Epidemiology of intestinal parasitosis in schoolchildren in the Moughatâa of Riyadh (Nouakchott).

Introduction: Intestinal parasitoses are very common in school and in Mauritania few external studies address the issue. Several risk factors are known for intestinal parasitosis, including fecal danger, promiscuity and contaminated food Objective: To describe the epidemiology of intestinal parasitosis in school-age children in the Moughatâa (department) of Riyadh in Nouakchott (Mauritania) and the associated risk factors.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study lasting three months, at the level of a random sample of pupils enrolled in five primary schools in the Moughatâa of Riyadh, as well as the foods sold in front of the establishments included. The data was collected through an anamnestic and clinical observation grid, as well as stool and food samples exposed in front of the schools included. The parasitological examination of the stools was carried out at the National Institute of Public Health Research (INRSP) in Nouakchott, by the methods of modified Ritchie and Kato-Katz. For food, a microbiological analysis looking for fecal colibacilli is carried out.

Results: The study population was composed of 337 students with a sex ratio of 0.76. The prevalence of parasitosis in the study population was 46% (95% CI [40.75%-51.33%]): Boys (48.6%), 95% CI [40.66%-56.67%]); Girls (43.9%), 95% CI [37.13%-51.07%]. The spectrum of these parasitic intestinal diseases was dominated by protozoa (51.6%) and helminthiasis represented 10.4% and characterized by mono parasitism (31.8%). The food sold in front of the schools studied was contaminated with coli bacteria, in 54.5% of cases.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in the primary schools studied and the contamination of food sold to students, require the strengthening of the strategy to fight against diseases of fecal peril and school and public hygiene, in the Moughatâa of Riyadh (Nouakchott).