A Study on Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among Immunocompetent Egyptian Children Attending Al-Hussein University Hospital, Cairo

Abstract

Background: Parasitic infections are still a dangerous public health problem in the world, especially in developing countries including Egypt representing a major cause of morbidity and mortality mainly among children. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 400 randomly chosen immunocompetent children of both sexes. Their ages ranged from 6 months up to 12 years old. All children were subjected to a structured questionnaire sheet, stool examination using: Direct smear and concentration techniques (formol ether sedimentation and Modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain). The study was approved by the medical ethics committee of Al-Azhar University Hospitals and a written informed consent was obtained from all children's parents or gardeners. Results: Among the examined individuals, parasites were detected in only 139 ones (34.75%) mainly in the first two years of age and more common among males 35% than females 34%. By species, the parasitic prevalence rate was, G.lamblia 49 (12.25%), E.vermicularis 35 (8.75%), E. coli 22 (5.5%), E. histolytica/dispar 7 (1.75%), H. nana 4 (1.0%) and mixed infections 22 (5.5%). Positive results are more common among rural children 38% and low social classes. Low level of parent's education, low family income, high crowding index, and bad hand hygiene were considered high-risk factors of parasitic infections. Conclusion: Rural residency, bad hygiene, and low social class, as well as crowdedness, were the most significant risk factors associated with parasitic infections among children