Epidemiology of Ascaris lumbricoides in District Karak, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan Prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides in District Karak

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Published: Aug 16, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i2.1140
Keywords:
Ascaris lumbricoides, intestinal parasitic infection, prevalence, District Karak, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, cross-sectional study, rural health, public health, soil-transmitted helminth.

Main Article Content

Muhammad Sufyan
Khushal Khan Khattak University, Karak, Pakistan
Fazal Kareem
Lady Reading Hospital MTI, Peshawar, Pakistan
Fahad Bin Riaz
Lady Reading Hospital MTI, Peshawar, Pakistan
Attiya Arina Fairy
Qazi Hussain Ahmed MTI, Nowshera, Pakistan
Nadir Akhtar
Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Rehmat Farhaj
Lady Reading Hospital MTI, Peshawar, Pakistan
Saqib Muhammad
Kabir Medical College, Gandhara University, Pakistan
Aqsa Mansoor
Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Ascariasis, caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, is a significant public health concern globally, particularly in developing regions. This intestinal parasitic infection is prevalent among rural communities with poor sanitation and hygiene practices, affecting various age groups, especially children.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with Ascaris lumbricoides infection in District Karak, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 143 participants aged 2 to 60 years. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed using flotation and sedimentation techniques for the detection of Ascaris lumbricoides ova. Socio-demographic data, hygiene practices, and environmental factors were recorded through structured questionnaires.
Results: Out of 143 samples, 71 tested positive, indicating a prevalence rate of 49.5%. The prevalence was higher in rural areas (71%) compared to urban areas (31%). Females (58.3%) and children (67.6%) had a higher infection rate. The most common water source was the pressure pump (43%). Mebendazole (65%) was the preferred treatment.
Conclusion: The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides is alarmingly high in District Karak, with rural populations, children, and females being the most vulnerable. Effective public health interventions are needed.

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How to Cite
Sufyan, M., Kareem, F., Riaz, F. B., Fairy, A. A., Akhtar, N., Farhaj, R., Muhammad, S., & Aqsa Mansoor. (2024). Epidemiology of Ascaris lumbricoides in District Karak, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan: Prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides in District Karak. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research, 4(3), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i2.1140
Issue
Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): Volume 4, Issue 3 - July to September 2024
Section
Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Author Biographies

Muhammad Sufyan, Khushal Khan Khattak University, Karak, Pakistan

Department of Zoology, Khushal Khan Khattak University, Karak, Pakistan.

Fazal Kareem, Lady Reading Hospital MTI, Peshawar, Pakistan

Lady Reading Hospital MTI Peshawar, Pakistan.

Fahad Bin Riaz, Lady Reading Hospital MTI, Peshawar, Pakistan

General Surgery, Lady Reading Hospital MTI Peshawar, Pakistan.

Attiya Arina Fairy, Qazi Hussain Ahmed MTI, Nowshera, Pakistan

Medical Officer, Qazi Hussain Ahmed MTI Nowshera, Pakistan.

Nadir Akhtar, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan

Department of Zoology, Quaid I Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan.

Rehmat Farhaj, Lady Reading Hospital MTI, Peshawar, Pakistan

Surgical Department, Lady Reading Hospital MTI Peshawar, Pakistan.

Saqib Muhammad, Kabir Medical College, Gandhara University, Pakistan

Kabir Medical College, Gandhara University Peshawar, Pakistan.

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