Prevalence and Intensity of Entamoeba Histolytica in Patients Attending Health Centres in Mathare Slums, Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Entamoeba histolytica being an intestinal pathogenic parasite is the causative agent of amoebiasis. It has been reported to cause acute health challenges to various individuals in developing nations, especially those living in informal settlements. This study investigated the prevalence and intensity of Entamoeba histolytica in patients attending health centres in Mathare slums, Nairobi County, Kenya. Random sampling was used to collect stool samples from 800 patients in a cross- sectional study. All samples were examined by the formol-ether concentration technique and the microscopically positive samples of Entamoeba histolytica were further differentiated by ELISA (E. HISTOLYTICA II test kit). Data collected was analysed and differences in proportion were identified using logistic regression. Based on a single stool examination, it was found that 19.5% (156/800) of the sampled population were infected with Entamoeba histolytica, and there was a significantly (P < 0.05) higher prevalence in consumers of vendor water (18.1%; 55/142) than in consumers of tap water (21.0%; 45/214). Comparison by age groups showed that 10-14 years had higher infection rates than 15 years and above (26.7% vs 18.5%; p<0.05). Based on this finding that E. histolytica infection is present in the study area, especially amongst children, public health awareness about the disease is highly recommended, especially in schools and communities. Key words: E. histolytica, E. dispar, Microscopy, ELISA, Kenya