Prevalence of intestinal parasites and urinary pathogens among prison inmates in central jail of Bhopal (MP)

Abstract

Introduction: Jail lacks adequate health facilities resulting in greater burden of illness than other members of society due to the factors like poor sanitation, poor personal hygiene and ignorance. Prevalence of Intestinal parasitic infections and urinary tract infections have been studied extensively in community in various set up and different age groups, but yet to be explored in prison inmates whose health problems are often neglected. Methodology: A Cross sectional study was conducted at central Jail of Bhopal for a period of 2 months among 114 prison inmates. Proforma containing structured questionnaire was also filled. 114 stool samples and 111 urine samples were obtained. Stool samples examined using saline, iodine wet mount. Urine samples processed for aerobic bacterial culture, isolates identified by standard microbiology techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method as per CLSI guidelines. Results: Intestinal parasites found among 7.9% prison inmates. Protozoan parasites contributed 7.0% and intestinal helminth 0.9%. Significant growth of uropathogens obtained in 9.91% urine samples. 6.31% were gram negative bacilli (GNB) and 3.60% gram positive cocci (GPC). GNB isolates were more sensitive for imipenem followed by amikacin. GPC showed maximum sensitivity for vancomycin and linezolid. Conclusions Our study showed low prevalence rate of both intestinal and urinary tract infections among prison inmates of central jail Bhopal. This may be attributed to maintenance of adequate sanitary conditions in jail premises. Keywords: Gram negative bacilli, Gram positive cocci, Intestinal parasites, Prison inmates, Urinary pathogens