Environmental Factors Responsible for Gastro-Intestinal Parasitosis in Primary School Children in the Fondonera, West-Cameroon
Honorine Ntangmo Tsafack
*
Research Unit of Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon.
Maurice Carlos Ndounkang
Research Unit of Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon.
Pythagore Fogue
Molecular Parasitology and Entomology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon.
Saah Fokou Cedric
Research Unit of Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon.
Simo Gustave
Molecular Parasitology and Entomology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon.
Emile Temgoua
Research Unit of Faculty of Soil Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Department of Soil Sciences, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors responsible for gastrointestinal parasitosis in children under 15 years of age, in order to contribute to the development of strategies to combat these parasitoses in Fondonera. Stools from 524 children, 52 soil samples and 13 drinking water samples were analyzed using standard techniques. The data collected were imported into SPSS version 22. The Chi-square test (x2) enabled us to compare the prevalences. A multi-variate logistic model (Survey sheet) was used to evaluate risk factors for parasitic infestation. Tests were performed at 95% confidence levels. Ascaris spp eggs were identified in 14.3% of soil samples collected in school playgrounds and 8.3% in home playgrounds, posing a risk to children who enjoy playing in these areas. 66.6% of drinking water samples were contaminated with Ascaris spp and hookworm eggs. Eggs of Ascaris spp (17.2%), Trichuris spp (3.8%), hookworms (1.9%) and the protozoan Entamoeba spp (9.4%) were detected in the stools of 123 children, representing a prevalence of 23.4%. School and age significantly affected the degree of infestation with Ascaris spp and Trichuris spp (P<0.05). Open defecation was the main risk factor. Nearly ¼ of school children in Fondonera are infested, this is a danger to the life, school performance and development of these children. To improve the living conditions of these children, the public authorities should take a particular interest in sanitation in this locality, raising awareness of good hygiene practices and multiplying deworming campaigns.
Keywords: Gastrointestinal parasites, risk factors, children 0-15, Fondonera, Cameroon