METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Stool samples were collected from 503 patients aged between 1 and 80 years old; 219 were males and 284 females. Biodata were collected via pretested standard questionnaire. Faecal samples were processed and examined for (oo)cysts or ova using a wet mount preparation after formal-ether concentration technique. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected using the Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. The overall prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections was 30.9%. Infection rates of Giardia duodenalis, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and Cryptosporidium were 17.7%, 17.1% and 1%, respectively. Other parasites detected included Ascaris lumbricoides (2.4%), Schistosoma mansoni (0.3%), Hymenolepis nana (1.4%) and Enterobius vermicularis (0.4%). Multivariate analysis using forward stepwise logistic regression based on intestinal protozoan infections showed that contact with animals (OR = 1.748, 95% CI = 1.168-2.617) and taking bath less than twice a week (OR = 1.820, 95% CI = 1.192-2.779) were significant risk factors of protozoan infections.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This present study indicated that intestinal protozoan infections are still a public health problem in Yemen, with Giardia and Entamoeba infections being most common. Statistical analysis indicated that low personal hygiene and contact with animals were important predictors for intestinal protozoan infections. As highlighted in this study, in order to effectively reduce these infections, a multi-sectoral effort is needed. Preventive measures should include good hygienic practices, good animal husbandry practices, heightened provision of educational health programs, health services in all governorates including rural areas. Furthermore, it is also essential to find radical solutions to the recent water crises in Yemen.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study on gastric biopsies from 234 consecutive patients (mean age 53.5 [14.8] years) who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy between January 2006 and December 2006.
RESULTS: There were 137 (59%) men and 185 (79%) Malay patients. Among 234 biopsies, CAG was found in 99 and non-atrophic gastritis in 135. Intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia were detected in 8 and 6 atrophic gastritis biopsies, respectively, and in 10 and 3 of non-atrophic gastritis biopsies, respectively. H. pylori were detected in 16 (9 Malays, 7 non- Malays) biopsies (p=0.024); intestinal metaplasia was detected in 4 biopsies (p=0.3) and dysplasia in 5 biopsies (p=0.3). Of the 218 biopsies negative for H. pylori, intestinal metaplasia was found in 14 and dysplasia in 4. The risk of intestinal metaplasia as well as dysplasia was associated with presence of H. pylori infection (p=0.029 and p<0.001 respectively).
CONCLUSION: Even in a setting of low prevalence of H. pylori, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia were significantly associated with H. pylori infection. The frequency of intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia was similar different between biopsies with atrophic gastritis and non-atrophic gastritis.