BACKGROUND: Intestinal parasitic diseases are among the most common diseases globally and for this reason, it is very important to study its occurrence and its degree of risk in contamination. No previous record is available in the municipality of Porto Novo, hence the necessity of this study.
AIMS: To obtain the occurrence of common intestinal parasites among the inhabitants of Porto Novo municipality.
Stool testing performed on 391 subjects between March to June, 2011 age ranging from 11 months to 82 years old, 141 (36.06%) were infected with one or more of the intestinal parasites. Among protozoa, Entamoeba coli (22.51%), Entamoeba Histolytica/Dispar (7.67%) and Giardia Lamblia (5.90%) were the most isolated intestinal parasites and among the helminths, Hymenolepis nana (2.30%), Ancylostoma Duodenale (1.28%) and Trichuris Trichuria (0.51%) were isolated. Age distribution did not show a definite pattern of infectivity rather females (24.60%) were mainly infected than males (11.50%).
Hence, concluded that intestinal parasites pose a serious public health problem in the municipality of Porto Novo and that its degree of contamination is still high, therefore, treatment measures, National deworming programs at schools and sanitary improvement strategies is advocated for the population of the municipality to reduce and or eradicate this sporadic problem.
Table of Contents
1. ABSTRACT
2. INTRODUCTION
3. MATERIALS AND METHODS
4. RESULTS
5. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
6. REFERENCES
Objectives and Topics
This study aims to determine the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasitic infections among the inhabitants of the Porto Novo municipality in Cape Verde, addressing a lack of prior public health data for the region. By analyzing stool samples from local residents, the research seeks to provide a foundation for improved sanitation and medical intervention.
- Prevalence and classification of intestinal protozoa and helminths.
- Evaluation of age-related and gender-specific infection patterns.
- Assessment of the correlation between public health, hygiene, and parasitic contamination.
- Identification of risk factors associated with food and water consumption.
- Development of strategic recommendations for sanitary improvement and public health policy.
Excerpt from the Book
INTRODUCTION
A parasite is an organism that is entirely dependent on another organism, referred to as its host for all or part of its life cycle and metabolic requirements. Parasitism is therefore a relationship in which a parasite benefits and the host provides the benefit. The degree of dependence of a parasite on its host varies.
An obligatory parasite is one that must always live in contact with its host. The term free- living describes the non parasitic stages of existence which are lived independently of a host for example, hookworms, have active free living stages in the soil.
Definitive host is the host in which sexual reproduction takes place or in which the most highly developed form of a parasite occurs. When the most mature form is not obvious, the definitive host is the mammalian host. However, the intermediate host refers to the host which alternates with the definitive host and in which the larval or asexual stages of a parasite are found. Some parasites require two intermediate hosts in which to complete their life cycle.
Summary of Chapters
ABSTRACT: Summarizes the key findings of the study, noting that 36.06% of subjects tested were infected with intestinal parasites and advocating for national deworming and sanitation programs.
INTRODUCTION: Provides a theoretical overview of parasitology, including definitions of host types and the epidemiological importance of food and water-borne parasitic diseases.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Describes the study setting at the Central Hospital Porto Novo, the collection of stool samples from 391 subjects, and the microscopic laboratory testing protocols used.
RESULTS: Presents the primary data, highlighting that 141 individuals were infected, with Entamoeba coli being the most common protozoan identified.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Interprets the findings, linking the high infection rates to precarious sanitary conditions and recommending multisectoral public health interventions.
REFERENCES: Lists the academic sources and health guidelines used to support the study’s findings and recommendations.
Keywords
Distribution, Intestinal Parasites, Municipality, Porto Novo, Cape Verde, Protozoa, Helminths, Public Health, Sanitation, Hygiene, Stool Testing, Parasitic Infection, Amoebiasis, Giardiasis, Deworming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research?
The research focuses on the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasitic infections among the population of the Porto Novo municipality in Cape Verde.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The study covers the classification of isolated parasites (protozoa and helminths), demographic distribution (age and gender), and the relationship between environmental/sanitary conditions and health.
What is the main goal of the research?
The goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the parasite infection risk in the region to advocate for necessary public health, education, and sanitation improvements.
Which scientific methodology was applied?
The study employed a cross-sectional clinical approach involving macroscopic and microscopic laboratory examination of stool specimens from 391 participants.
What does the main body of the work address?
It covers theoretical background on parasitology, detailed testing methods, empirical data regarding infection rates, and a discussion on how these findings reflect local sanitary challenges.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
Key terms include Intestinal Parasites, Porto Novo, Cape Verde, Public Health, Sanitation, and Parasitic Infection.
What significance do the results hold for the Porto Novo municipality?
The results indicate that intestinal parasites remain a serious public health concern, with over 36% of the tested population showing infection, necessitating urgent intervention.
Why were specific demographic patterns, like gender, analyzed?
Demographic analysis was used to determine if specific groups (such as children or females) were more susceptible, which assists in tailoring targeted health education and deworming programs.
- Citar trabajo
- Dr. Peter Ubah Okeke (Autor), 2012, Distribution of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among the Residence of Porto Novo Municipality of Cape Verde, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/194273
