Prevalence Of Intestinal Parasitic Infections Research Articles

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Risk factors among School children in Adigrat town, Northern Ethiopia

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Risk factors among School children in Adigrat town, Northern Ethiopia

Neglected Intestinal Parasites, Malnutrition and Associated Key Factors: A Population Based Cross-Sectional Study among Indigenous Communities in Sarawak, Malaysia

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) have been recognized as one of the most significant causes of illness among disadvantaged communities. Many studies have been conducted on the prevalence of IPIs in Malaysia. However, these studies mostly focused on the indigenous groups in Peninsular Malaysia. The present study was conducted to provide the current baseline data on prevalence of IPIs, anaemia, malnutrition and associated risk factors among the indigenous communities in Sarawak, situation at northwest Borneo island of Malaysia. A cross sectional study was conducted among the longhouses communities. Stool samples were obtained and examined for the presence of IPIs using microscopy technique. Haemoglobin measurement was done using a portable haemoglobin analyzer. Malnutrition (i.e., stunting, underweight and wasting) was assessed using the WHO Anthro software. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software. A total of 341participants took part in this study. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 57.5%. Multivariate analysis indicated that the absence of toilets (OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.1–2.7; p = 0.002) and close contact with animals (OR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.3–2.9; p = 0.027) as significant predictors for IPIs. The incidence of anaemia was 36.4%. The incidence of underweight, wasting and stunting were 22.2%, 5.6% and 35.4%, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that low level of parental education attainment (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.2–3.0; p = 0.006) was identified as significant predictor for anaemia. The incidence of wasting was significantly associated with mild anaemia (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 0.9–1.7; p = 0.024). Low household income was identified as significant predictor for stunting (OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 9.8–22.2; p = 0.001) and underweight (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 5.6–18.7; p = 0.037), respectively. Essentially, the present study highlighted that intestinal parasitic infections, anaemia and malnutrition are still prevalent among rural indigenous community in Sarawak. Improvement of socioeconomic status, periodic mass deworming, iron supplementation and health education program should be included in the control and prevention of public health strategies.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among HIV/AIDS Patients in Sokoto, Nigeria

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among HIV/AIDS Patients in Sokoto, Nigeria

Intestinal Parasitic Infections at Tikur Anbessa University Hospital, Ethiopia: A 5-Year Retrospective Study

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections cause serious public health problems in Ethiopia. They are prevalent in populations with low socio-economic status, overcrowding and poor hygiene. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among patients who had attended Tikur Anbessa University Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted using hospital data obtained from the Medical Parasitology unit in Tikur Anbessa University Hospital from April to June 2012. Data was entered, cleaned and analysed using the SPSS, version 16.0. Chi-square test (χ2) was used to identify associations between the variables using p<0.05 as thelevel of significance. Results: Over the five years study period, a total of 4977 patients visiting Tikur Anbessa Hospital were included in the study. The patients mean age was 31.86 (± 14.79) with female to male ratio being 1.2:1. A total of 1718 (34.5%) were positive for at least one intestinal parasite. Mixed infections were found in 123 (2.5%) of the total patients included in this study. Up to 3 parasites were detected in 8 (0.2%) of the patients. E. histolytica trophozoite was the most commonly reported parasite, which was seen in 13.6% of the patients. Isospora belli was the least commonly reported protozoan parasite (0.1%). Among helminths, Ascarislumbricoides was the most prevalent etiology of parasitic infections as reported in 4.4% of the patients. Enterobiusvermicularis was identified only in 0.1%, thus the least common cause of helminths infections. In this study, the intestinal parasitic infections were most prevalent (43%) in patients between 5-14 years of age group. Conclusions and Recommendation: A notable finding from this study is the high prevalence of parasitic infections, with E. histolytica trophozoite as the most commonly reported one, among patients visiting Tikur Anbessa Hospital from 2006 to 2010. Overall, intestinal parasitic infections were more prevalent in patients among 5-14 years of age (43%).

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Associated Factors among AdultPre-ART and ART Patients in Goncha Siso Enesie Woreda, East Gojjam,Northwest Ethiopia, 2014

Background: The prevalence of opportunistic intestinal parasites is expected to be high among Human Immune Deficiency Virus infected populations in developing countries. For many years, intestinal infections caused by opportunistic organisms have been represented as a major problem in immune compromised patients with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. Methods: Institution based comparative cross sectional study design was conducted in Gendewoyn health center, Goncha Siso Enesie woreda from March to June 2014. A structured questionnaire was administered to all participants to obtain information on socio demographic characteristics and their source of drinking water. For the laboratory test using a direct saline, Dobell’s iodine separate wet mount, formal ether concentration and modified Ziehl-Neelsen (Zn) method was applied. The minimum sample size for this quantitative study was 312. Binary and multiple logistic regressions were used to identify factors of intestinal parasite infection and odds ratios, 95% CI and p-value were computed to measure the presence and strength of associations. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasite infections in pre-ART and on-ART was 53.7% and 36.5%, respectively with significant decrease of intestinal parasite in the ART era (p<0.006). Majority of Cryptosporidium species infections were found in the pre-ART patients and significantly associated for lower CD4<500 cells/mm3. Absence of toilet (AOR=1.80; 95% CI=1.090-2.975), source of water (AOR=8.260; 95% CI=4.659-14.642), rural residence (AOR=2.292, 95% CI=1.386-3.788); CD4 counts (AOR=1.559; 95% CI=1.093-2.722) HAART status: pre ART patients (AOR=2.13, CI, 1.167-3.905) have significant association with prevalence of intestinal parasite infections. Conclusion and recommendations: The most prevalent parasite in the pre-ART subjects were ova of Ascaris lumbricoides (15.7%) followed by Enteamoeba histolytica (14.8%) while on ART patients the most prevalent parasites were ova of Ascaris lumbricoides (8.8%) and cyst of Enteamoeba histolytica (7.4%). The present study revealed the importance of examining pre-ART and on ART patients for intestinal parasite infections. This study reminded health professionals regarding the occurrence of these parasites in this population. Routine examination of stool samples for parasitic infections could significantly benefit pre-ART and on ART patients for early treatment.

Prevalence of Gastro-Intestinal Parasitic Infection among School Children in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Nigeria

Intestinal parasitic infection is a serious and continuous health issue in Nigeria due to the suboptimal nature of sanitary equipment and housing facilities. Knowing the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among primary school pupils is a very vital concern to develop appropriate control measure in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State (PHALGA). A total of 250 children were examined. A study to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was conducted. A Structured questionnaire was used to establish environmental, behavioral and sociodemographic factors of the pupils. Stool samples were collected from all study subjects into sterile sample bottles and examined for parasites using a direct smear and formol-ether concentration technique. The results were analyzed statistically using GraphPad prism version 7 statistical tool. A total of 24.8% (62 of 250 children) carried on intestinal parasite. The most prevalent intestinal parasites identified were Ascaris lumbricoides (12.4%), Trichuris trichiura (6.8%) and hookworm (5.6%). This study indicated that the prevalence of intestinal parasites is associated with drinking unprotected well/spring water and less educated parents who do not practice hand washing before meal. Therefore, interventions such as chemotherapy, provision of adequate sanitary facilities and portable drinking water, improved personal hygiene and health education should be considered and implemented. Thus, these segments of the population should be considered by governmental and nongovernmental health institutes for any community-based intervention program.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in St. Marry Hospital, Axum, Northern Ethiopia: A Retrospective Study

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are an important public health problem in developing countries. The aim of this study is to get information about the presence and prevalence of intestinal parasites. Methods: A hospital based retrospective study was carried out for the prevalence of intestinal parasites in Axum Saint Marry hospital, Tigray from September 2013 to August 2015. In the study hospital standard operating procedures (SOPs) is used in every procedures of stool sample examination. Stool samples were examined by experienced laboratory technologists within 2 hours of collection using direct wet mount and formal-Ether concentration techniques. Results: Of the examined 21,611 stool samples 7,663 (35.5%) were positive for intestinal parasites. The dominant parasites detected were Entameoba histolytica 3,892 (50.8%) followed by Gardia lamblia 2,507 (32.7%), Hookworm 499 (6.5%) and Schistosma mansoni 296 (3.9%). Other helminthes were also isolated and recorded in the laboratory registration book. Conclusion: This retrospective study showed a variable prevalence of intestinal parasites from year to year but with no significant reduction. Health education and practical measures on personal and environmental sanitation such as proper waste disposal are important to reduce intestinal parasitic infection in the study area.

Temporal trends of intestinal parasites in patients attending a tertiary care hospital in south India: A seven-year retrospective analysis.

Background & objectives:Intestinal parasitic infections and their associated complications are a major cause of morbidity in the developing world. This retrospective study was done to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among patients in a tertiary healthcare setting and to analyze age-, gender- and time-related trends in the prevalence of these intestinal parasites over a seven year period (2006-2012).Methods:The presence of various intestinal parasites in a tertiary care setting over a seven year period in different age groups was determined by performing routine stool microscopy. Modified acid-fast staining was performed for stool samples collected from children less than five years of age for the detection of intestinal coccidian parasites. Statistical analysis was carried out to analyze age-related trends in relation to the prevalence of commonly detected intestinal parasites. Seasonal fluctuations in parasite prevalence were evaluated by performing harmonic regression analysis.Results:A total of 257,588 stool samples were received over the seven year period for examination. The highest percentage of intestinal parasites was in the 6-10 yr age group. Among the intestinal parasites, Giardia intestinalis had the highest prevalence across most age groups, except in those above 60 yr of age where hookworm became more prevalent. A significant decreasing trend with age was observed for G. intestinalis, whereas for hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis, an increasing trend with age was seen. Significant linear temporal trends were observed for parasites such as G. intestinalis, Entamoeba histolytica and Ascaris lumbricoides.Interpretation & conclusions:While G. intestinalis was more common in the younger age groups, certain soil-transmitted helminths such as hookworm and S. stercoralis showed a higher prevalence in the older populations. Significant temporal trends and seasonality were observed for some of the common intestinal parasites.

Research Article Epidemiological and pathological studies on the helminthic parasites in native chickens of Tabriz city, Iran

A study of intestinal helminthic parasites of domestic chickens was carried out in Tabriz city, Iran during 2016. One hundred (100) gastrointestinal samples were examined in necropsied chickens microscopically using the lactophenol and carmine-acid staining technique. The result showed a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection. Out of 100 domestic chicken, 37 (37%) were infected by the parasite. Nematodes had the highest prevalence 25 (68%), followed by the cestodes with the prevalence of 12 (32%) in the parasitic infested birds. Nematodes especially Ascaridi agalli 9 (16 %) and Heterakis galinarum 16 (64 %) were most prevalent in the nematode infested birds. Raillietina tetragona 12 (100%) was found to be the highest in occurrence among the cestodes infested birds. No trematode was encountered among the infested birds. The average parasite burden per chicken was found to be 5.7 and majority of the species were restricted to the small and large intestine. 14 (38 %) cases of mixed infections were encountered out of the infested poultry. The study reveals that there was a high prevalence of intestinal parasites of domestic chicken in the study area. This calls for improved management and disease control to enhance their potential.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in School Going Children in Rural Areas of Hapur District, UP, India

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in School Going Children in Rural Areas of Hapur District, UP, India

Distribution of Parasites Detected in Stool Samples of Patients in Le Dantec University Hospital of Dakar, Senegal, from 2011 to 2015.

To identify the parasites responsible for intestinal parasitic infections diagnosed at Le Dantec University Hospital of Dakar, distribution of parasites detected in stool samples of patients was studied. From 2011 to 2015, 2578 patients were included in the study. A direct examination and Ritchie technique were performed as parasite search techniques. In total, 408 samples were positive showing 440 intestinal parasites; this corresponds to prevalence of 15.8%. Parasites were detected in monoparasitism (85.7%) and multiparasitism (14.3%). The most common species found in monoparasitism were Entamoeba coli (38.9%), E. histolytica/dispar (12.7%), Giardia intestinalis (8%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (7.3%). The most common associations were A. lumbricoides-Trichuris trichiura (3.6%) and E. coli-G. intestinalis (2.7%). Nonhospitalized patients were significantly more affected with 65.4% compared to hospitalized counterparts; and also there were more men (50.7%) than women. With 67.4%, adults were the most affected age group, while the elderly were less affected with only 7% (p = 0.5). This study shows increasing prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections over the years. So health education should be promoted in addition to the already begun mass treatment program. This would help to limit or even halt the spread of these diseases.

Pattern of intestinal parasites among hospital patients at Tripoli Central Hospital, Libya

Background and Aim: Diagnosis of intestinal parasites is confirmed by the recovery of protozoan trophozoites and cysts, helminthes eggs, and larvae in stool samples in the clinical parasitological laboratory. In this study, we look at the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in outpatient department and hospitalized patients from different age groups in Tripoli Central Hospital obtained from 2007 to 2009. Materials and Methods: We have used the traditional microscopic technique to diagnose IPIs in all received stool samples during the study period. Results: In total, 18,000 stool samples were examined and it was found that 15.7% of them had at least one parasite. The overall prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites was as follows: Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar 5.1%, Entamoeba coli 10%, Giardia lamblia 8.1%, and Cryptosporidium parvum 1%, while the prevalence of intestinal helminthic parasites in this study was as follows: Enterobius vermicularis 5%, Ascaris lumbricoides 0.5%, and Strongyloides stercoralis 0.01%. Other species of intestinal helminthes are not widely prevalent in Libya. We have found a high prevalence of intestinal parasites, especially the intestinal protozoan parasites. The nonpathogenic protozoan, E. coli, had the highest prevalence rate (10.0%). Conclusion: We conducted the stool sample testing by routine ova and parasite methods, and a concentration technique increases the validity of the estimates.

Prospective and Cross-Sectional Study of Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in a Tertiary Care Hospital of a Bihar

Prospective and Cross-Sectional Study of Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in a Tertiary Care Hospital of a Bihar

Distribution and risk factors associated with intestinal parasite infections among children with gastrointestinal disorders.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with intestinal parasites among children ≤ 12 years old in Nahavand county western Iran, was the objective of this search. Intestinal parasites (IPs) are important health problems among most societies. This cross sectional study was carried out during 6 months from April to September 2014 in Nahavand County western Iran. Fecal samples were collected from 500 children suffering from gastrointestinal disorders (GIDs) and examined by macroscopy and microscopic (using saline and iodine wet mount, formalin-ether sedimentation, Trichrome and modified Ziehl Neelsen staining) methods. Finally, data was analyzed using Chi-square (Chi2) test and Fisher's exact test as well as logistic regression. 21.8% (109/500) of the samples were infected by one or more IPs. The most common parasites were Blastocystis sp. (16.2%), followed by Cryptosporidium spp. (2.6%), Giardia lamblia (1.6%), and Entamoeba coli (1.6%). Prevalence of intestinal parasite infections were significantly associated with age (OR= 2.280; CI 95% = 1.375-3.830; P<0.002), gender (OR= 0551; CI 95% = 0.348-0.875; P<0.011), contact with domestic animal or soil (OR= 0.492; CI 95% = 0.282-0.860; P<0.013) and seasons (OR= 2.012; CI 95% = 1.254-3.227; P<0.004). There was a significant correlation between IPs with diarrhea (OR= 3.027; CI 95% = 1.712-5.345; P<0.001) and nausea or vomiting (OR= 3.261; CI 95% = 1.281-8.175; P<0.013). Blastocystis sp. was the most prevalent parasites among children in Nahavand County and Helminthes infection have been dramatically decreased. Our finding shown that gender, age, season and contact with domestic animals or soil polluted are main predictive factors for intestinal parasite infections among children in this region. Moreover, IPs infection among children with gastrointestinal disorders were significantly associated with diarrhea and vomiting or nausea signs.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and their Association with Nutritional Status of Rural and Urban Pre-School Children in Benue State, Nigeria

Intestinal parasitic infections are highly prevalent in developing countries, contributing to high incidence of malnutrition and morbidity. This study aimed to find the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and their association with nutritional status of children in Benue State, Nigeria. A cross sectional study conducted from January-June 2016, among 418 school children under-5 years of age. Anthropometric data, height-for-age, weight-for-height, and weight-for-age Z-scores from each child and fecal samples were collected and screened for intestinal parasites using standard laboratory methods. Among the intestinal parasitic infections detected, the prevalence of E. histolytica was higher (51.0% and 29.0%) than all other parasites encountered in rural and urban pupils (P<0.05). Other parasites were Hookworm (46.2% and 24.8%); G. lamblia (11.5% and 8.6%); and T. trichiura (2.4% and 5.2%). The prevalence of stunting (HAZ<-2), in rural and urban pupils were 43.8% and 32.9%; 64.4% and 39.0% rural and urban pupils were underweight (WAZ<-2), while 30.3% and 24.3% were wasted (WHZ<-2). Infected children had significantly (P<0.05) higher z-scores than the uninfected children. Benue State is among the Nigerian states with the highest burden of tropical diseases with a current plan of elimination implemented through mass drug administration. This study identify/evaluate some essential information that will support the planning and implementation of the State's ongoing efforts.

Clonorchis sinensis, an oriental liver fluke, as a human biological agent of cholangiocarcinoma: a brief review.

Parasitic diseases remain an unarguable public health problem worldwide. Liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis is a high risk pathogenic parasitic helminth which is endemic predominantly in Asian countries, including Korea, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the far eastern parts of Russia, and is still actively transmitted. According to the earlier 8th National Survey on the Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in 2012, C. sinensis was revealed as the parasite with highest prevalence of 1.86% in general population among all parasite species surveyed in Korea. This fluke is now classified under one of the definite Group 1 human biological agents (carcinogens) by International Agency of Research on Cancer (IARC) along with two other parasites, Opisthorchis viverrini and Schistosoma haematobium. C. sinensis infestation is mainly linked to liver and biliary disorders, especially cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). For the purposes of this mini-review, we will only focus on C. sinensis and review pathogenesis and carcinogenesis of clonorchiasis, disease condition by C. sinensis infestation, and association between C. sinensis infestation and CCA. In this presentation, we briefly consider the current scientific status for progression of CCA by heavy C. sinensis infestation from the food-borne trematode and development of CCA.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among primary school children in southern Iran.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in primary school children in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran during January to March 2016. Single stool samples were collected from 1465 participants by clean stool cup. The questionnaire was prepared on the basis of demographic characteristics. The diagnosis was made on the basis of the direct wet mount, formalin-ether concentration, and Ziehl-Neelsen and trichrome stained slides. Out of the 1465 school children examined, six species of intestinal parasites were identified with an overall prevalence of 95 positive students (6.5%). Prevalence of protozoan infections (6.2%) was significantly higher than helminth infections (0.3%). The most common protozoan species were Giardia lamblia (n=42, 2.9%) and Blastocystis hominis (n=31, 2.1%). Only two cases of Hymenolepis nana and two cases of Enterobius vermicularis were detected. The prevalence of parasitic infections was higher in boys (n=52, 7%) than girls (n=41, 5.7%), but the difference was not significant. The parasitic infections were higher among the children whose parent's education was less than high school diploma (p=0.000), and there was also a significant association between the parents' jobs and the intensity of parasitic infection. The prevalence of intestinal parasites, compared to the previous studies in this area, was significantly lower; that is mainly due to an increase in the quality of life and parents' education as well as the accessibility to health services. The most prevalent intestinal parasite was G.lamblia; therefore, it is recommended that more emphasis is applied to controlling and preventing this parasitic infection by washing hands, particularly before each meal course.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among schoolchildren in the Plateau Central and Centre-Ouest regions of Burkina Faso.

BackgroundUnsafe drinking water, unimproved sanitation and lack of hygiene pose health risks, particularly to children in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections in school-aged children in two regions of Burkina Faso.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was carried out in February 2015 with 385 children aged 8–14 years from eight randomly selected schools in the Plateau Central and Centre-Ouest regions of Burkina Faso. Stool samples were subjected to the Kato-Katz and a formalin-ether concentration method for the diagnosis of helminths and intestinal protozoa infections. Urine samples were examined with a urine filtration technique for Schistosoma haematobium eggs. Water samples from community sources (n = 37), children’s households (n = 95) and children’s drinking water cups (n = 113) were analysed for contamination with coliform bacteria and faecal streptococci. Data on individual and family-level risk factors were obtained using a questionnaire. Mixed logistic regression models were employed to determine factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections in schoolchildren.ResultsIntestinal parasitic infections were highly prevalent; 84.7 % of the children harboured intestinal protozoa, while helminth infections were diagnosed in 10.7 % of the children. We found significantly lower odds of pathogenic intestinal protozoa infection (Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar and Giardia intestinalis) among children from the Plateau Central, compared to the Centre-Ouest region (P < 0.001). Children from households with “freely roaming domestic animals” (P = 0.008), particularly dogs (P = 0.016) showed higher odds of G. intestinalis, and children reporting exposure to freshwater sources through domestic chores had higher odds of S. haematobium infection compared to children without this water contact activity (P = 0.035). Water quality, household drinking water source and storage did not emerge as significant risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections in children.ConclusionsIntestinal protozoa but not helminths were highly prevalent among schoolchildren in randomly selected schools in two regions of Burkina Faso. Our findings call for specific public health measures tailored to school-aged children and rural communities in this part of Burkina Faso. It will be interesting to assess the effect of water, sanitation and hygiene interventions on the transmission of intestinal parasitic infections.Trial registration ISRCTN17968589 (date assigned: 17 July 2015).Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1835-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among school children in capital areas of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, West Africa.

Although the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe (DRSTP) has undertaken school children-based deworming programs against intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) using a single dose of mebendazole annually since 2005, it remains unclear as to the outcome to date. The present study intends to investigate the recent IPIs status among school children living in capital areas of the DRSTP. A total of 252 school children (121 boys and 131 girls) of grades 4 and 5 from 4 primary schools located in the capital areas participated in the present study and their fresh fecal specimens were examined for the presence of any parasites using the merthiolate-iodine-formaldehyde concentration method as conducted. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 64.7% (163/ 252). No significant gender difference in prevalence between boys (67.8%) and girls (61.8%) was found (p = 0.3). The majority of school children were infected with a single species of parasite (55.8%). Altogether, 12 different intestinal parasite species were identified in DRSTP school children, of which 9 species were pathogenic and the remaining 3 were non-pathogenic. Improving the detection method, sanitation facilities and personal hygiene as well as utilizing combined drugs are all important measures to greatly reduce IPIs in DRSTP school children.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care center at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, northwest Ethiopia.

BackgroundParasitic infections affect tens of millions of pregnant women worldwide, and directly or indirectly lead to a spectrum of adverse maternal and fetal/placental effects. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections and associated risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care center in Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Bahir Dar city, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional hospital based study was conducted from November 2013 to January 2014 among 384 pregnant women. Stool samples were examined for the presence of trophozoites, cysts, oocysts, and ova using direct, formal-ether sedimentation, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen techniques.ResultsAn overall prevalence of 31.5 % intestinal parasite infections was recorded. Eight different species of intestinal parasites were found: two protozoan and six helminth species. The highest prevalence was due to Giardia lamblia (13.3 %) followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (7.8 %), hookworm (5.5 %), Ascaris lumbricoides (2.9 %), Schistosoma mansoni (2.9 %), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.6 %), Taenia spp. (0.8 %), and Hymenolepis nana (0.3 %).ConclusionsA relatively high prevalence of intestinal parasite infections was observed among pregnant women. Routine stool examination and provision of health education are required for early medical intervention that would affect the pregnant mothers and their foetuses.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-016-1859-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.