Resurgence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in the United Villages Region, Northern Khartoum state: Impact of armed conflict and water supply disruption.

BACKGROUND

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a silent struggle affecting people globally. Their impact is particularly devastating in developing countries like Sudan, a sub-Saharan African country where the healthcare system was already on the brink; the eruption of a devastating war has resulted in many outbreaks of infectious diseases. This study sheds light on the distressing resurgence of Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) amidst the armed conflict and siege in the United Villages Region, Northern Khartoum State, a stark reminder of the human cost of such crises.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in two resource-limited community clinics, which provided basic healthcare from July 1, 2024, to October 31, 2024. The study included 1,500 patients who presented with abdominal complaints and diarrhea. Each patient was asked to provide a stool sample for a general test.

RESULTS

Among the 1,500 study participants, 200 (13.3%) had one or more intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs). Of these, 115 were females (57.5%) and 85 were males (42.5%). The most common intestinal parasite identified was Entamoeba histolytica (53%, n = 106), followed by Giardia lamblia (42.5%, n = 85). Mixed infections were found in eight cases (4%), involving both E. histolytica and G. lamblia, and in one case (0.5%), involving G. lamblia and Schistosoma mansoni. Most participants reported using Nile water (77.5%, n = 155), followed by well water (17.5%, n = 35). Few used a combination of Nile and well water (5%, n = 10).

CONCLUSIONS

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) surged concurrently with armed conflict, which left a collapsed healthcare system, water shortages, and massive contamination of water sources. The calculated prevalence of 13.3% underestimates the actual burden due to many complications that prevent many people from reaching the health center. This picture reveals the vulnerability of such a community amid war; the information may be useful for future rehabilitation processes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.