Abstract:
This was a randomized cross-sectional study carried out during the period from November 2008 - March 2009 in order to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among displaced people in two camps, Omdurman (Dar Alsalam camp) and Khartoum (Gabel Awlia camp). A total of 300 individuals, (with age range between 5-60 years) were included in the present study. Fecal specimens, clinical and parasitological data were obtained and recorded. One hundred eighty nine out of three hundreds (63.0%) fecal specimens were positive for intestinal parasites (170 (90.0%) with protozoan parasites and 19 (10.0%) with helminthes parasites by according to wet preparation method. The results showed a high prevalence of intestinal parasites in displaced people; 189 (63.0%). Protozoan parasites were more prevalent than helminthes. The most dominant parasite was Giardia lamblia 127 (67.2%). Infections were more frequent in males 109 (57.7%) compared to females 80 (42.3%). Moreover, the present study showed higher prevalence of intestinal parasites among the age group less than 15 years, with a total positive cases of 75 (39.7%). Poor hygiene and sanitation in displaced camps was found to be a high risk factor for the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection (p < 0.05). In Gabel Awlia camp, 53 positive cases were detected with a percentage of (28.0%), while in Dar Alsalam 136 positive cases were detected with a percentage of (72.0%). In Gabel Awlia camp, the residents have cleaner water and more hygienic environment which are lacking in Dar Alsalam camp and that was reflected on their health status represented by the high burden of intestinal parasitic infections as shown in this study. The study Concludes that the area under investigation is endemic for intestinal parasites.
