Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasite infections in Mazandaran province, North of Iran

Abstract

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are confirmed as major public health problems, worldwide. Northern Iran is highly endemic area for such infections. This research aimed to study on the prevalence of IPIs among people referred to the health care centers in Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran. MethodsIn this descriptive cross-sectional survey, 984 stool samples were collected during 2015–2016. Fresh stool samples were collected from all individuals and examined by direct slide smear, formalin-ether concentration, trichrome and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining techniques. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and Chi-square test. ResultsOut of 984 participants, the overall prevalence of IPIs was 12.1% (95 CI, 11.4–12.7; 119/984). The prevalence of protozoa and helminthes infections were 7.9% (95 CI, 7.4–8.3; 109/984) and 5.3% (95 CI, 4.9%–5.5%; 69/984), respectively. The most prevalent protozoan IPs were include Giardia lamblia (3.3%), Entamoeba coli (2%), Blastocystis hominis (1.3%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (1.1%), Entamoeba hartmanni (1.1%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (0.6%). Also major helminthic infections were include Trichostrongylus spp. (2.6%), Hookworms (1.7%), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.1%), Hymenolepis nana (0.6%) and Dicrocoelium dendriticum (0.6%). The results of the univariate analysis revealed that residence (rural being [P = 0.017]) and occupation (farmers [0.033]) were statistically significant risk factor for IPIs. ConclusionIn conclusion, we have found, despite persistent improvement in sanitary conditions over the recent years in northern part of Iran, IPIs are still among the main public health problems in this area. Moreover, helminths infection in our study were considerable. Thus, effective control programs are essential to reduce the incidence of IPIs.