Schistosoma mansoni and other intestinal parasites in the Blue Nile Valley of Western Ethiopia
Gundersen, S.G.; Birrie, H.
Ethiopian Medical Journal 26(4): 157-165
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0014-1755 PMID: 3145853 Document Number: 320686
Data are presented on the prevalence of intestinal parasites among different ethnic groups in the Blue Nile Valley of Western Ethiopia. Stool samples were obtained from 586 persons, representing different ethinc groups (Nilotics and Oromos), living under different geographic and climatic conditions (lowland, midland and highland) of the Mendi District (Wereda). Schistosoma mansoni eggs were frequently found in the stool samples of the Lowland Nilotics, particularly among persons aged between 5 and 30 years (41%), while other intestinal parasites were rare in these lowlanders. In contrast, hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides were relatively common (28% and 10% respectively) among the Highland Oromos, where only one case of S. mansoni infection was found. The results of the Midland Nilotics and Oromos were intermediate. Also, there were indications of rapid spread of Schistosomiasis mansoni in this area, and the implications of this are discussed.