Comparative Study of the Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in Low Socioeconomic Condition in one Village Baltëz, Fier, Albania

A prospective study was carried out to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite and its epidemiological risk factors among children in Baltëz village, Fier district, in Albania. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of parasites and to identify the risk factors associated with this infection. Standard parasitological procedures as recommended by World Health Organization were employed in sample collection and examination. Fecal samples were collected from (159) children aged from (2-15 years old) and were examined by direct wet preparation formalin-eter 10% and floatation method. This study was done during the summer season (June month 2011). Data relating to sociodemographic, socioeconomic level, environment and host were also collected by questionnaire. The children belong to three different ethnicities: Albania, Kosova and Roman ethnicity. Prevalence for all parasites (protozoa and helminthes) was 68.6%. The age group (11-15 years old) had the highest rate of infection (91%). Boys had higher rate of infection than girls (74.4% vs 63%) respectively. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between age, sex, ethnicity groups and infection. Regarding the presence of infection and the presence of anemia were observed a significantly strong relationship with p <0.001, also an association between prevalence of infection and level of education for p <0:03. In this study Giardia intestinalis was the most predominant protozoa and for helminthes more predominat were T. trichiura and H. nana. These parasites could be prevented by possible grouping of better ecological design and hygiene. Conclusively, the examination of personal hygiene as well as routine medical examination and treatment is strongly recommended in the low socio-economic areas.