poor knowledge of WASH (AOR = 9.3; 95% CI: 2.17–16.70) were statistically associated with presence of intestinal parasitic infections.ConclusionWe concluded that the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in the study area among Grades 4–8 primary school children had public health significance. Factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitosis among primary school children’s were illiterate mothers and fathers, irregular handwashing of children before meals, and poor knowledge of WASH. Health education to improve students’ WASH knowledge and mass deworming for parasites are recommended as preventive measures; and improvements to the quality of WASH facilities in primary schools are strongly recommended to support these measures.

Introduction: Intestinal parasitosis represents a public health problem since they are infections that occur by ingesting protozoan cysts, eggs, or worm larvae. These are transmitted by the consumption of water or food contaminated with fecal matter, from person to person or from animal to human; the social factors that influence are poverty, geographic condition, infrastructure of health services, education, and lifestyle. Objective: To determine intestinal parasitosis in children and adolescents with malnutrition. Methods: Quantitative research approach, non-experimental design, cross-sectional and descriptive scope, with a population of 46 children and adolescents from the Salcedo Canton of the Jardín del Edén Foundation, Ecuador. Information was collected by taking anthropometric measurements and coproparasitic examination. Results: Of the total of 46 children and adolescents it was evident that according to the BMI/Age 67.4% were normal and 32.5% with malnutrition (due to deficit and excess), also 82.6% were found with parasitosis, with protozoa predominating 96.5% over helminths 3.5%, of which the greatest predominance was in the female sex 43.5%, the main species found were: Amoeba coli cyst 30.6%, amoeba histolytica 28.3% and giardia lamblia 15.3%. Conclusion: Intestinal parasitosis in children and adolescents in this research has nothing to do with malnutrition because some of them had a normal nutritional status, and despite that, they had parasitosis.

Intestinal parasitosis are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in Africa. The tropical climate in the D.R. Congo provides parasites with an environment conducive to their proliferation. The prevalence rates of intestinal parasitosis remain poorly understood in the D.R. Congo. This study aims to estimate the overall and specific prevalence of intestinal parasitosis and to determine an association between intestinal parasitosis and the season at CHUNDE. From January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021, patients for whom a direct stool examination was requested at the Notre Dame de l'Espérance University Hospital Center were included in this study. Stool samples were collected and examined under an optical microscope. During the period of the study, we recorded 187 patients aged 2 to 77 years. The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 75.40%. The specific prevalence rates for parasites were as follows: E. histolytica/dispar, the most common, with a prevalence of 55.08%, followed by P. hominis and G. lamblia with respective prevalence rates of 9.09% and 6.24%. A. lumbricoide had a prevalence of 27.81%, followed by S. mansoni, A. duodenalis, and E. vermicularis with respective prevalence rates of 3.74%, 1.60%, and 1.07%. There was no association between the season and the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis. The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was higher amang symptomatic patients at CHUNDE. There is no statistically valid association between the season and the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis.

Background: Recent studies have showen that controversial associations of chronic helminthic infections with allergic diseases as having protective and predictive roles. Lots of conflicts in answering such questions have continually arisen in recent years. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections, atopy and serum IgE level.Methods: A total of 225 patients were randomly selected from the Dermatology Outpatient Department at the University of Gondar Hospital, Ethiopia, from January - March 2006. A modified questionnaire of international study of asthma and allergies in children (ISSAC) was used to assess atopy, and skin scratch tests were done for common allergens. Stool specimen was collected and examined by the formol-ether concentration sedimentation technique. The serum IgE levels were quantified by total IgE ELISA kit. Simple descriptive statistics were used to explain the findings.Results: The prevalence of atopy was 40.9% (95% CI = 35.9% - 46.7%). The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 36.9% (95% CI = 29.8% - 44.4%). Lower prevalence of atopy was observed in individuals infected with any parasite, A. lumbricoides, S. stercoralis, Hookworm, and S. mansoni. The mean serum IgE level for positive prick test, self-reported atopy, and atopy was 2893 IU/ml, 2909 IU/ml, and 2914 IU/ml, respectively. The mean serum IgE level was 2785 IU/ml, 2714 IU/ml, 1613 IU/ml, 4020 IU/ml, 4415 IU/ml, and 4627 IU/ml for any parasites, A. lumbricoids, hookworm, S. stercoralis, S. mansoni, and E. histolytica, respectively.Conclusion: The results demonstrate a high prevalence of atopy and intestinal parasitosis. Atopy was inversely related to A. lumbricoides, S. stercoralis, Hookworm, S. mansoni, and E. histolytica infections. Both atopy and intestinal parasites caused higher mean serum IgE which was seen in all study participants with self-reported atopy and in skin scratch test positive study participants. A. lumbricoides, S. stercoralis, Hookworm, S. mansoni, and E. histolytica caused a higher mean serum IgE than the control study participants. The increased serum IgE level showed in G.lamblia, H. nana, and E. vermicularis infections without affecting the occurrence of atopy needs further study.

Background Intestinal parasitoses are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in Africa, with a prevalence of 42.18%. The tropical climate in the D.R. Congo provides parasites with an environment conducive to their proliferation. The prevalence rates of intestinal parasitoses remain poorly understood in the D.R. Congo. Objective This study aims to estimate the overall and specific prevalence of intestinal parasitosis and to determine an association between intestinal parasitosis and the season. Methods From January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021, patients for whom a direct stool examination was requested at the Notre Dame de l’Espérance University Hospital Center were included in this study. Stool samples were collected and examined under an optical microscope. Results During the period of the study, we recorded 187 patients aged 2 to 77 years. The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 75.40%. The specific prevalence rates for parasites were as follows: Entamoeba H., the most common, with a prevalence of 55.08%, followed by Trichomonas I. and Giardia L. with respective prevalence rates of 9.09% and 6.24%. Ascaris L. had a prevalence of 27.81%, followed by Schistosoma M., Ankylostoma D., and Enterobius V. with respective prevalence rates of 3.74%, 1.60%, and 1.07%. There was no association between the season and the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis. Conclusion The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was higher during the dry season. There is no statistically valid association between the season and the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis.

BackgroundIntestinal parasitosis are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in Africa. The tropical climate in the D.R. Congo provides parasites with an environment conducive to their proliferation. The prevalence rates of intestinal parasitosis remain poorly understood in the D.R. Congo.ObjectiveThis study aims to estimate the overall and specific prevalence of intestinal parasitosis and to determine an association between intestinal parasitosis and the season at CHUNDE.MethodsFrom January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021, patients for whom a direct stool examination was requested at the Notre Dame de l’Espérance University Hospital Center were included in this study. Stool samples were collected and examined under an optical microscope.ResultsDuring the period of the study, we recorded 187 patients aged 2 to 77 years. The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 75.40%. The specific prevalence rates for parasites were as follows:E. histolytica/dispar, the most common, with a prevalence of 55.08%, followed byP. hominis andG. lamblia with respective prevalence rates of 9.09% and 6.24%.A. lumbricoide had a prevalence of 27.81%, followed byS. mansoni,A. duodenalis, andE. vermicularis with respective prevalence rates of 3.74%, 1.60%, and 1.07%. There was no association between the season and the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis.ConclusionThe prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was higher amang symptomatic patients at CHUNDE. There is no statistically valid association between the season and the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis.

Research on associated risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections and malnutrition in various geographic regions is needed for the development of appropriate control strategies. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections, anaemia, and malnutrition in school children, living in urban and rural areas of northern Ethiopia. Six hundred school children, aged 6–15 years, were randomly selected in a cross-sectional survey from 12 primary schools. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected. Faecal samples were examined using direct, concentration, and the Kato–Katz methods. Urine specimens were analysed for Schistosoma haematobium ova. Haemoglobin was measured using a HemoCue spectrometer. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 72% (95% confidence interval (CI): 66–76%). The prevalence of anaemia, stunting, and thinness were 11% (95% CI: 8–13%), 35% (95% CI: 31–38%), and 34% (95% CI: 30–38%), respectively. Poor personal hygiene habits were generally associated with anaemia and nutritional deficiency (low body mass index). Multivariate logistic regression models related Schistosoma mansoni infection with boys. Boys were also more likely to be malnourished. Hookworm infection was associated with anaemia and unhygienic finger nails.Access to clean water and latrines, with some hygiene and sanitation communication activities, could improve health of children in Ethiopia. The use of smartphone technology in demographic data collection proved to be successful. The potential advantage offered by this technology for parasitological field surveys merits further investigation.

Aim: The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in relation to mental illness among inpatients of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar was investigated with a view to improving the quality of their medical care.&#x0D; Study Design: This was cross sectional study. Ethical approval and patients’ informed consent were sought and obtained before collection and processing of samples.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar, between February and August, 2016.&#x0D; Methodology: We included 246 (126 patients, 120 apparently healthy) subjects. Intestinal parasites were detected by direct stool microscopy and formol ether concentration technique and the cellophane anal swab method for Enterobius vermicularis. Chi square analysis was used to compare percentages.&#x0D; Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among the 126 studied patients was 49.2% compared to 11.7% recorded among the 120 apparently healthy (control) subjects examined (P &lt; 0.0001). There was no significant association between intestinal parasites prevalence and gender in test as well as control subjects 60.0% v. 45.1%, respectively, p = 0.2022) and 14.3% v. 8.8%, respectively, P = 0.3113). Subjects with chronic mental cases insignificantly harbored more intestinal parasites than those with acute cases (53.8% v. 47.1%, respectively; P = 0.5699). Parasites detected in the study were Hookworm 34.6%, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 25%, Ascaris lumbricoides 17.3%, Trichuris trichiura 9.6%, Enterobius vermicularis 5.8%, Giardia intestinalis 3.8%, Taenia species and Schistosoma mansoni 1.9% each. Hookworm ranked highest 34.6% among the parasites encountered in the test subjects while Ascaris lumbricoides 33.3% took the lead in the control group. People diagnosed with Variance Psychosis disorder recorded highest infection rate (68.4%) while those with substance abuse had the least (28.0%).&#x0D; Conclusion: Intestinal parasitosis may possibly play aetiologic or enhancement role in mental ill health. For effective management of the mental challenge, periodic parasitic investigations and appropriate therapy before and after admittance should be effected in all psychiatric institutions.

Aiming to identify the prevalence and the social risk factors of the intestinal parasitosis in first grade school children of Campinas, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study based in personal and social data obtained by interview and feces analysis of 146 children to investigate Ancylostomatidae, Ascaris lumbricoides, Endolimax nana, Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica, Enterobius vermicularis, Giardia lamblia, Hymenolepis nana, Iodamoeba bütschlii, Schistosoma mansoni, Strongyloides stercoralis, Taenia sp and Trichuris trichiura. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides was 12.3% and of Giardia lamblia was 8.2%. The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis, in general, was 30.8%. The social risk factors for intestinal parasitosis were low maternal (OR=2.3) and paternal education (OR=3.9), small house (OR=3.0), large household (OR=2.7) and proletarian group (p=0.02). After adjusting for social variables, intestinal parasitosis was predicted by paternal education (p=0.003). The role of health education is important for disease prevention and the school is a natural place to reach the community living next to it.

The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors responsible for gastrointestinal parasitosis in children under 15 years of age, in order to contribute to the development of strategies to combat these parasitoses in Fondonera. Stools from 524 children, 52 soil samples and 13 drinking water samples were analyzed using standard techniques. The data collected were imported into SPSS version 22. The Chi-square test (x2) enabled us to compare the prevalences. A multi-variate logistic model (Survey sheet) was used to evaluate risk factors for parasitic infestation. Tests were performed at 95% confidence levels. Ascaris spp eggs were identified in 14.3% of soil samples collected in school playgrounds and 8.3% in home playgrounds, posing a risk to children who enjoy playing in these areas. 66.6% of drinking water samples were contaminated with Ascaris spp and hookworm eggs. Eggs of Ascaris spp (17.2%), Trichuris spp (3.8%), hookworms (1.9%) and the protozoan Entamoeba spp (9.4%) were detected in the stools of 123 children, representing a prevalence of 23.4%. School and age significantly affected the degree of infestation with Ascaris spp and Trichuris spp (P&lt;0.05). Open defecation was the main risk factor. Nearly ¼ of school children in Fondonera are infested, this is a danger to the life, school performance and development of these children. To improve the living conditions of these children, the public authorities should take a particular interest in sanitation in this locality, raising awareness of good hygiene practices and multiplying deworming campaigns.

Intestinal parasitic infestation is one of the major health problems in developing countries like Nepal. This study was done to determine the prevalence rate of intestinal parasitic infestation among school children in Duwakot VDC, Bhaktapur, Nepal. A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in 194 public school children of Duwakot village development committee from August to October, 2019. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee (reference no. 1207201915). Simple random sampling was done. One hundred and ninety-four public school children individuals of 6 to 14 years of age were enrolled. Collected stools were examined for the presence of parasites macroscopically and microscopically. Microscopic examination was carried out by direct wet mount using normal saline (0.9%) and Lugol's iodine (0.5%) mount. The data obtained were computed and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16.0. A total of 194 stool samples were collected from school children and examined. The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 26 (13.40%). The commonest organism was Giardia lamblia in 22 (11.34%) cases. Among helminthic infection, 2 (1.03%) cases each were infected by Hymenolepis nana and Hookworm respectively. The prevalence rate of intestinal parasite infestation in Nepal shows considerable decline in recent years. However, more effort is required by public health resources to minimize the problem further.