Seasonal and Circadian Fluctuations of Human Intestinal Parasites in El-Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Zoology Dept., Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt

2 Zoology Dept., Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt

Abstract

The present study aims to monitor the incidence of human intestinal parasites and their seasonal
fluctuations in El-Dakahlia governorate. Human fecal specimens from 428 patients visiting Meet-
Ghamr general hospital were monthly collected during different sampling circadian time: morning,
afternoon and evening, throughout the period from 2007 to 2009. Microscopic examination was
performed using both direct smear and formalin-ether sedimentation techniques. Anti-Schistosoma
specific antibodies in sera of 279 patients were examined using indirect haemagglutination test.
The results demonstrated that the overall prevalence of eight identified intestinal parasites reached, in
a descending order,Entamoebahistolytica (52.34%), Schistosomamansoni (37.63%),
Ascarislumbricoides (26.86%), Hymenolepis nana (16.35%), Giardia lamblia (5.14%),
Enterobiusvermicularis (3.73%), Trichuristrichiura (0.46%), and Trichomonashominis (0.23%).
Highest prevalence was recorded for E. histolytica(87.80%) and G. lamblia (14.63%) during summer,
whereas for S. mansoni(73.08%) andA. lumbricoides (36.62%) during autumn, and for H.nana
(22.07%) during winter. Highest incidence was observed in the morning samples for
S.mansoni(38.27%). Meanwhile, evening samples demonstrated highest incidence for E. histolytica
(75.41%) and A. lumbricoides(36.07%). A marked sex-related difference regarding the infection
prevalence was found. Moreover, most of the parasitic infections were the highest in age <=10
years.In conclusion, sampling at a definite circadian time and in a proper month will precisely
indicate the parasite prevalence rate. This will consequently optimize monitoring and controlling of
the parasite community.

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