Research article: Seasonal Variations in the Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in Pediatric Patients at Sacré Cœur Pediatric Center in Guinea–Conakry

Joel E. Mortensen, Pépé Guilavogui, Rachel Jamison, Rebecca J. Wilson, Anne M. White

Abstract

Background. Intestinal parasites are a major cause of illness and death among children worldwide, especially from resource-poor areas. However, limited pediatric data from these regions make the true prevalence unknown. The goal of this study was to determine the current rate of intestinal parasites in pediatric patients with a high likelihood of infection seen at Sacré Cœur Pediatric Center in Guinea–Conakry, West Africa, during wet and dry season (2024-2025).

Materials and Methods. The laboratory used direct microscopy to examine stool samples for parasites and a lateral flow device (Operon, Inc., Spain) to detect the three most common intestinal protozoa reported in the region: Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia duodenalis.

Results. Microscopy consistently showed low levels of Schistosoma mansoni (4-7%), hookworms (0. 0.7-1%), and Ascaris spp. (1-4%) in both seasons. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides was higher during the dry season (p = 0.04). The incidence of intestinal protozoa in the seasons was as follows: G. duodenalis (28. 7% during rainy vs. 14. 1% during dry), E. histolytica (10. 2% vs. 1. 5%), and Cryptosporidium spp. (14. 6% vs. 3. 0%). The prevalence of all protozoa was greater during the rainy season (p < 0.001). Eight percent of samples contained multiple protozoa.

Conclusion. This study highlights a significant burden and seasonality of parasitic infections among pediatric patients. These findings will help improve clinical care in the region and aim to enhance children's health and preventable deaths.

Keywords: Guinea-Conakry, protozoal infections, Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba; Giardia

Int. J. Bio. Lab. Sci 2026(15)1:59-64 【PDF】