Distribution of human fascioliasis by age and gender among rural population in the Nile Delta, Egypt

The number of cases of human fascioliasis reported in Egypt, has increased drastically during the past years. Most of the newly infected cases were children and adolescents. In the year 2000, the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population implemented a cross-sectional survey in four endemic foci of Behera Governorate, in the Nile Delta. The aim of the study was to define prevalence and intensity of human fascioliasis, by age and gender, in order to plan appropriate control measures in endemic areas. The field assessments involved 1331 subjects and utilized the Kato-Katz thick-smear technique, on a double preparation, for quantitative diagnosis of intestinal helminths. A total of 72 positive cases were detected, the majority of them (n = 51, 71 per cent) in subjects below 19 years of age. The highest prevalence and intensity of infection was reported in the 9-11 years age group. Women were more affected then men, but not at a significant level. Primary schoolchildren appeared to be more at risk of contracting the infection and should be considered the main target for control measures. Further studies are needed to identify new ways of infections and possible risk factors responsible for the higher transmission among schoolchildren and women.