Studies on some parasitic infections in school children in Sharkia Governoate, Egypt

ABSTRACT

This study was performed on 350 school children chosen randomly from different cities and villages belonging to Sharkia Governorate. For each pupil, complete history taking and clinical examination were done. In addition, stool, urine and blood samples were examined. Those with positive stool samples were subjected to egg counting using the Kato/Katz modified egg counting technique, while those with negative stool and urine samples were examined serologically by IFAT test to detect Toxocara canis and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. The results of stool and urine samples examination showed that the total prevalence of the examined parasitic infections was 48.8% among school children. Parasitic infection was found higher in rural than in urban areas. Also, IFAT test for Toxocara revealed 14% as a total prevalence. While that for Toxoplasma revealed 12.8%. Out of all those infected with Toxocara and/or Toxoplamsa, 4.2% of them were concomitant infections. Both were higher in rural than urban areas but this was insignificant statistically. Also, the results revealed that anaemia was prevalent among infected pupils. It was marked among highly infected pupils with Ancylostoma, Sch. mansoni, Ascaris and Giardia lamblia. Eosinophilia was higher among infected pupils than the non infected. The severer the infections with Ancylostoma, Sch. mansoni, Ascaris and higher titres in Toxocara infection, the higher was the eosinophilia. Accordingly suitable recommendations were given