Intestinal protozoa and intestinal helminthic infections among schoolchildren in Central Sudan

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Abstract
ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) among primary schoolchildren in El dhayga, Central Sudan.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, three fresh faecal samples were collected from each child, which were examined by direct wet mount, brine flotation, formalin–ether and Kato–Katz techniques. The intensity of each STH infection was expressed as the mean of eggs per gram counts of the three samples.ResultsIn 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 children, 29 (18.5%) harboured more than two intestinal parasitic infections. No cases of Schistosoma mansoni or Enterobius vermicularis were identified.ConclusionsThe study demonstrates significant burden of intestinal protozoa and STH infections in this part of Sudan and highlights the need for preventive and intervention measures