Browsing by Author "Ali Daw, Saada Ali Al-Mubrook, Mohamed Chibani Mhamed and Abdul Hafeez Khan"

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    Prevalence of Giardiasis among Children from Wadi Al-Shati, Libya
    (Sebha University, 2013) Ali Daw, Saada Ali Al-Mubrook, Mohamed Chibani Mhamed and Abdul Hafeez Khan
    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.