Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in Kuwait

ABSTRACT

Individuals who were suspected of suffering from intestinal parasitic infections during the calender year of 1986 were examined macroscopically and microscopically for the identification of parasites at the 6 general hospitals in Kuwait city and its suburbs. A total of 1,437 females and 2,335 males were positive for parasites, and 2,228 individuals were reported being negative. The prevalence of potentially pathogenic parasites was 67% of the total, while the commensals reached 33%. Of the first group Giardia lamblia and Trichuris trichiura were the commonest followed by Strongyloides stercoralis and Hymenolepis nana. Among the commensals Entamoeba coli was encountered frequently, followed by Trichomonas hominis and Endolimax nana. The highest rate of infection was found among Kuwaiti nationals followed by the Bangladeshis, Sri Lankans, Indians and Egyptians. The high prevalence rate among Kuwaitis indicates that there is a high transmission rate of parasitic infections possibly due to importation of disease with imported labour for domestic help and poor hygiene from both parties. Therefore, it is recommended that domestic helpers, arriving from endemic areas, be routinely checked. Effective chemotherapy and proper education should be implemented