Impact of the season and prevalence of intestinal parasitosis at the Notre Dame de l’Espérance University Hospital Center, Democratic Republic of the Congo

<ns3:p>Background Intestinal parasitosis are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in Africa. The tropical climate in the D.R. Congo provides parasites with an environment conducive to their proliferation. The prevalence rates of intestinal parasitosis remain poorly understood in the D.R. Congo. Objective This study aims to estimate the overall and specific prevalence of intestinal parasitosis and to determine an association between intestinal parasitosis and the season at CHUNDE. Methods From January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021, patients for whom a direct stool examination was requested at the Notre Dame de l’Espérance University Hospital Center were included in this study. Stool samples were collected and examined under an optical microscope. Results During the period of the study, we recorded 187 patients aged 2 to 77 years. The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 75.40%. The specific prevalence rates for parasites were as follows: <ns3:italic>E. histolytica/dispar</ns3:italic>, the most common, with a prevalence of 55.08%, followed by <ns3:italic>P. hominis</ns3:italic> and <ns3:italic>G. lamblia</ns3:italic> with respective prevalence rates of 9.09% and 6.24%. <ns3:italic>A. lumbricoide</ns3:italic> had a prevalence of 27.81%, followed by <ns3:italic>S. mansoni</ns3:italic>, <ns3:italic>A. duodenalis</ns3:italic>, and <ns3:italic>E. vermicularis</ns3:italic> with respective prevalence rates of 3.74%, 1.60%, and 1.07%. There was no association between the season and the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis. Conclusion The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was higher amang symptomatic patients at CHUNDE. There is no statistically valid association between the season and the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis.</ns3:p>