Abstract
Introduction: Parasitic infestation is the important cause of morbidity in children. It is regarded as serious public health problem as it may cause anaemia, growth retardation and abdominal symptoms. Objectives: 1) To study the occurrence of parasitic infestation in pediatric patients at KVG Medical College, Sullia. 2) To study the age and sex wise distribution of parasitic infestation in above patients. Material and methods: After obtaining IEC approval, patients were recruited from department of Pediatrics at KVG Medical College, Sullia. Informed consent from the patients/legal guardian or assent from the child aged over 7 years was obtained. Stool samples were collected and were subjected to saline and iodine mount. Results: Out of total 580 samples collected, 112 (19.31%) cases were positive for parasitic infection. 5-10 years age group was most commonly affected (54.46%) and males (67.86%) were more affected as compared to females (32.14%). Ascaris was seen in 27.68% cases, G.lamblia was seen in 23.21% cases and was most common protozoal parasite. Hookworm was seen in 17.86% cases, E.histolytica in 11.61% cases. S. stercolaris, C.parvum and Taenia was seen only in few cases. Conclusion: Ascaris, Giardia and hookworms were the predominant intestinal parasites in our study. Proper hygiene should be maintained as they can be transferred through soil.
Highlights
Parasitic infestation is the important cause of morbidity in children
Material and methods: After obtaining IEC approval, patients were recruited from department of Pediatrics at KVG Medical College, Sullia
Ascaris was seen in 27.68% cases, G.lamblia was seen in 23.21% cases and was most common protozoal parasite
Summary
Intestinal parasites spend part of their lifecycle in human’s digestive tract where they express their parasitic activity [1]. Weight loss, abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea, lack of appetite and abdominal distention [3]. They can cause iron deficiency anaemia [3]. 3.5 billion people are infested by intestinal parasites and about 450 million children are suffering due by parasitic infections [4]. 1 billion people are affected annually by Ascaris lumbricoides, 795 million by T. trichiura and 740 million by hookworms [6]. Hookworm and Trichuris trichura are collectively called as soil-transmitted helminths and are most common intestinal parasites. Low water quality and overcrowding is associated with it Such conditions are most favourable in developing countries. Entamoeba histolytica is 3rd leading reason of parasitic death in the underdeveloped and developing countries and affects almost 10% of world’s population [7]
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