A preliminary survey for intestinal parasites in the Tis Abay town, northwest Ethiopia, with special references to Schistosoma mansoni.

A parasitological survey was made in Tis Abay town, north western Ethiopia in January 1991. A total of 615 stool specimens were randomly collected from school and non-school populations. Prevalence rates for S. mansoni and other intestinal helminths were computed. Human behaviour and waste disposal were observed to be conducive for transmission of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted parasites. From the findings of this preliminary survey it is suggested that improvement of sanitary conditions and provision of a piped water supply to all households may reduce transmission of soil and water-borne infections.