Microbiology and Biotechnology Research: An Overview Vol. 8

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a group of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) caused by the habitation of helminths (cestodes, trematodes, nematodes) and protozoans in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and other animals, and can cause illnesses such as Ascariasis, hookworm infection, amoebiasis and trichuriasis. These infections are reported to be among the most widespread infections in the world and pose significant public health and socioeconomic problems in tropical regions, causing significant morbidity and mortality in people, especially those from underdeveloped and developing countries.

Aim: This study aims to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites among students attending the Eastern Technical University in Sierra Leone.

Methodology: This study was conducted at the Eastern Technical University located in Kenema, Eastern Sierra Leone. Between July and August 2024, the laboratory investigation on the prevalence of intestinal parasites among students was carried out at the laboratory of the Department of Medical Laboratory Technology. This study adopts a cross-sectional descriptive epidemiological research design integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A total of 200 students from five faculties in the university participated in the study. Stool samples were collected and analysed microscopically for parasitic ova, cysts, and trophozoites using direct wet mount smear and the formol-ether concentration technique. All data obtained were analysed using Microsoft Excel for Windows version 16.0 for descriptive statistics with a level of significance set at P<0.05.

Results: The finding shows a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among students of the Eastern Technical University. Out of the 200 examined stool samples, 106 (53.0%) were found to be infected with six species of intestinal parasites. The identified parasites and their respective prevalence are as follows: Ascaris lumbricoides (42.0%), Hookworm (26.0%), Trichuris trichiura (12.0%), Schistosoma mansoni (9.0%), Strongyloides stercoralis (4%) and Entamoeba histolytica (6.0%). The prevalence of intestinal parasites in relation to the age of study participants showed that participants within the age group of 16-20 were the most infected compared to other age groups.

Conclusion: This study clearly shows the extent of the burden of intestinal parasitic infections in students, hence reducing their academic performances, resulting from complications. In order to combat the spread of the disease in the student population, university authorities should develop an effective preventive and control strategy aimed at eliminating the parasites in the student population through health education, improvement in WASH facilities, regular deworming and screening of students.