Abstract:
This is a cross-sectional study which was carried out in Mandela and Jebal-
Awlia camps, which are located in El Nassr and Jebal-Awlia localities,
respectively, Khartoum State. The study is aimed at measuring the present
prevalence of Taenia spp. among displaced communities and to evaluate
different laboratory methods for the diagnosis of taeniasis.
Over three months from October, 2005 to January, 2006, two hundred stool
specimens were collected from patients who attended the camp's health
service centers. Parasitic elements of Taenia spp. were detected by four
laboratory methods; macroscopic and microscopic wet smear examination,
concentration technique and Ziehl-Neelsen technique to differentiate between
Taenia saginata and Taenia solium.
Out of 200 volunteers, 12 (6.0 %) were infected by Taenia saginata; no
Taenia solium infection was found. Females (4.5 %) were more infected than
males (1.5 %). While adults aged from 25 to 40 years old were more than
young individuals (66.7 %). No infection was detected in those less than 13
years of age. Taenia saginata prevalence among Muslim and Christian were
5.4% and 1.5%, respectively, although they consume the same type of food.
