Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites among patients visiting Arekit Health center, Gurage zone, south central Ethiopia; a facility-based Retrospective Study.

Abstract

Introduction: Parasites are organisms that reside on or with in another living organism, a host, in order to find shelter and nutrients required for its growth and reproduction. Medically important parasites may be classified as either single-celled protozoa or multi-cellular helminthes. Multi cellular worms of three taxonomic groups: custody (tapeworms), nematode (roundworms), and trematode (flukes). They are causing high rate morbidity and mortality worldwide particularly in developing countries like sub-Saharan Africa. Objective: To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among patients seeking stool examination at Arekit Health Center, laboratory in the past three consecutive month (Sept. 1, 2013-nov 30, 2013). Method: The study was conducted at Arekit Health Center, from Sept.1, 2013 to Nov 30, 2013. Retrospective record review was done to obtain information from the three consecutive month reports. After this the data was coded, registered and analyzed. Result: From Sept.1, 2013 to Nov 30, 2013 the laboratory has performed stool examination for 236 clients. Among these 108 are males and 128 are females. The prevalence of intestinal parasite was 69%. G. lamblia is most prevalent with 38.1% prevalence while T. tricuria is least prevalent (0.42%). the age group 0-10 is the most affected age group. Conclusion and recommendation: Intestinal parasites are highly prevalent in our study area.Mixed infections have been observed in our study. We recommend that the right amount of data should be recorded and anti-helminthic treatments and health education about parasitic infections should be given accordingly