RESUMO
Background: Intestinal parasitic infections [IPIs] are endemic worldwide and have been described as constituting the greatest single worldwide cause of illness and disease. Low income, poor personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, and limited access to clean water are the factors associated with spread IPIs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the community awareness to IPIs and their related risk factors among people in Al-Ahssa
Subjects and Methods: A cross- section study was conducted in April 2014. A random sample of 120 participants was included. Data collection was gathered through the questionnaire form which includes inquires about social-demographic data, personal hygiene and habits
Results: Results showed that 92.7% of the participants were lacking awareness of IPIs. The proportions of participants who wash fruits and vegetables with only water before eating were 80% and 94% of them used to eat in restaurants at variable frequencies which was considered as a high risk factor for acquiring IPIs. However, the percentages of participants practice good hand washing before eating and after toilet were 67.7% and 90%, respectively which indicates lower risk
Conclusions: There is a need for campaigns to create awareness regarding the importance of prevention against the intestinal parasitic infection, and improve delivery of hygiene and health information
RESUMO
Background: During the past few decades, house dust mites have attracted worldwide interest because of their importance in causing allergic disorders
Aim of the study: This study investigated the relation between different mite species and allergic conditions in atopic patients
Methodology: Acarological examination of their house dust, skin prick testing using Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae allergens and measuring the level of specific IgE to both allergens in serum samples
Results: Acarological examination revealed 81 positive samples with D. pteronyssinus in 34 samples, D. farinae in 25 samples, mixed D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae in 10 samples, Blomia tropicalis in 3 samples and 9 samples were un-identified. A total 729 mites were isolated and identified with higher percent in mattresses then furniture followed by floors. Spring and autumn yielded the highest number of positive sample. Skin prick test and specific IgE to both D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae allergens were positive in 95% of patients with varying sensitivity
Conclusions: The existence of mite fauna is dominated by D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae with strong influence of season in Gharbia Governorate. Sensitization in patients with atopic asthma is mainly due to house dust mites evidenced by correlated results of SPT and specific IgE in serum samples