Study of Correlation Between Intestinal Parasitism and the Nutritional Status of Children at the Moulay Abdellah Hospital of Sale (MOROCCO)

Abstract

Intestinal parasites are a public health problem. They are at the origin of harmful damage, including malnutrition, which is the main cause of ill health. In order to evaluate this impact, a correlation study between parasitism and nutritional status was carried out at the Moulay Abdellah Center of Sale. This was a prospective 5-month study (May - September 2007) involving children aged 10 months to 15 years and hospitalized in the paediatric department regardless of their reason for hospitalization. The assessment of parasitism was based on three stool examinations plus Ritchie and Willis. The assessment of nutritional status was based on the scale of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). The parasitological results highlighted an overall prevalence of 39.2% and 8 parasites including 5 pathogens: Giardia intestinalis:13.3%, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar: 9.2%, Enterobius vermicularis: 5.8%, Ascaris lumbricoides: 2.5% and Hymenolepis nana: 1.7%. Nutritional results showed prevalences of 17.1%, 22.6% and 27.9% respectively of stunting, wasting and underweight. Statistically, no association is demonstrated, but in proportions, the parasitized seem in the case of stunting and underweight more malnourished than their counterparts: 21.4% against 14.5% and 31% against 26.1% respectively. In conclusion: 39.2% are parasitized, 22.6% are too thin, 27.9% and 17.1% have respectively in relation to their age an insufficient weight and a small height. But in terms of impact on health, this parasitism is proving to have no significant role on this worrying nutritional situation. We hope that this study will further inspire actors to improve strategies to best manage situations.