No Paragonimus in high-risk groups in Côte d'Ivoire, but considerable prevalence of helminths and intestinal protozoon infections
Author Information
Author(s): Traoré Sylvain G, Odermatt Peter, Bonfoh Bassirou, Utzinger Jürg, Aka N'da D, Adoubryn Koffi D, Assoumou Aka, Dreyfuss Gilles, Koussémon Marina
Primary Institution: Laboratoire de Biotechnologie et Microbiologie des Aliments, Université d'Abobo-Adjamé
Hypothesis
Does paragonimiasis occur in high-risk groups in Côte d'Ivoire?
Conclusion
No cases of Paragonimus were found in high-risk groups, likely due to cooking practices, but other helminth and intestinal protozoon infections were prevalent.
Supporting Evidence
- No human case of paragonimiasis was diagnosed in the study.
- 62 out of 278 patients had tuberculosis, with a higher prevalence in males.
- Prevalence of helminths was 4.6% and intestinal protozoa was 16.9% among patients.
- Among schoolchildren, the prevalence of helminths was 22.3% and intestinal protozoa was 48.8%.
- Hookworm was the predominant helminth species found.
Takeaway
The study looked for a disease caused by lung flukes in people who might get it, but found none because they cooked their food well; however, other infections were common.
Methodology
Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in tuberculosis centers and schools, with sputum and stool samples collected and analyzed for infections.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported food consumption habits and reliance on specific diagnostic methods.
Limitations
The study may have missed paragonimiasis cases due to the low sensitivity of diagnostic techniques and irregular egg shedding.
Participant Demographics
{"patients":{"total":278,"male":156,"female":122,"age_range":"8-80"},"children":{"total":166,"male":94,"female":72,"age_range":"6-15"}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.003
Statistical Significance
p = 0.003
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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