Asymptomatic carriage of intestinal protists is common in children in Lusaka Province, Zambia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

PCR-based screenings on the presence of diarrhoea-causing intestinal protist species are limited in Zambia, resulting in inaccurate current prevalence and epidemiological data. Sensitive PCR-based methods are particularly well suited for detecting subclinical infections in apparently healthy carriers.

Methodology

In this prospective cross-sectional study, we investigated the occurrence of the most common intestinal protists in an apparently healthy paediatric population (5-18 years) in Lusaka Province, Zambia. We collected single stool samples (n = 256) and epidemiological questionnaires on demographics, behavioural habits, drinking water and toilet access from participating children. We used PCR for the initial screening of samples for the presence of intestinal

SUBMITTER: Mutengo M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11676895 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature