Prevalence and species distribution of intestinal parasites: a four-year retrospective study at Burao general hospital, Somaliland.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and species distribution of intestinal parasites through a four-year retrospective analysis at Burao General Hospital in Somaliland, to provide insights into the local epidemiological landscape and inform targeted interventions and resource allocation for disease control.

RESULTS

Giardia intestinalis (57.81%) and Entameba histolytica/E. dispar (41.85%) were the most prevalent parasites. Males showed higher infection rates than females, particularly G. intestinalis and E. histolytica/E. dispar. The 15-22-year age group had the highest prevalence of both the parasites. A statistically significant association was found between sex and intestinal parasite infection (p = 0.014) but not between age and infection (p = 0.113). The prevalence of intestinal parasites fluctuated slightly over the four-year period, with the highest number of cases reported in 2024. Some parasites, such as Hymenolepis nana and the hookworm, showed a declining trend over the years.