Author/Authors :
El Kettani, S. Hospital Hassan II - Biomedical Analysis Laboratory - Medical Intern Unit, Morocco , Azzouzi, E. Biomedical Analysis Laboratory, Morocco , Boukachabine, K. Parasitology Laboratory - Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Morocco , El Yamani, M. Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique - Virology Laboratory, Morocco , Maata, A. Hospital Hassan II, Morocco - Biomedical Analysis Laboratory, Morocco , Rajaoui, M. Institut National d’Hygiène - Parasitology Laboratory, Morocco
Abstract :
An evaluation was made of the risk of contamination by faecal parasites in the population from the use of wastewater in agriculture. The study was based in 3 rural clusters in the northern region of Settat city, Morocco: 2 rural clusters exposed to untreated wastewater in agriculture and 1 not exposed. The sample comprised 333 people aged 3–60+ years: 214 exposed and 119 non-exposed. Stool samples were collected and examined for intestinal parasites. The results showed that the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis (i.e. evidence of at least 1 type of parasite) in the exposed group was significantly higher that the non-exposed group (66.4% versus 31.9%; relative risk 2.1). The household crowding index was also higher in the exposed group.
