Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection and its associated factors among primary school students in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionIntestinal parasitic infection are a major public health concern affecting both children and adolescents in Ethiopia. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine pooled prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infection in this target group.MethodWe systematically retrieved available articles on the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection following database searches using PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Science Direct between March 1 and May 27, 2020. Two authors independently extracted all relevant data using a standardized Microsoft Excel data extraction form. Heterogeneity among included studies was assessed with the Higgins I² tests. The pooled estimates and associated factors were assessed with a random-effects model using Stata/se Version 14.ResultWe retrieved 30 eligible articles with a pooled sample size of 14,445 primary school children with response rate of 97.8%. Entamoeba spp (16.11%), Ascaris lumbricoides (13.98%), hookworm (12.51%) and Giardia lamblia (9.98%) are the top causes of intestinal parasitic infection among primary school children in Ethiopia. The pooled prevalence for at least one intestinal parasitic infection was 46.09 (95% CI: 38.50, 53.68). Heterogeneity was assessed by doing subgroup analysis by study province/region. Thus, the highest prevalence of 66.6% (95% CI: 55.5, 77.7) occurred in Tigray region, which was followed by Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region at 50.8% (95% CI: 33.1, 68.5). No latrine availability (OR = 4.39: 2.50,7.73), no fingernail hygiene (OR = 2.37: 1.67, 3.35), open defecation (OR = 1.67:1.64,4.36), no formal maternal education (OR = 2.02: 1.18,3.47), rural residence (OR = 1.88: 1.46, 2.41), no habit of wearing shoes (OR = 2.66: 1.79, 3.96), non-pipe source of drinking water (OR = 1.99: 1.42,2.76), no regular hand washing practices (OR = 3.45:1.85,6.47), and no habit of washing fruits and vegetables (OR = 1.59:1.01,2.49) were associated with parasitic infection.ConclusionsThe prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was high (46%). Attention should be given to promoting personal hygiene, latrine utilization, wearing shoes, avoiding eating raw food, creating awareness for those mothers who lack formal education. Moreover, future research ideally will expand on the topic by conducting research in regions which have no prior research.     

Effect of 6-methoxybenzoxazolinone on sex ratio and breeding performance in Microtus montanus

The plant derivative, 6-mathoxybenzoxazolinone (6-MBOA), which has been demonstrated to initiate reproduction in field populations of the montane meadow vole (Microtus montanus), was administered via feeding or Silastic capsule implants to mated pairs of laboratory bred M. montanus. The animals remained paired for 120 days, and the number, size, and sex ratios of the resulting litters were recorded. Both the size and frequency of litters were significantly greater in 6-MBOA-treated pairs than in controls. By using implants, it was possible to treat one or both sexes in a mated pair. The positive effects of this compound on litter size and number of litters occurred when the females received implants, which indicates that the male has no influence on these parameters. The most unusual result of these experiments was that 6-MBOA has a significant effect on the sex ratio of the litters. Animals receiving 6-MBOA produced significantly more females than did control pairs. This result occurred regardless of the method of administration, and in the case of the implant studies, regardless of which sex received the active implants. These findings are discussed in relation to the ecology and life history strategy of Microtus montanus.