Prevalence of Soil-transmitted Helminths and Intestinal Protozoa in Shanty Towns of Libreville, Gabon
Journal Title: International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health - Year 2016, Vol 20, Issue 3
Abstract
Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are significant public health problems in sub- Saharan Africa. Establishment of effective control strategies such as mass drug administration of anthelminthic are implementing while recent local data in urban areas are lacking. Aim: To assess the frequency of IPIs and coparasitism in patients from shanty towns of Libreville, the capital city of Gabon. Study Design: Cross-sectional and observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Parasitology Mycology at the Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, from February to April 2014. Methods: Stool samples collected from 101 individuals, aged between 13 and 74 years old, were analysed by direct microscopic examination, Merthiolate-Iodine-Formaldehyde concentration and coproculture. Age, education level, type of house and existence of latrine were also recorded. Results: Among analysed stools, 75.2% (n=76/101) were infected with at least one parasite. Protozoa represented 94.3% of the detected parasites with Blastocystis hominis being the predominant species (41.6%; n=42/101). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (6.9%; n=7/101)) and Giardia intestinalis (2.0%; n=2/101) were the less common protozoa. Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) were found in 7.9% (n=8/101) of stool examined, Trichuris trichiura (5.9%) was the most common helminth detected, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (2.0%), hookworm (1.0%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (1.0%). Coparasitism was present in 35.6% (n=36/101) of positive cases. Dual and triple infections accounted for 23.8% and 6.9%, respectively. Having no education and living in a wooden house were associated with IPIs (p<0.01), particularly STH which were more frequent among women and children (p<0.01). Conclusion: This study reports a high frequency of intestinal parasites infection in shanty towns of Libreville. An unexpected higher prevalence of protozoa compared to STH is also noticed.
Authors and Affiliations
P. N. M’bondoukwé, P. D. Mawili Mboumba, F. Manga Mondouo, M. Kombila, M. K. Bouyou Akotet
Keywords
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- EP ID EP329086
- DOI 10.9734/IJTDH/2016/26774
- Views 47
- Downloads 0
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