Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among schoolchildren from Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso: a pilot study

Abstract

Intestinal parasitic infections remain a significant public health issue affecting school-aged children in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of these infections and the associated factors among schoolchildren in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso.

A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in May 2023 among 240 children from 20 schools in Bobo-Dioulasso city. Sociodemographic data, as well as information on the source of drinking water used and latrine use, were collected from the children using a structured questionnaire. Direct fresh stool examination and the formol-ether concentration method were employed to screen for intestinal parasites.

The mean age of the schoolchildren was 9.29 ± 2.12 years. The prevalence of intestinal protozoa was 45.19% (95% CI: 37.07–54.56%), with predominantly single infections (35.98%, 86/239). The prevalence of pathogenic protozoa was 5.44% (13/239). The most common pathogenic species was Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (2.51% (6/239)), followed by Trichomonas intestinalis (1.67% (4/239)) and Giardia intestinalis (1.26% (3/239)). The non-pathogenic species Entamoeba coli and Endolimax nana were found with frequencies of 36.4% (87/239) and 12.55% (30/239), respectively. No helminths were detected. There was no statistically significant association between the prevalence of intestinal parasites and the general characteristics of the participants.

These results underscore the high prevalence of protozoa and stress the importance of enhancing hygiene practices at the individual and collective levels within schools.