SURVEY OF INTESTINAL PARASITES IN BURE AREA, ILLUBABOR, SOUTH WESTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Population census and survey of intestinal parasites were conducted in October 1987 in Bure area, Illubabor. Altogether, there were 1063 households comprising 4119 residents, of whom 86.3% (3,555) were indigenous and 13.7% (564) were newly arrived settlers. Four villages among nine were taken randomly, and all individuals living in a 10% sample of households picked by systematic sampling underwent investigation for intestinal parasites. Of these, 8.5% (301) indigenous and 13.7% (77) settlers provided stool specimens which were collected, processed and examined by the formol-ether-concentration technique. Positive rates for one or more parasites turned out to be 82.7% and 67.5 % among the former and latter respectively, the difference being statistically significant (P < 0.05). Both population groups combined, Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworms, and Entameba coli were the predominant parasites. Multiple infection was common comprising 48.2 % in the indigenous and 53.8% in the settler population groups. Preventive and control measures are suggested. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1994;8(1):29-35]