The Epidemiology of Dysentery in South Khorasan Province, Iran in 2016-2020

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Iranshahr Health Services, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran

2 Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran

3 Research Center for social determinants of health, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran

Abstract

Background: Dysentery is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) infected by micro-organisms invading the intestinal mucosa.
Objectives: This study sought to determine the epidemiologic profile of this disease and its related factors in South Khorasan Province, Iran.
Methods:  This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1181 patients with dysentery during 2016-2020 in South Khorasan Province. The data collection tool was the individual examination form completed in the diseases surveillance system, approved by Diseases Control of Ministry Center of Health and Medical Education. Data were analyzed using SPSS 18 software.
Results: The highest prevalence was observed in counties (i.e., Sarbisheh, Zirkooh, Darmiyan, and Nehbandan) sharing a border with Afghanistan. The highest prevalence of the disease was reported in men (n=639, 54.1%) and villagers (n=702, 59.4%). As well, the age group under 6 years old had the highest frequency of the affected cases (n=110, 30.6%). The most common causes of dysentery were connected with the genus Shigella (48.2%) and E. coli (30.9%).
Conclusion: The genus Shigella and E. coli were found to be the most important causes of dysentery in South Khorasan Province, Iran. In addition, the highest prevalence of diarrheal diseases had been observed in counties located on the borderlines.

Keywords


Volume 1, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
March 2022
Pages 101-107
  • Receive Date: 15 January 2022
  • Revise Date: 10 February 2022
  • Accept Date: 10 February 2022
  • First Publish Date: 10 February 2022