Intestinal helminthic infection among children at Lake Awassa Area, South Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: The habit of raw fish eating is common among fishermen and people around lakes. Thus periodic assessment to determine fish tapeworm and helminthic infection is important.

Objective: To determine the presence of fish tape worm and other helminthic parasites.

Methods: A cross sectional coproparasitologic study was conducted during the month of November, 1998 among 150 children under the age of 15 engaged in fishing, and fish processing in Awassa Southern Ethiopia. All study subjects were screened for fish tape worm and other intestinal helminthic infections. Stool samples were examined microscopically using direct smear, Formol ether concentration and Zinc Sulphate flotation techniques.

Results: The over all prevalence for at least one helminthic infection was 92.7%. The most prevalent parasites were A.lumbricoides (76%), Hook worm species (62.5%) T.trichuria (60%) and S.mansoni (33%). Three cases of Hetrophid infections transmitted by eating raw fish were also recorded.

Conclusion: The public health implication of intestinal parasites among the study groups is discussed and necessary recommendations are suggested.


(Ethiopian Journal of Health Development, 2001, 15(1): 31-37)