Evolution of the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in the region of tunis from 1996 at 2012.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis is very different according to countries. Therefore, it is always interesting to update the data in Tunisia to better direct control measures.

AIM: The objectives of this survey were to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in the region of Tunis, to study their evolution and to establish various combinations of intestinal protozoa.

METHODS: This is a retrospective study carried out over a period of 17 years from 1996 at 2012 and which involved 20033 individuals. Each subject had one or more stool examination which included a direct microscopic examination and a concentration by modified Ritchie technique.

RESULTS: The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 12.55%. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and Giardia intestinalis accounted respectively a prevalence of 0.51% and 1.48%. Hymenolepis nana was the most predominant helminth with a prevalence rate of 0.53%, followed by Enterobius vermicularis (0.21%). Two cases of Hookworms and seven cases of Strongyloides stercoralis were diagnosed. Polyparasitism concerned 16.59% of infected individuals. Significant combinations occured mainly for amoeba in particular Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and Entamoeba coli (r=0.232).

CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the decrease of the prevalence of giardiasis and amebiasis, whereas helminthiases with direct transmission remain frequent.