Prevalence of diarrhea causing protozoan infections and associated risk factors in diarrheic under five children in Bahir Dar town, northwest Ethiopia: pediatric clinic based study

Abstract

Diarrheal diseases cause about 3 million deaths annually, mainly to children under five years of age. This study determined the prevalence of diarrhea causing  intestinal protozoans and the associated risk factors in diarrheic children aged below five years in Bahir Dar town, Ethiopia. From November 2011 to February  2012, pediatric clinic based study was conducted. Stool specimens were collected from 422 diarrheic children using labeled stool cups and examined microscopically for the presence of cysts, trophozoites, and oocysts. Direct saline, formalin-ether concentration, and modified Ziehl-Neelson staining methods were used for stool examination. Eighty six (20.4%) of the stool samples had one or more intestinal protozoan parasites. Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was 15.2%  (64/422). Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia intestinalis were detected as single infections in 16 (3.8%), and four (0.9%) of the study subjects, respectively. A  relatively high prevalence of protozoal infection was recorded and therefore public health education about diarrhea causing protozoans and potential risk factors for diarrhea should be given to caretakers/parents for prevention and control of diarrhea under five children.