Abstract
Background and aims: Previous studies have shown that the intestinal parasites have the high prevalence in Hamadan province. However, this problem has not been addressed properly yet and, therefore, there is not up-to-date information about it. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in different residential areas of Hamadan Province (urban and rural areas) and compare the obtained findings with the results from previous studies on these parasites in this region and other parts of Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 2948 fecal samples were collected from all rural and urban inhabitants of the province (including 12 cities) by cluster random sampling method. Fecal samples were examined using the direct smear and formalin ether concentration techniques. A questionnaire was used to collect relevant epidemiologic information about the study population.Results: Overall, 52.2% of the samples were from rural areas, and the rest were from urban areas. As for the gender of study population, 50.6% were male and 49.4% were female (Mean age 29±12.3). The infection rate was 4.9% for both pathogenic and non-pathogenic parasites. Only 4 specimens were positive for ova (Ascaris lumbricoides, Hymenolepis nana, and pinworm). A total of 69 specimens (2.3%) were positive for pathogenic parasites, and 73 specimens (2.5%) were positive for non-pathogenic (E. coli). The most important intestinal parasite in this region was found to be Giardia lamblia. It was also discovered that totally 2.3% of the studied population was infected with this parasite.Conclusion: According to the results from this study, this area was not faced with a problem caused by the intestinal parasites at the time. In addition, only G. lamblia was found to have been a moderate parasitic problem in the province.
Highlights
Some intestinal parasites such as Giardia lamblia and Ascaris lumbricoides have been proved to have significant prevalence in Hamadan city, as well as in Hamadan Province[8,9,10]; due to the complexity and difficulty of controlling these parasites, no considerable measure has been taken in the urban areas of the province to control them
Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, a total of 2958 stool specimens were collected by cluster random sampling from all rural and urban areas of Hamadan province located in the west-central part of Iran
To carry out the study, two laboratory experts working in the parasitology unit of the health center laboratory of each city were invited to the medical school after making a prior arrangement with the Chancellor for Health of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services and, they were trained in a one-day workshop on the principles of intestinal parasites diagnosis
Summary
Intestinal parasites are among the problems of silent health subjects since they do not often have an acute and immediate effect on the infected population, but exert a slow and gradual influence on the nutrition and physical/mental developments of the people, especially on children’s.1,2 Changes in social, economic and cultural situations, ae well as the widespread climatic changes in many countries located in the endemic regions can alter the epidemiological pattern of these parasites.[3,4,5,6]Because of the silent character and intangible consequences of these parasites, little attention has been given to them so far and, insufficient attention has been paid to introduce and implement necessary measures for controlling them in recent years despite their high prevalence in most communities, especially in rural areas.[7]. Some intestinal parasites such as Giardia lamblia and Ascaris lumbricoides have been proved to have significant prevalence in Hamadan city, as well as in Hamadan Province[8,9,10]; due to the complexity and difficulty of controlling these parasites, no considerable measure has been taken in the urban areas of the province to control them. Previous studies have shown that the intestinal parasites have the high prevalence in Hamadan province. This problem has not been addressed properly yet and, there is not up-to-date information about it. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in different residential areas of Hamadan Province (urban and rural areas) and compare the obtained findings with the results from previous studies on these parasites in this region and other parts of Iran.
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