Background: There is a paucity of knowledge on the
epidemiology of parasitic diseases which remain rampant in the Dschang
municipality. Three communities around Dschang town—Ngui (slummy), Paidground
(heterogeneous) and the Administrative Quarter-AQ (wealthy) were investigated
to highlight the aetiology of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in
children in order to enhance health policy
intervention priorities. Methods: Between July and November 2009, 31 stools
amples were collected from children aged six months to 18 years (mean 9 years)
in 295 households across the three communities. A structured questionnaire
was used to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics, source of
water supply, deworming practice and treatment history. Stool samples were
screened for ova/larvae of intestinal parasites using direct wet mount, brine
floatation and formol-ether sedimentation methods. Results from stool tests and
information obtained from questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS. Results: In
total, 223 (26.8%) children had single (19.9%) and multiple (7%)
infections from seven parasites: the overall pre- valence was 34.7%; helminthes
19.3% and protozoa 15.4% (χ2 = 4.3, P < 0.0380); corresponding to Entamoeba
histolytica 8.8%, Ascaris
lumbricoides 7.5%, Trichuris
trichiura 6.8%, Entamoeba coli (5.8%), hookworm 4.6%, Giardia lamblia 0.8% and Vampirolepis (Syn: Hymenolepis) nana 0.4%. Infections were more severe and rates significantly
higher in Ngui (45.9%, χ2 = 86.83, P < 0.0001) than in the AQ (17.7%) and Paidground (16.7%), and in
the oldest children above 15 years (55.3%, χ2 = 111.97, P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Regular sustained synchronized deworming
alongside antiprotozoaics, periodic diSagnostics for all children and slummed
residents which lend to intestinal protozoa; sanitary inspection of homes and
water supplies; adequate drainage and community wastes disposal; and prevention
education on hygiene, sanitation, safe water and health were desirable.
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