Intestinal protozoa and intestinal helminthic infections among schoolchildren in El dhayga, Central Sudan

ABSTRACT

A cross-sectional study was carried- out to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and soil-transmitted helminths [STHs] among primary schoolchildren in El dhayga, Central Sudan. In total, 142 [90.4%] of 157 children harboured at least one type of intestinal parasite. Ascaris lumbricoides, Hymenolepis nana, Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia were the most common parasites found, with prevalence rates of 32.5%, 30.6%, 33.1 and 19.7%, respectively. Out of these 157, 29[18.5%] children harboured >/= two intestinal parasitic infections. No cases of Schistosoma mansoni or Enterobius vermicularis were identified. Thus, our study demonstrates significant burden of intestinal protozoa and STH infections in this part of Sudan and highlights the need for preventive and intervention measures: