Prevalence of intestinal parasite infections with special reference to Entamoeba histolytica on the island of Bioko (Equatorial Guinea).

Abstract

Abstract. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was assessed (1993 through 1995) among two different groups of persons on the island of Bioko, Equatorial Guinea. In the first group, parasitologic examinations were performed on stool specimens from a household-based sample of 557 dwellers from the rural area of the island. In the second group, 1,633 inpatients and outpatients at the General Hospital of Malabo (the capital of the country) were studied. All age groups were represented in both groups. The average prevalence of the most common protozoan and helminthic intestinal infections in rural and urban areas, respectively, was as follows: Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (14.9% and 32.7%, respectively), Giardia lamblia (7.2% and 8.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides (45.8% and 31.4%), and Trichuris trichiura (25.7% and 36.4%). Seventy-nine sera from patients with amebic liver abscess (suspected by ultrasonography) were studied by an immunohemagglutination assay, with 44 (56%) showing anti-E. histolytica titers Ն 1:32. Of these 79 sera, 71 were studied by an enzyme immunoassay, 86% of which were positive with titers Ն 1: 64. This study showed that parasitic infections in Equatorial Guinea represent a major health problem.One of the principal factors contributing to child morbidity and mortality in tropical countries is the high frequency of diarrheal episodes due to intestinal infections, which also contributes to childhood growth retardation. Diarrheal diseases are a major cause of mortality in developing countries; their control and prevention are one of the main objectives of the World Health Organization (WHO) within the Division of Diarrheal and Acute Respiratory Disease Control programs in developing countries.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal pathogens in Sub-Saharan Africa: systematic review and meta-analysis

“…25,60,102,130 Blastocystis hominis was frequently isolated from diarrhoeal stools, but there are conflicting views about its role as a pathogen, and some laboratories may not place priority on looking for this parasite. 131–133 In addition, limited diagnostic capacity for protozoan pathogens may have influenced what is reported, and the true prevalence may be higher.…”

“…131–133 In addition, limited diagnostic capacity for protozoan pathogens may have influenced what is reported, and the true prevalence may be higher. 25,133,134 Advanced biotechnological methods such as PCR will improve the diagnosis and understanding of intestinal parasites. 132,134,135 The presence of multiple parasite species is also common and this has further implications for diarrhoea related malnutrition and stunting.…”

Prevalence of anemia and associated factors in children living in urban and rural settings from Bata District, Equatorial Guinea, 2013

“…Malaria is hyperendemic in the country [15], and there are high incidence rates of many infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and enteric infections caused by intestinal parasitoses [16,17]. The Equatorial Guinea Malaria Control Initiative (EGMCI) was introduced in the mainland region in 2007.…”

Prevalence of intestinal parasites among patients of a tertiary hospital in Ambala city, Haryana, India

“…[5][6][7][8] Our knowledge of how these parasites modulate and sustain host -parasite relationships and their complex interplay with human immune systems has only begun to emerge in recent years and is far from complete. 9 This is partly attributable to the fact that these parasites had been largely brought under control in wealthier Europe and the USA during the time of their sanitation revolution at the turn of the 19th Century.…”