Gastrointestinal parasites in Africa: A review

Data on human gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) infections in the african sub-regions and countries are mainly lacking in terms of prevalence and population stratification by afflicted age group, symptomatology, multi-parasitism, and diagnostic methods. This study aims to describe the GIP reported in african countries and discuss the extent of the burden in the african context. Only 68.42% (39/57) of african countries reported human cases of GIP with helminths (45%, CI: 40–50%, I²: 99.79%) as the predominant parasitic group infecting the african population. On a regional scale, Central Africa had the highest pooled prevalence for GIP (43%, CI: 32–54%, I²: 99.74%), while the Central African Republic led all countries with a pooled prevalence of 90% (CI: 89–92%, I²: 99.96%). The vulnerable population (patients who are minorities, children, old, poor, underfunded, or have particular medical conditions) was the most affected (50%, CI: 37–62%, I²: 99.33%), with the predominance of GIP in the 6 to <20 years age group (48%, CI: 43–54%, I²: 99.68%). Reports on multi-parasitism (44%, CI: 40–48%, I²: 99.73%) were almost double the reports of single infections (43%, CI: 27–59%, I²: 99.77%) with combined molecular and non-molecular techniques demonstrating the best performance for GIP identification. The current review spans more than 40 years of GIP reports from the african continent. Geographical characteristics, environmental factors, habits of its inhabitants, and their health status play a crucial role in GIP modulation and behaviour in its captive hosts. Strategies for regular and enhanced surveillance, policy formation, and high-level community awareness are necessary to identify the true incidence in Africa and the transmission of the pathogens via water and food.