Abstract:
Diseases related to inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene are a huge burden in developing
countries including Ethiopia. The objectives of the present study was to assess the
parasitological quality of drinking water sources in Gursum town, to determine the
prevalence of intestinal parasites (IPIs) in stool samples of people living in Gursum town and
to evaluate association between risk factors and prevalence of IPIs in water and stool
samples. The design of the study was a cross sectional epidemiological study involving a total
of 384 study participants who provided 384 fresh stool samples, 160 water samples collected
from river, spring, well and pipe sources and 384 respondents were participated in the
questionnaire survey during March to April 2018. Statistical analysis was Elaborated with
the statistical packages SPSS for windows version23. The stool samples were examined using
direct wet-mount method, formal- ether concentration method and modified Zahel Neelsen
methods. Out of the total 384 stool samples examined 114 were found positive for one or
more intestinal parasites with overall prevalence of 30%. Of these, the prevalence of
intestinal parasite infection in male and female study participants was 36.3% (65/179) and
23.9% (49/205), respectively. The major protozoan parasite species detected in the stool
samples were Entamoeba histolytica /dispar, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium species
with prevalence of 9.4%, 7.3% and 3.9%, respectively. The major helminth parasites species
identified in the stool samples were Strongyloides stercoralis, hookworm species, Tenia
saginata and Hymenolepis nana with prevalence of 3%, 2%, 2.% and 3%, respectively. Out of
the total 160 water samples examined, 85 (53%) were found positive for parasites. The major
parasite species detected in examined water samples were E. histolytica / dispar, G. lamblia
and Cryptosporidium species with prevalence of 18.8%, 23% and 11.3%, respectively. The
risk factors that most associated with intestinal water borne parasites were use of unprotected
river and spring water which are 47%, 43% respectively; means of storing water 66%;
latrine facility problem 81.3% not washing hand after toilet 30% which is p<0.05). Getting
efficient and treated water, washing hand properly after toilet use proper personal hygnic
condition, proper means of storing water and health education are needed to reduce the
prevalence of water borne intestinal parasite infections.
