Assessment of Human Taeniasis and Other Intestinal Parasites in Narok County, Kenya

Abstract

Data are sparse on the epidemiological picture of <i>Taenia saginata</i> taeniasis in Kenya. Infections are underreported, and their persistence nonetheless negatively impacts the beef industry. Populations vulnerable to taeniasis in the developing world are commonly burdened with other intestinal parasites, ubiquitous in unsanitary environments. This study aimed to estimate the occurrence of human taeniasis in Narok County, Kenya, and screen for the presence of other intestinal parasitic infections. A community-based survey was conducted in five pastoral wards, and stool samples, mainly from adults, subjected to multiple diagnostic tests. One sample tested positive for <i>Taenia</i> spp. by coproantigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (0.3%, 95% CI, 0-1.6, <i>n</i> = 360), and all samples tested negative on multiplex copro-polymerase chain reaction targeting the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene and copromicroscopy. Microscopy (<i>n</i> = 361) additionally identified <i>Entamoeba histolytica</i>/<i>dispar</i>/<i>moshkovskii</i> at a prevalence of 15.5% (95% CI, 12.1-19.6), <i>Giardia</i> spp. at 5.3% (95% CI, 3.4-8.1), <i>Hymenolepis</i> spp. at 1.1% (95% CI, 0.4-2.8), and hookworm at 0.3% (95% CI, 0-1.6). Grazing livestock near the homestead (< 2 km) and a formal education background were associated with a reduced likelihood of <i>Giardia</i> spp. infection (AOR 0.07, 95% CI 0-0.36, <i>p</i>=0.011, and AOR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01-0.50, <i>p</i>=0.014, respectively). Our findings suggest a very low prevalence of human taeniasis in the population. The occurrence of other pathogenic zoonotic intestinal parasites highlights a public health concern and calls for a One Health approach in the enhancement of hygiene initiatives.