A survey of common intestinal parasites was completed in three areas of the Egyptian Nile Valley: The Nile Delta, Upper Middle Egypt and Upper Egypt. The relocated Nubian population was also included. The total sampling included 15,664 persons in 41 villages. More than 95% attended and approximately 90% provided a stool specimen. Environmental health observations and measures were made in each of the households from which a family was selected and in the village environs. Sampling within a study site (which included one or more villages) was designed to provide a probability of selection. Stool specimens were preserved and examined for parasites and ova at a central laboratory using the MIFC technique. The findings indicated a very low prevalence for all helminthic infections. A low prevalence of Ancylostoma and the Ascaris infections was found. Important features such as the household stable, the zir (a water storage container), and cooking fuel were evaluated. Considerable information on water and wastewater use was developed. Also, a review of the available information on the parasitic infections of interest and environmental health conditions for rural Egypt was compiled for the first time.

Special Foreign Currency Project No. 03-542-1. Includes bibliographical references (pages 45-53).