Gastrointestinal parasitic infections: Prevalence and risk factors in West Ismailia, Arab Republic of Egypt

TL;DR

This study found a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in a rural Egyptian community and identified key risk factors like poor hygiene and animal contact.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the prevalence and risk factors of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in West Ismailia, Egypt.

Findings

40.4% of the population in West Ismailia had gastrointestinal parasite infections.

Protists were the most common cause of infection, with Entamoeba sp., Blastocystis sp., and G. duodenalis being prevalent.

Risk factors included poor hygiene, animal ownership, and exposure to turbid water.

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) in the rural community of West Ismailia and its associated risk factors. Human infection by GIP is natural and expected. There are few records concerning parasitic infection in the rural areas of the Ismailia Governorate.

From 520 individuals, sociodemographic and risk factors information were retrieved. Fecal samples were collected, concentrated, and tested for GIP infection using a microscopic examination.

The West Ismailia study population had a 40.4% prevalence of GIP infection, including single and concomitant parasite infections. The most common cause of GIP infection was protists (38%). Entamoeba sp., Blastocystis sp., and G. duodenalis were the most common parasites. Poly-parasitism was prevalent within the West Ismailia region. Age, abdominal symptoms, perianal itching, ownership of numerous animal species, exposure to turbid water, previous parasitic infection (PPI), and non-treatment reception of PPI were all considered significant factors associated with GIP infection. Specific individuals from the same family have been observed to have identical GIP.

GIP infection remains underestimated in rural areas. Periodic screening and treatment for GIP infection in children and public education on GIP hazards and prevention, focusing on personal hygiene, are recommended. Family members of affected individuals should be screened and treated for GIP.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13099-024-00622-y.

Figures