Prevalence of Intestinal Coccidiosis and Other Associated Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among Children in Koranic Schools in Dakar

Abstract

Intestinal coccidiosis has been on the rise since the emergence of HIV infection. It is responsible for severe diarrhoea associated with malnutrition in children and poses a serious threat to their lives. The lack of effective treatments means that coccidiosis remains a public health concern in Senegal. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of intestinal coccidiosis among children attending Koranic schools in the Dakar region. We conducted a cross-sectional study between January and May 2018. Koranic schools were selected using simple random sampling, and data on sociodemographic characteristics and factors associated with prevalence were collected. Stool samples were collected and processed accordingly. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA IC 12.1. A total of 497 participants were included. The mean age was 11.56 years, with a sex ratio of 8.94. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium sp . (the only species identified) was 2.10%. The other parasitic infections found were Ascaris lumbricoides and Entamoeba coli , at 28.97% and 28.03% respectively. Giardia intestinalis (9.34%). Trichuris (5.6%). The combinations Ascaris lumbricoides + Entamoeba coli ( i). Ascaris lumbricoides + Giardia intestinalis (ii). Ascaris lumbricoides + Trichuris (iii), Entamoeba coli + Giardia intestinalis (iv). Entamoeba coli + Trichuris (v ), accounting for 9.09%, 2.02%, 4.04%, 1.01% and 1.01% respectively. Intestinal parasitic infections have been found to be very common among children. Consequently, health education, improvements in learning and living conditions, and deworming treatment for these vulnerable children are essential. Testing for coccidia should be carried out systematically in cases of persistent diarrhoea and in malnourished children.