Frequency and distribution of intestinal parasites in patients presented to the Microbiology Laboratory in Mogadishu Somali Turkiye Training and Research Hospital Somalia between 2022 and 2024

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the frequency, distribution, and relationship between gender and age of intestinal parasites in Mogadishu-Somalia between 2022-2024. Methods: This retrospective study classified patients into five age groups (0–15, 16–30, 31–45, 46–60, and ≥60 years). The distribution of intestinal parasites detected in stool samples was analyzed according to age and gender. Stool specimens were evaluated macroscopically and microscopically using direct wet mount and native Lugol preparations (10× and 40× magnification). Trichrome staining was performed for the differential identification of suspected amoebic cysts and trophozoites (100× magnification). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 27 (IBM, USA). Categorical variables were expressed as numbers and percentages, continuous variables as median and interquartile range (IQR). The Chi-square and Mann–Whitney U tests were used where appropriate, and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 21,131 patient samples were examined, and parasites were detected in (11.8%) of these samples (n: 2.496). Although the majority of patients who gave samples were female (54%), no relationship was found between the development of intestinal parasite infection and gender (p=0.261). Giardia lamblia (47.6%) was the most frequently detected parasite. The vast majority of detected parasites (94.9%) consisted of protozoal parasites, and protozoal parasites and helminths were detected together in 3 samples. Parasites were significantly more detected in children aged 0-15 (p=0.038). The highest sample examination and highest parasite detection rate was determined as 2023 (p<0.001). Our results are similar to the results of a previous study in the same region. Conclusion: There has been no significant decrease in the rate of intestinal parasitism in Somalia over the years and it continues to be a public health problem. In order to solve this situation, joint efforts of both the state authority and individuals are required.