CHANGING TRENDS IN FREQUENCY OF INTESTINAL PARASITES IN GAZA 1995-2000

Abstract

In order to monitor changes in the frequency of intestinal parasites, the records of 8,417 stool specimens of patients attending the Ahli Arab Hospital in the Gaza city in the period 1995-2000 were reviewed and analyzed. Of these 2,506 (29.77%) were positive. Although 9 different parasites were encountered, the most common pathogenic parasites identified were: Entamoeba histolytica (70.19%), Ascaris lumbricoides (14.64%), and Giardia lamblia (10.34%). The other parasites present were: Trichuris trichiura, Hymenolepis nana, Enterobius vermicularis, Strongyloides stercolaris, Taenia saginata, and Echinococcus granulosus. The overall monthly incidence of parasites did not show clear seasonal patterns. The prevalence of intestinal parasites has dropped significantly over the reviewed years from 36.35% in 1995 to 21.20% in 2000 (p < 0.001). This decline in prevalence reflects the continuing efforts of the public health authorities to improve primary health care, water supply services and sanitation conditions.