Prevalence and species distribution of intestinal parasites: a four-year retrospective study at Burao general hospital, Somaliland

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and species distribution of intestinal parasites through a four-year retrospective analysis at Burao General Hospital in Somaliland, to provide insights into the local epidemiological landscape and inform targeted interventions and resource allocation for disease control. RESULTS: Giardia intestinalis (57.81%) and Entameba histolytica/E. dispar (41.85%) were the most prevalent parasites. Males showed higher infection rates than females, particularly G. intestinalis and E. histolytica/E. dispar. The 15-22-year age group had the highest prevalence of both the parasites. A statistically significant association was found between sex and intestinal parasite infection (p = 0.014) but not between age and infection (p = 0.113). The prevalence of intestinal parasites fluctuated slightly over the four-year period, with the highest number of cases reported in 2024. Some parasites, such as Hymenolepis nana and the hookworm, showed a declining trend over the years.