The prevalence of intestinal parasites in two suburbs of Kinshasa (Zaire) and their relation to domestic water supplies.

The prevalence of common intestinal nematodes (Ascaris, Trichuris and hookworms) and protozoa (Entamoeba coli, E. histolytica, Giardia, Trichomonas) was compared in two suburbs of Kinshasa, one provided with piped water and the other one with wells. Pit latrines were used in both places. No significant differences were observed for the worms, but the prevalence of the four common protozoa was approximately twice as high in the community without piped water supply. It is concluded that providing piped water has some impact on the transmission of potentially pathogenic intestinal protozoa, but no influence, at least on the short run, on intestinal worms. Infections with Giardia and Trichomonas were significantly associated.