Minimum risk of intestinal parasitic infection to the visitors of Ghandruk, Kaski, Nepal: a pilot survey.

Abstract

Ghandruk is one of the famous destinations of both international and domestic tourists situated in Kaski, Nepal. Travel-related diseases are an important aspect that one should consider before making a travel plan. Among diseases, zoonotically important ones make serious worries among visitors. In order to assess the existence of the zoonotically important parasitic disease in Ghandruk, a pilot survey was carried out by examining representative stool samples (n=51) of local residence, domestic animals, pet animals in Ghandruk. Samples were examined using direct smear as well as concentration methods. A questionnaire survey was conducted to see the associated risk factors among residents and their livestock of Ghandruk. None of the faecal samples from residents (n=14) found positive for any kind of intestinal parasites (IPs), while samples from most of the livestock: chicken (86%, 6/7), pigeons (75%, 3/4), cow (66%, 2/3), mule (60%, 3/5), and dog (60%, 3/5) showed heavy infection, except goat and buffalo indicated no infection. Eimeria spp., Ascardia spp. and cestodes spp. were the most prevalent IPs in livestock. Periodic deworming, walking outdoor with sandals/shoes, frequent use of soap and water for handwashing as reported by most of the residents (>80%) could be the main reason behind zero prevalence of IPs in them. The heavy infection among livestock may be incriminated to the contaminated vicinity and free-range livestock and poultry which were noticed in contact with river, sludge, and toilets during our field observation. Conclusively, it indicates that the residents of Ghandruk are conscious about their health, but have not paid satisfactory attention to the hygiene of their domestic animals including livestock, poultry and even pet. Though the observed parasites in livestock are of minimal zoonotic importance regarding safety of visitors, it is deemed necessary for at least to apply some preventive measures to mitigate the burden of parasites in their animals.