Parasitic Infections among Egyptian Adolescents and its Association with Anemia: A National Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Tropical Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt

2 Department of Nutrition, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt

3 Department of Epidemiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt

4 Department of Community Health Sciences, Los Angeles School of Public Health, University of California, U.S.A

Abstract

A national survey of adolescents aged 10 to 19 years was conducted in Egypt, in 1997. This study describes results of stool and urine analysis for the presence of parasites and their association with anemia. 1,953 adolescents submitted either urine or stool sample and 1,904 provided a blood sample. 45.2% harboured a parasite and protozoa showed higher proportions than helminths, with Giardia lamblia [24.2%] as the most common parasitic protozoan. Area of residence was a significant predictor for infection where adolescents from Lower and Upper Egypt showed higher rates than those from urban governorates. Anemia was significantly associated with Shistosoma haematobium, Ascaris lumbricoides and with multiple parasites. Results suggest a need for implementing a national control program.

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