Objectives: to analyze the epidemiologic and clinical aspects of intestinal parasitosis in prisoners at the prison in Ouagadougou (MACO).
Materials and methods: cross-sectional study from November 2009 to January 2010, including a survey to determine the risk factors and clinical signs of intestinal parasitosis. It also included laboratory examination of feces samples from 403 prisoners, by direct analysis, the Willis and Ritchie methods, and a scotch test for oxyuris (Enterobios vermicularis).
Results: The global prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 71.5%. There was a link between parasitism and the prison section. Amebae were the most frequent parasites (66.7%), with high prevalence of Entamœba coli (55.6%). They were followed by flagellata (16.6%), mainly Trichomonas intestinalis (9.2%). Helminths were less frequent (7.4%). Most subjects with parasites were symptomatic (diarrhea or constipation) (p = 10(-4)).
Conclusion: our results highlight the need to improve sanitation at the prison and provide hygiene education for the prison population.
Keywords: Burkina Faso; Ouagadougou; epidemiology; intestinal parasites; prison.