Study of intestinal parasitic infection in preschool children at an Egyptian village, Giza Governorate

ABSTRACT

A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the extent of intestinal parasitic infection and parasitic causes of diarrhea at a village in Giza governorate. Random sample of houses were chosen from which a total of 202 faecal specimens of preschool age children were collected, clinical history taking and abdominal ultrasonograghic examination were done to them. Evaluation of housing conditions was done. Thirty cases of diarrhea were included in the study to address the parasitic causative agents and to evaluate different parasitological techniques for detection of protozoan infection. Regular stool samples were examined using direct smear, Merthiolate Iodine Formaldehyde and Kato-Katz thick smear techniques. Diarrheic stool was examined using direct smear, modified Ziehi Neelsen, safranin, phenyl auramine staining and coproantigen detection ELISA techniques. The results showed that preschool children were infected by different types of parasites and protozoa. Schistosomiasis and ancylostomiasis were absent. The over all infection rate of intestinal parasites was about 18.8%. Boys infected were insignificantly higher than girls. Infection rates of H. nana and G. lamblia were the highest among other parasites [5% for each infection and 2.5% for the coinfection by the two parasites]. Strongloides stercoralis infection was exceptionally high [3.0%]. Pin worm infestation rate was 17,3%. Cats were the most responsible animal in transmission of infection. The most presenting symptom was abdominal, colic. Ultrasonographic positive cases were 13 [6.4%]; 12 cases with mild splenomegaly and one case with fatty liver. Examination of diarrheic stool samples showed that safranin staining technique could diagnose the case of cyclospora. Modified ZN could diagnose C. parvum. Safranin staining was more efficient than ELISA coproantigen detection in diagnosing E. histolytica and G lamblia infections. Laboratory doctors and clinicians should make use of the suitable techniques in diagnosing cases of parasitic diarrhea in children. Preschool health programs should include training of laboratory personnel, drug availability, health education to children and mothers