Climatic Variables and Intestinal Parasitosis Transmission Dynamics in Jimma Town, South West Ethiopia: An Ecological Retrospective Study

Background Intestinal parasites cause considerable morbidity and mortality. Variability of climatic factors is important determinants for transmission of parasitic infections. This study was aimed at assessing trends of intestinal parasites and their correlations with climatic variables in Jimma town, South west Ethiopia. Methodology Ecological retrospective study was conducted by reviewing six years (from January 01/2006-December 30/2011) laboratory records of intestinal parasites from all Public health facilities, and meteorological variables from Jimma branch of national metrology agency of the town. Descriptive statistics, Time series and Spearman correlation analysis were used during data analysis. Results During the six years period, there was a significant reduction (p=0.037) in overall prevalence of intestinal parasites and the highest (43.4 %) being in 2006 and the lowest (31.8 %) in 2011. Within these years, ten types of intestinal parasites were isolated and the predominant parasite detected was Ascaris lumbricoides (11.6 %) followed by Giardia lamblia (9.4 %) and Entamoeba histolytica (5.9 %). Spearman correlation analysis indicated that monthly total rainfall was positively correlated with Giardia lamblia (r=0.87, p=0.001) and Entamoeba histolytica (r = 0.699, p = 0.027). On the other hand, none of the climatic variables were significantly correlated with any intestinal helmenthosis. Conclusion Although prevalence of intestinal parasitosis showed significant reduction within the six years, they are still a health problem in the study area and imply that more coordinated efforts should be paid for further declination. Cases of intestinal protozoa infections might be affected by rainfall pattern and during rainy season preventing and controlling measures should be undertaken.