Prevalence of parasitic infestations in an Upper Egyptian village and their effects on some anthropometric growth parameters in children

ABSTRACT

In an attempt to determine the prevalence of parasitic infestations [P.I.] among Egyptian Children in Upper Egypt and their effects on anthropometric growth parameters; 534 children of both sexes with ages ranging from 2-14 years were studied. They were; [1] interviewed, [2] subjected to full clinical examination [including some anthropometric growth parameters namely; weight, height and mid-arm circumference] and [3] laboratory investigated by urine and stool analysis for parasitic infestations. All results were statistically analysed. The study showed an increase in the prevalence of parasitism in male more than female children. The commonest infestations were by; schistosoma haematobium followed by Entaemba histolytica and oxyuris. The prevalence of single infestations were commoner than mixed [double and triple] infestations. The least prevalent infestations were by Giardia, Ascaris, Ancylostoma and by Trichuris trichura. The means of the anthropometric measurements for non infested children were higher than those for infested ones especially in males