TAENIASIS IN DISPLASED COMMUNITIES IN KHARTOUM STATE

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.