Prevalence of intestinal parasites among primary schollchildren in Derna district, Libya

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of intestinal parasites and some hygienic factors was evaluated in primary schoolchildren in Derna District. A total of 1039 stool specimens were examined by direct smear and formaline-ether concentration methods. The results showed that 31% of the children were infected with at least one or two parasites. These parasites were Giardia lamblia [12.7%], Blastocystis hominis [6.7%], Entamoeba histolytica/ Entamoeba dispar [6.6%], Entamoeba coli [3.2%], E. hartmanni [1.0%], Enterobius vermicularis [0.6%], Ascaris lumbricoides [0.1%] and Hymenolepis nana [0.1%]. A significant difference was between infection rate and parent's education [P= 0.000], socio-economic status of the family [P= 0.000], family size and number of rooms in houses [P=0.000]. Also, there was a significant differences between infection rate and source of water for human consumption [P=0.05]