Abstract:
Background: Tuberculosis and intestinal parasitic infections are worldwide health problems; they are particular major public health burdens, in the developing world. In Ethiopia, tuberculosis as well as intestinal parasitic infections is among the prevalent causes of morbidity and mortality particularly in people living in congregated settings. To prevent the morbidity and mortality of tuberculosis and intestinal parasitic infections require improved understanding of the prevalence of tuberculosis and intestinal parasitic infections.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis and intestinal parasitic infections among tuberculosis suspected Orthodox Church religious students in Gondar town. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 423 tuberculosis suspected religious students and interviewed by using pre-tested structured questionnaire. Smears prepared from sputum samples were stained by the Auramine O stain and examined by under 20 x, 40 x magnifications of light emitting diode fluorescence microscopy. Both direct saline and concentration methods were employed for microscopic examination of stool samples. The data were analyzed using SPSS version -20 soft ware.
Results: The prevalence of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis among the Church students was 8 (1.89 %). In this study, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 240 (58.5 %). 7 (87.5 %) were co-infected with intestinal parasites. Pulmonary tuberculosis infection was significantly associated with history of contact with TB patients (p=0.024), and duration of stay (<6 month) in a church (p=0.033). Unprotected water source for drinking (p=0.037), absence of toilet facilities (p=0.044) were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections.
Conclusions: The prevalence of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis can be considered significant for tuberculosis transmission as the students are living in severely crowded environment. Therefore, strong cooperation between Orthodox Church authorities and the national tuberculosis control programmers is urgently required to develop locally appropriate interventions to reduce transmission