Current Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites Emphasis on Hookworm and Schistosoma Mansoni Infections among Patients at Workemeda Health Center, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Infection of intestinal parasitic infections especially hookworm and Schistosomiasis mansoni are considerable medical and public health problems in Ethiopia. However, information is limited on the epidemiology of these parasitic infections in different areas, it is very important to plan effective prevention and control measures. The objective of this study was to review and document the situation of hookworm and Schistosoma mansoni infections among clinically suspected patients who examined stool at the Workmeda Health Center. Institution based retrospective data were collected to determine the prevalence of hookworm and Schistosoma mansoni infections among patients who had stool examination from September 2012 to August 2013. A total of 2102 participants (46.7% males and 43.4% females) were included in the study. The overall prevalence of any parasitic infection was 27.7%. The prevalence of hookworm, Schistosoma mansoni and Ascarias lumbricoids were 21.1%, 3.5% and 3.9%, respectively. Patients in the age range 6-14 years had higher 34.6% prevalence. The total distribution of dual infections was 0.67%. The prevalence of S. mansoni and soil-transmitted helminthiasis needs periodic deworming program urgent to reduce morbidity and mortality. Provisions of sanitary facilities, clean water supply, mass treatment as well as health education are also critically needed to minimize the impact of helminthic infection.