IMPACT OF IRRIGATION ON THE PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITE INFECTIONS WITH EMPHASIS ON SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN HINTALLO-WEJERAT, NORTH ETHIOPIA

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Intestinal parasites adversely affect the health of humans in many parts of the world. They continue to be global problem, particularly among children in developing nations. Several reports showed an overall high prevalence of intestinal helminths be mainly ascribed to infections emanating from environmental contamination by human excreta and increased water collection for irrigation scheme. Several dams were developed in Tigray region over the past 15 years which may create more suitable conditions for the transmission of water borne parasites and breeding vector snails thereby causing an increase in the incidence rate of schistosomiasis and malaria. Hence a survey on intestinal parasites with emphasis on Schistosomiasis in Hintallo-Wejerat district, South Tigray, was carried out to assess the impact of irrigation on the prevalence of intestinal parasite. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of intestinal parasitic infections was made in primary school children of Hintallo-Wejerat to determine the prevalence of the infection with regard to the water body development. A total of 800 stool specimens were collected from 481 male and 319 female school children in 23 Hamlets (Kushet) of Hintallo–Wejerat district, South Tigray. The stool specimens were examined with the Ritchie formal Ether concentration technique in order to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among student population living in different irrigation settings. RESULTS: Of the total 800 examined, 285 (35.6 %) harbored one or more intestinal parasites. There was no significant difference between different irrigation settings and sexes for intestinal parasites other than S. mansoni infection (P>0.05). Twenty one cases of S. mansoni were found only in 6 hamlets with highest prevalence of 38.3% in Bele’at. The results showed that marked differences in the prevalence of S. mansoni among long-standing irrigation, newly introduced irrigation and non-irrigated areas (P<0.001) and sexes. CONCLUSION: The presence of S. mansoni in Hintallo-Wejerat district gives reason for concern. With the tendency for increased irrigation practices, schistosomiasis may further increase in prevalence and intensity. Further studies are needed to monitor and control parasitic infections such as creating community awareness on the proper disposal of wastes and control of the snail.