Abstract
Objective: Intestinal parasitic infection is a burgeoning health issue, especially in developing countries owing to low socioeconomic conditions, poor sanitation, poor personal hygiene, and lack of access to potable drinking water. This study aims to determine the prevalence of different intestinal parasites among the patients.
 Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 470 patients attending our hospital from October 2018 to September 2019. Specimens were collected and examined macroscopically and microscopically using concentration methods and modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining for coccidian parasites.
 Results: Out of the 470 patients, prevalence of intestinal infections was 4.89%. The helminthic infections were more common (52.17%), which was topped by Hookworm infection (26.09%) followed by Ascariasis (13.04%). Among the protozoa, Giardia lamblia (26.09%) was the most common, followed by Entamoeba histolytica (17.39%). The parasitic infections were more in female (5.62%) than male (4.19%) and highest in the pediatric age group and between 51 and 60 years.
 Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections is decreasing due to increasing awareness about sanitation, effects of open defecation, safe drinking water, and personal hygiene. However, the need of intervallic monitoring of intestinal parasitic infections is necessary.
Highlights
Intestinal parasitic infections are widely strewn throughout the globe, and they are continued to be a cause of health concern in developing countries
Several reports from different parts of India have revealed a variable etiology of intestinal parasitic infection among different groups of population
The current study revealed a prevalence of 4.89% of intestinal parasitic infection among people residing in this area
Summary
Intestinal parasitic infections are widely strewn throughout the globe, and they are continued to be a cause of health concern in developing countries. The reports from the past state that around 2 lakhs deaths per annum are attributed to these infections, in developing countries [2] The prevalence of these infections is variable with respect to the different regions of the world, which predominantly depends on factors such as personal and community hygiene, poor sanitary facilities, geographic and socioeconomic factors, relatively humid areas, poverty, malnutrition, and high population density [3]. It has become imperative to be acquainted with the disease burden of parasitic infestation in the population residing in this area No such studies for intestinal parasitic infections were carried out among the patients attending this tertiary care center. This study was conducted to determine the spectrum of intestinal parasites affecting the patients attending the tertiary care center
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