A Community Based Epidemiological Study on Intestinal Amoebiasis in Rural West Bengal, India

Objective: To assess the magnitude of Entamoeba histolytica/ Entamoeba dispar infestation and to study some socio-demographic correlates in relation to parasitic infestation in the study subjects. Material & Methods: A cross sectional epidemiological study was carried out in West Bengal, India among rural population of two districts. Stool samples from selected study subjects of all age groups were tested for presence of parasitic infestation by standard diagnostic procedures and data were collected to get information on socio demographic correlates of E. histolytica /E. dispar infestation. Results: Total 402 stool samples were tested. 23.4% of stool samples were positive for parasitic infestation. Major types were E. histolytica/E. dispar (17.7%), G. lambia (3.23%), B. hominis (2.23%), A. lumbricoidis (0.99%) and Hookworm (0.76%). Six samples were positive for mixed infection (1.49%). Among those infected with E. histolytica/E. dispar, majority were female (63.4%), middle aged 21-60yrs (53.5%). Magnitude was highest among geriatric people (26.7%) and children aged 6-10yrs (22.7%) and least among <5yrs age (9.1%). Majority of the infested persons were asymptomatic (52.1%). Participant’s self perception, self medication & water used for washing utensils were found to be significantly associated with parasitic infestation. Conclusion: Result reiterates the need for organized efforts for improvement of basic sanitation needs in the area to curb the parasitic morbidities.