Prevalence of Enteroparasites Among Non-Saudis in Bahrah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background Enteroparasitic infections in tropical and subtropical regions of the world are among the most common diseases. The majority of the cases may show no symptoms; however, many untreated cases may experience severe complications. The recent substantial economic development in Saudi Arabia has resulted in an inflow of millions of workers with intestinal parasitic infection, from highly endemic countries, mainly from Asia and Africa. Objective This cross-sectional study aimed to assess for the first time the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infestation among non-Saudi residents in Bahrah, western region, Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods A total of 355 stool samples were collected from participants included in this study for several examinations of intestinal parasites. In addition, questionnaires including personal data, sociodemographic data, personal hygiene, health habits and other factors were used. Results The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among non-Saudi workers in the present study was 22.3%, and the prevalence of protozoan infection was higher than helminth infection. Most of the workers were from Asian countries and were prevalent with Trichuris trichiura, Blastocystis hominis, Endolimax nana and Ascaris lumbricoides. Single intestinal infections were among 86% of the infected cases. The main significant factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections were personal hygiene practices (such as proper handwashing before meals and after using the toilet), source of drinking water and type of living accommodation. Conclusion Intestinal parasites were slightly more prevalent among non-Saudi workers in Bahrah. There is a need for public health awareness programs to prevent spreading of the infections.

Prevalence, type of infections and comparative analysis of detection techniques of intestinal parasites in the province of Belgarn, Saudi Arabia

“…In the present study, 59 participants were infected with either a single parasite or multiple parasites. This is consistent with prior studies in Saudi Arabia, which found that infection rate with a single parasite was higher than multiple parasites ( Wakid, 2006 ; Zaglool et al, 2011 ; Taha, Soliman & Banjar, 2013 ; Wakid, 2020 ). All detected intestinal parasites in our study were protozoa.…”

“…Previous studies on food handlers in Saudi Arabia revealed varying rates of IPIs prevalence. These were 50.15% in Jeddah, 23% in Makkah, 18.8% in Al-Madina, and 22.8% in Bahrah ( Wakid, 2006 ; Zaglool et al, 2011 ; Taha, Soliman & Banjar, 2013 ; Wakid, 2020 ).…”

“…The most frequent parasites identified in our study were B. hominis (86.4%), E. coli (22%), E. nana (18.6%), G. lamblia (10.2%), and E. histolytica (10.2%). According to the study in Bahrah, the most prevalent isolated parasites were T. trichiura , B. hominis , and E. nana ( Wakid, 2020 ). In Al-Madina study, the most prevalent parasites were G. lamblia , E. histolytica/E.…”

“…Because wet mount examinations could miss small protozoa, trophozoites quickly perish, and immediate processing of samples is difficult, staining methods are the best choice. The modified Kinyoun’s stain can be used to identify coccidian oocysts such as Cryptosporidium , Cystoisospora , and Cyclospora from fresh or preserved stool samples that are difficult to identify using routine stains ( Wakid, 2006 ; Zaglool et al, 2011 ; Taha, Soliman & Banjar, 2013 ; Wakid, 2020 ). RDTs use monoclonal antibodies inserted into a device to identify one or more antigens.…”

“…Antigen detection techniques are simple to use and do not require the assistance of a qualified microscopist. Most kits require fresh or preserved stool specimens for antigen detection methods ( Wakid, 2006 ; Zaglool et al, 2011 ; Taha, Soliman & Banjar, 2013 ; Wakid, 2020 ).…”