Discussion

Intestinal parasitic infection represents a major health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa as the prevalence count in the region is as high as 90% in central Sudan with socioeconomic consequences therefore the study aimed to assess the species, prevalence of intestinal parasite and the associated risk factor in a representative sample in El-Shokria village at Al Gazira state.
This is a cross-sectional study: Stool samples were collected from 398 villagers. Study subjects were selected using random sampling method. Data were gathered through direct interview using a pretested questionnaire. The collected stool samples were examined microscopically for the presence of the egg, cyst, larvae and trophozoites of intestinal parasites using direct saline smear and formal ether concentration methods. Data entry and analysis were done using SPSS program.
Out of the 398 study subjects, 194 (48.7%) were found to be infected with intestinal parasites. Most of the cases were single infection 160 (82.4%) and only 24 (12.3%) were double infection Giardia lamblia with Hymenolepis nana. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was high in age group 0-12 years compared to other age groups. The predominant intestinal parasite was Entamoeba histolytica (47.4%) followed by Giardia lamblia (44.35), Hymenolepis nana (18.5%) and Enterobius vermicularis (2.0%).
This study suggests intensive health education on personal hygiene and environmental sanitation is needed. Implementing of the formal ether technique in the diagnostic lab will increase sensitivity.