Prevalence of Giardiasis among Children from Wadi Al-Shati, Libya

Saada Ali Al-Mubrook; Mohamed Chibani Mhamed; Ali Daw; Abdul Hafeez Khan

Authors

Saada Ali Al-Mubrook Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Brack, Sebha University, Libya
Mohamed Chibani Mhamed Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Brack, Sebha University, Libya
Ali Daw Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Sebha University, Sebha, Libya
Abdul Hafeez Khan Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Sebha University, Sebha, Libya

Keywords:

Giardia lamblia, Prevalence, Children, Wadi Al-Shati

Abstract

Objective: Small scale survey was performed to know the infection status of Giardia lamblia among children residing in nine villages rural localities of Wadi Al-Shati province, Libya.

Methods: A total of 501 stool specimens, from were examined by direct smears (normal saline and iodine preparation) and formalin-ether concentration methods.

Results: The overall prevalence of Giardia lamblia was 3.1% (16 infected) and there was no significant difference between the used methods (p> 0.05). The infection was found to be synchronized with other intestinal parasites, Entamoeba histolytica /E. dispar , E. coli and with B. hominis. In general, girls were more infected (3.8% , 10) than boys (2.5%, 6). However, difference between them was not statistically significant (p> 0.05). The highest prevalence (7.4%) of G. lamblia was found among 12 to 14 years old age group and lowest (0.9%) was found among less than one year group. The prevalence of infection was associated with overcrowding of the family (p = 0.011), body waste disposal (p = 0.000), floors of homes (p = 0.000), and water supply (p = 0.043). Abdominal pain was the most common symptoms (0.75%).

Conclusion: The present study offers first epidemiological attempt to report the prevalence of giardiasis among children living in different villages of Wadi Al-Shati province. This region could be classified as low prevalence area for giardiasis . However, more studies are needed in order to delineate the predictors associated with Giardia infection in Libya.

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