INTESTINAL PARASITE INFECTIONS

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, intestinal parasitic infections are major causeof human mortality and morbidity especially among developing countries wherein publichealth standards are not much better like developed countries. Intestinal parasiticinfections are linked with poor sanitation, lack of safe drinking water, inadequate dietaryand cultural habits and climate conditions. Objective: To assess the frequency, riskfactors and clinical manifestations related to intestinal parasite infections in patients withgastrointestinal disorders. Study Design: Cross-sectional multi-centre study. Setting:Department of Medicines, Chandka Medical College Larkana and Civil Hospital, KhairpurMirs. Period: 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2017. Method: 260 patients, the patientswith gastrointestinal disorders presenting one or more symptoms (e.g. diarrhea, dysentery,abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, cramping and constipation) were included.Results: Frequency of intestinal parasites was 32.3%. The most common parasites wereEntamoeba histolytica (10.4%), Giardia lamblia (8.5%) and Hymenolepis nana (6.9%). Age,education, monthly income and contact with animal were significantly associated withintestinal parasite infections. Concerning symptoms, the presence of intestinal parasitesinfection was significantly associated with diarrhea and dysentery. Conclusion: Studyconcluded that most prevalent parasites were Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lambliaand Hymenolepis nana. Significant association was found in age, education and monthlyincome.