Abstract:

Background: Amoebiasis is a common life threatening parasitic disease affecting 12% of the world population and third leading cause of death due to parasitic infections worldwide, after malaria and schistosomiasis. It is estimated that about 500 million people are risk of infection with Amoebiasis yearly. In under-developed and developing countries, infection occurs more commonly in areas of low socio-economic status, poor sanitation and nutrition.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of Amoebiasis among patients attending clinic at Sengerema district hospital.

Methodology: This is the retrospective cross-sectional study design which was conducted at Sengerema district hospital on December 2020 by reviewing the records on pediatric patients admitted from 2019 to 2020. Data was collected from a study population of 384 pediatric patients using a check list and all data were recorded for all patients, age, gender, residence, clinical presentation, general examination, diagnostic tool, and diagnosis and treatment response.

Results: The study revealed that out of 384 files of patients attending pediatric clinic at Sengerema district from 2019 to 2020, 54 stool tests positive for Amoebiasis of which 10.7% were male while 15.7% were females. The least affected group was children under age of five years at 5% based on hospital laboratory data.

Conclusion: There is a need for routine stool examination for Amoebiasis in patients presenting with diarrhea and treatment given to control the disease. Understanding the extent of Amoebiasis in the region adds valuable information needed for planning and policy making towards minimizing the effects of disease.