Abstract

Numerous millions of individuals are infected with intestinal protozoa and helminths, especially youngsters in lowand middle-income nations. The primary method for managing helminthiases is preventative chemotherapy. However, in environments with poor access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, re-infection happens quickly. We carried out a cross-sectional epidemiological study in 56 communities across three departments in south-central Côte d'Ivoire in the months of August and September 2014. Urine and stool samples were requested from study participants. Using the Kato-Katz technique and a formalin-ether concentration approach, stool samples were checked for helminth and intestinal protozoa infections. Schistosoma haematobium was diagnosed using a filtering procedure on urine samples. Information about sociodemographic traits, knowledge, attitude, habits, and beliefs related to sanitation, intestinal health, and hygiene. A questionnaire given to household heads was used to gather information on parasite illnesses. In order to examine the relationships between risk factors and parasite infections, multivariable logistic regression models were used. 4,305 subjects in total had comprehensive parasitological and survey results. The most common helminth species was hookworm (21.2%), with prevalences of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Schistosoma mansoni, and S. haematobium all falling below 10%. Infections with harmful intestinal protozoa, such as Giardia intestinalis and Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar, were common in all three departments. Participant age and sex as well as open defecation were linked to hookworm infection. Use of tap water at home was connected adversely with entamoeba coli infection. Garbage disposal adjacent to residences was positively correlated with G. intestinalis.