Control Of Intestinal Parasitic Infections Research Articles

Community-Led Total Sanitation: Method of prophylactic control of intestinal parasitic infections in rural areas, Côte d’Ivoire

Community-Led Total Sanitation: Method of prophylactic control of intestinal parasitic infections in rural areas, Côte d’Ivoire

Mass drug administration in neglected tropical diseases: beyond elimination

Mass drug administration in neglected tropical diseases: beyond elimination

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infection Among School Children of Bajawar, Pakistan

Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are caused by protozoan and helminths and are among the most widespread infection in poor populations. The current study aimed to investigate factors affecting the prevalence IPI among children going to school at the primary level in District Bajaur. Methods: After obtaining official approval from the school administration, a formal consent questionnaire was filled out by the selected children based on age, education level, and parents’ income. A total of 687 fecal samples were collected from August 2019 to December 2019 in seven subdivisions of Bajaur and were examined through normal saline and Lugol’s iodine solutions (direct smear method). Results: The prevalence of infection was noticed in 58.5% (n=402/687) of samples, in which the highest prevalent parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides (39.8%, n=160/402), followed by Taenia saginata (18.1%, n=73/402), Entamoeba histolytica (15.4%, n=62/402), Enterobius vermicularis (8.70%, n=35/402), Giardia lamblia (7.46%, n=30/402), and Trichuris trichiura (5.47%, n=22/402). On the other hand, the lowest prevalence rate was noted for Hymenolepis nana in only 7 samples, including 2 cases (28.57%) in males and 5 cases (71.43%) in females, respectively. The students of grade 5 were more adapted to hand washing (90.9%), while the lowest rate of hand washing was observed in kindergarten and 1st class children (P>0.05). The children of the low classes were found to eat raw food materials more than those of the high classes (P>0.05). The same case was also detected for water sources (P>0.05), while the children of the 1st and 2nd classes were found more associated with pet animals than the other students (P>0.05). Mon parasitism and polyparasitism were observed at 76.6% (n=308/402) and 4.95% (n=20/402), respectively. Conclusion: The current study calls for the control of IPI among children of the study region as polyparasitism as an alarming reason.

The Association of Sanitation and Hygiene Practices With Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among Under-14 Children in Rural Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia: A Community Based Cross-sectional Study.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are neglected tropical diseases. Sanitation and hygiene are vital components for achieving sustainable control of intestinal parasitic infections. Children are the most vulnerable to intestinal parasitic infections because of their immature immune systems and frequent exposure to unsanitary environments. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of IPIs and associated risk factors, including sanitation and hygiene practices, among under-14-year-old children in rural Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia. This community-based cross-sectional 'study included 778 subjects aged 1 to 14 years. Data were collected using questionnaires and stool examinations. The direct wet-mount method and formol-ether concentration techniques were performed to identify IPIs. Data Analysis: A descriptive statistic was used to show the prevalence of IPIs. Bi-variable and multivariable analysis using the logistic regression model was carried out. The outputs are presented using an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The prevalence of 5 intestinal parasites was 33.7% (95% CI = 30.4%-37%). Giardia intestinalis (15.2%) and Hymenolepis nana (11.6%) had the highest prevalence. The odds of IPIs among children of illiterate mothers were 13.1 times higher when compared with children of mothers with secondary education (aOR = 13.1, P = .02), and the odds of IPIs among children from households that have unclean latrines were 1.8 times higher when compared with children from households that have clean latrines. (aOR = 1.8, P = .03). Children from households that discard solid waste in open fields had 1.7 times higher odds of having a positive result than children from households that burn their waste (aOR = 1.7, P = .03). However, children without a swimming habit (aOR = 0.4, P = .000) and asymptomatic children (aOR = 0.3, P = .000) were protective against IPIs. IPIs continue to be a public health problem in rural parts of Dire Dawa. The prevalence of Giardia intestinalis and H. nana could be of public health importance in this setting. Solid waste management, latrine cleanliness, mothers' level of education, and child swimming habits in unclean accumulated water were significantly associated with IPIs. Therefore, efforts should be made to ensure intervention, considering such risks.

Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Intellectually Disabled Individuals in Bandar Abbas County, Southern Iran.

Intellectually disabled individuals are more prone to parasitic infections due to their unusual behaviors, immune and nutrient deficiencies, and living conditions. The current study is aimed at evaluating the prevalence of intestinal parasites in institutionalized intellectually disabled individuals in Bandar Abbas County in the south of Iran. Subjects of the study were 119 individuals, living in an intellectually disabled individual care center. Demographic features of the subjects including age, sex, intellectual disability type, and duration of their stay in the center were recorded. A stool sample was taken from each subject and evaluated by direct wet mount and formalin-ethyl-acetate concentration methods. Samples were also examined, using trichrome and modified acid-fast permanent staining. The mean age of the subjects was 27.6 (±2.24), ranging from 4 to 60 years old. Of the 119 participants, 55 (46.2%) were male, and 64 cases (53.8%) were female. Overall, 31 individuals (26.1%, 95% CI: 18.4-34.9) were found to be infected with at least one type of intestinal parasite. Blastocystis hominis, as the most common detected parasite, was detected in 13 (10.1%), Entamoeba coli in 12 (10.1%), Giardia lamblia in 5 (4.2%), Cryptosporidium in 2 (1.7%), Iodamoeba butchlii in 2 (1.7%), and Endolimax nana in 1 (0.8%) of participants. Three cases had coinfection with Blastocystis hominis and Entamoeba coli, one case was infected with Blastocystis hominis and Giardia lamblia, and one case was coinfected with Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba coli. There were no statistically significant associations between intestinal parasitic infection and gender, age, type of intellectual disability, or duration of stay in the care center (P > 0.05). The findings of the present study indicate a relatively high prevalence of parasitic infections in people with intellectual disabilities in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran. Noteworthy is the high prevalence of Blastocyst and also the presence of Cryptosporidium infection in these people. Periodic treatment of these people and improvement of their maintenance conditions can be considered for the prevention and control of intestinal parasitic infection in these people.

Intestinal Protozoan Parasitic Infections in Immunocompromised Child Patients with Diarrhea.

Intestinal protozoan parasites are common causes of infectious diarrhea in children receiving anticancer therapy or undergoing transplantation. Additionally, immunosuppression therapy in such patients may exacerbate the symptoms related to these parasitic infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and diagnostic importance of parasitic protozoan infections in children treated for malignancies or undergoing transplantation, and to highlight the control of intestinal parasitic infections for immunosuppressed patients at a hospital in İzmir, Turkey. In total, 82 stool samples from 62 patients were analyzed by microscopic examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of coccidian parasites. Our results showed that Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, and Cystoisospora were present in 22.5% (14/62), 9.6% (6/62), and 3.2% (2/62) of the cases using either method, respectively. The prevalence of these coccidian parasites identified with both methods was 35.4% (20/62). Other intestinal parasites (Blastocystis, Giardia, and Entamoeba coli) were detected in 10 patients. PCR analysis showed the presence of all coccidian parasites in the same stool sample for one patient. Finally, both PCR and microscopic examination of the stools revealed that there is a higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, and Cystoisospora in immunocompromised children. These examinations allowed an early start of appropriate antibiotic treatments and led to an increased percentage of correctly treated patients.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal helminthic infections in children from Lorestan province, Western Iran

BackgroundIntestinal helminthic infections are among the most important global socioeconomic and health problems. This study aimed to estimate the frequency of intestinal parasites in 366 children aged 2 to 15 years referred to the main pediatric health center of Lorestan Province, Iran. MethodsMicroscopic analysis was performed on 366 stool samples. We applied direct smear, scotch tape, and formol-ether methods. Moreover, a questionnaire was filled in by parents or guardians of the children. ResultsThe results showed that 36 children (9.8%) were infected with at least one or more intestinal parasites. The most prevalent parasites were Enterobius vermicularis (6.8%), Hymenolepis nana (1.9%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (0.55%), in the order of their appearance. Statistical analysis showed that several risk factors were significantly associated with the prevalence intestinal helminthic parasites, including male sex (OR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.2–6.2; p < 0.05), residing in rural regions (OR = 4.2; 95% CI: 2.1–10.6; p < 0.001), no handwashing habit before eating (OR = 5.2; 95% CI: 2.2–12.5; p < 0.001), and consuming raw or unwashed vegetables and fruits (OR = 4.8; 95% CI: 2.3–11.2; p < 0.001). ConclusionThe present study showed a high overall frequency of intestinal helminthic infections among the children in Lorestan province, Iran. The results of the risk factor analysis suggest that improving environmental hygiene and health education would be important for effective control of intestinal parasitic infections.

Soil-Transmitted Protozoans and Helminths from Market Gardening Sites of Yaounde, Cameroon

Background: In Cameroon, the practice of market gardening exposes both the farmers and consumers to a certain number of health-related hazards. Environmental health risks associated to this activity showed that it was responsible for the increased of transmission risk of the human and animal intestinal worms. Methods: The epidemiology of soil borne diseases associated with urban agriculture was furthermore considered in three market garden sites of the city of Yaounde (Tsinga, Nkolondom, Nkolbisson). From October to December 2016, water and soils from rivers, wells and furrows were analysed for physicochemical characteristics and parasite identification using Kato-Katz and Formol-Ether methods. Results: Means of water parameters and parasite composition varied per locations and environments in the 82 samples analyzed. Ranges of mean temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity and color of water samples were 25.2-25.5°C (), 6.53-7.01 UC, 308-502 µS.cm-1, 637-1,300 FTU and 2,451-6,422 Co-Pt, respectively. Soil parasites consisted of 3 protozoans (Entamoeba histolytica, Sarcocystis sp. and Giardia intestinalis) and 11 helminths (Fasciola hepatica, Diphyllibotrium latum, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuirus trichiura, Ancylostoma sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma sp., Paragonimus westermanii, Strongyloides stercoralis and Hymenolepis nana). Conclusion: The presence of viable helminths suggests that harmful soil pathogens such as protozoans and helminths can spread through market gardening. This reminds on the need to find better ways to alleviate the control of intestinal parasitic infections which, nevertheless, are classified as neglected tropical diseases.

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF BLASTOCYSTIS SP. INFECTION AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN A RURAL COMMUNITY, CENTRAL THAILAND

Background:Blastocystissp., a protozoan parasite, has been globally reported as one of the most common intestinal parasitic infections in humans. Water transmission plays an important role for the route of transmission of this organism to humans. Objectives:To determine the prevalence and risk factors of Blastocystissp.infection among schoolchildren in a rural community, central Thailand. Materials and Methods:In November 2015, schoolchildren from four primary schools (School A, B, C and D) at a rural community of Sanamchaikate district, Chacherngsao Province, central Thailand were enrolled into the study. Stool samples collected from participants were examined using wet preparation, phosphate buffered saline-ethyl acetate and Kato-Katz techniques. Short-term cultivation for Blastocystis sp. was performed using Jone’s medium supplemented with 10% horse serum. Strongyloides stercoralis was also detected using agar plate culture technique. Results:A total of 501 school children were analyzed. The mean age at diagnosis was 9.996±1.59years. The prevalence of overall parasitic infections was 17.8% and were diagnosed as follows: Blastocystis sp. in 64 participants (12.8%), Giardia duodenalis (1.4%), Entamoeba coli (1.0%), Opisthorchis viverrini(0.8%), Enterobius vermicuralis (0.6%), and Strongyloides stercolaris (0.4%). A significantly increased risk of Blastocystis sp.infection was found in children studying at the School B, C and A when compared with those studying at School D (p =0.001, OR =4.36, 95% CI =1.83-10.39, p =0.032, OR= 2.89,95% CI =1.10-7.64, and p =0.033, OR =2.2, 95% CI =1.06-4.54, respectively). Drinking water was suspected to be the source of transmission. However, screening by PCR at the 18S rRNA gene for Blastocystis sp. could not detect the parasites from any sources of drinking water samples collected from the four schools. Conclusion:Themost predominant intestinal protozoa infection in the study school children was Blastocystis sp. The high prevalence of protozoa infection could reflect the hygienic conditions of the children. Thus, health education and the control of intestinal parasitic infections are necessary to these children.

A tale of two communities: intestinal polyparasitism among Orang Asli and Malay communities in rural Terengganu, Malaysia.

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are still major health problems in many developing countries including Malaysia, particularly in the poor and socioeconomically deprived rural and remote communities in Peninsular Malaysia. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of IPIs and to identify the key factors associated with intestinal polyparasitism as well as to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) on IPIs among rural Orang Asli and Malay communities in Terengganu, Malaysia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 340 participants (165 Orang Asli and 175 Malay) aged ≤ 15 years from the Hulu Terengganu and Kemaman districts of Terengganu. Faecal samples were examined for the presence of intestinal parasites by using direct smear, formalin-ether sedimentation, trichrome stain, modified Ziehl Neelsen stain, in vitro cultivation in Jones’ medium, Kato Katz and Harada Mori techniques. Demographic, socioeconomic, environmental and behavioural information of the participants and their KAP for IPIs were collected by using a pre-tested questionnaire.ResultsOverall, 149 (90.3 %) Orang Asli and 43 (24.6 %) Malay children were infected by at least one parasite species. The overall prevalences of intestinal polyparasitism among the Orang Asli and Malay were 68.5 % (113/165) and 14.3 % (25/175), respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that using unsafe water supply as a source for drinking water, the presence of domestic animals, not wearing shoes when outside, not washing vegetables before consumption, not washing hands after playing with soil, indiscriminate defecation and the low level of mother’s education were the key risk factors for intestinal polyparasitism among the Orang Asli, while working mothers and the presence of domestic animals were the risk factors among the Malay children. Almost all the Malays were well aware about the IPIs while Orang Asli respondents had a poor level of related awareness.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that IPIs are highly prevalent in rural Terengganu, Malaysia. Community awareness about IPIs was found to be imperative in protecting Malay children from these infections. An integrated control programme for the prevention and control of IPIs is highly recommended for these communities, with a special emphasis on the Orang Asli population.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Associated Risk Factors Among Schoolchildren of Homesha District (Woreda) in Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State, Western Ethiopia

Intestinal parasitic infection (IPIs) is one of the major and serious medical and public health problems in developing countries including Ethiopia. Effective prevention and control of IPIs require the identification of local risk factors, particularly among school children. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of IPIs and associated risk factors among Homesha district school children, Northwest Ethiopia. School based cross sectional study was conducted to from March-June 2015 to achieve this objective. Study subjects were selected by using multi stage sampling technique. A total of 395 school children were enrolled in this study. Socio-demographic data and possible risk factors for the occurrence of IPIs were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaire. Approximately 2 gram of stool specimen was collected and examined for the presence of intestinal parasite using wet mount and formol ether concentration technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Chi-square (χ 2 ) test and crude odd ratio were calculated to verify and measure the possible association between IPIs and potential risk factors. The overall prevalence of IPs in the present study was 160/395 (35.44%), for at least one intestinal parasite. Of the nine species of intestinal parasites identified, the most prevalent were E. histolytica/dispar 56 (14.17%) followed by G. lamblia 50 (12.65%) and Hook worm 27 (10.12%). Double and triple infections were identified; among these the double and triple infection were 28 (20%) and 6 (4.29%) respectively. In this study the most significantly associated risk factors for the occurrence of IPIs were hand washing habit, eating unwashed/undercooked vegetation, waste disposal habit, shoe wearing habit and practice of figure nail trimming (P<0.05). Intestinal parasites were prevalent in varying magnitude among the schoolchildren and they are public health problem. Therefore, the woreda health office in collaboration with schools community and other stake holders should work to take measures including education on personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, and treatment should be taken into account to reduce the prevalence of IPIs.

Potentiated anti-microsporidial activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus CH1 bacteriocin using gold nanoparticles

Through increased awareness and improved diagnostics, microsporidiosis has now been identified in a broader range of human populations; however current therapies are inconsistently effective. Recently, probiotics were determined as means for the control of intestinal parasitic infections through their secretory products; bacteriocins. This is the first study on the effect of bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus acidophilus CH1 bacteriocin, with or without gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs), against intestinal microsporidiosis in immunosuppressed mice. Fecal and intestinal spore loads, besides viability, extrusion and infectivity of spores from treated animals were assessed. Results showed that the anti-microsporidial effects of bacteriocin were significantly potent. This efficiency was further potentiated upon conjugating bacteriocins with Au-NPs, as it induced a strikingly sustained reduction in fecal spore shedding after cessation of therapy by 1week (94.26%). Furthermore, reduction in intestinal spore load was highest in bacteriocin/Au-NPs-inoculated mice (89.7%) followed by bacteriocin-inoculated group (73.5%). Spores encountered from stool of bacteriocin/Au-NPs group showed 92.4% viability, versus 93.7% in bacteriocin group. Spore extrusion and infectivity were most inhibited by exposure to bacteriocin/Au-NPs. Safety of bacteriocin/Au-NPs was also verified. Thus, considering the results of the present work, L. acidophilus CH1-derived bacteriocin can present a powerful safe therapy against intestinal microsporidiosis.

Prevalence and risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections in a rural community in "consolación del sur" municipality, cuba.

Intestinal parasites are very common infections worldwide and they are responsible for significant public health problems. The World Health Organization estimates that one-third of the world population is infected and some epidemiologic factors related to the transmission have been identified. The purpose of this investigation was to study the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in people living in the rural community of "El Canal", Consolación del Sur municipality and the association with some epidemiologic risk factors. All participants were subjected to three methods of parasitological examinations on the stool samples and by immunodiagnostic tests which allow the detection of excretory-secretory antigens of adults with Fasciola hepatica. The global prevalence rate of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) was 18%, and 16.7% for protozoan infections, while the rate of helminth infection was lower (5.3%) in the population studied. The univariate analysis identified three factors associated with intestinal pathogenic protozoan infections which include livestock work, drinking water from well\river and eating unwashed fruits\vegetables. The multivariate analysis using introduction test logistic regression ratified the association of these risk factors. Contrary to what have been published in the majority of Cuban studies carried out in rural places, a higher prevalence of protozoan than helminth infection was found. This discrepancy may be explained because the majority of the workers in this rural community were stock-breeders and they are not involved in other agricultural work. The identification of risk factors is important in order to design appropriate strategies for control of IPIs in communities.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Factors among Debre Elias Primary Schools Children, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, North West Ethiopia

Background: Intestinal parasitic infection is one of the ten top major public health problems in developing countries including Ethiopia. Children being major victims, therefore effective prevention and control of intestinal parasitic infections require the identification of local risk factors, particularly among high risk groups. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among Debre Elias woreda primary school children, North West Ethiopia. Methods: Institution based cross sectional study was conducted in Debre Elias Woreda primary school children from March 17-29, 2013. Study subjects were selected by using multi stage sampling technique. A total of 541 school children were enrolled in this study. Socio-demographic data of the study participants and possible factors for the occurrence of intestinal parasitic infection were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaire. Approximately 2 gram of stool specimen was collected and examined for the presence of intestinal parasite using wet mount and formal ether concentration technique. Data was entered in to Epi data version 3.5.1 and exported to spss version 16 for analysis. Bivariate and multi variate analysis was computed. In all cases p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: the overall intestinal parasite in the present study was 486/541(84.3%). Multiple intestinal infections were identified; among this dual infection were 55(14.2%). The most prevalent intestinal parasite were Hookworm 385(71.2%), Entameoba histolitica/dispar 36(6.7%) and Strongloides stercolaris 13 (2.4%). In this study the most significantly associated factors for the occurrence of intestinal parasite infection were unavailability of safe water supply, absence of Shoe wore during interview, educational grade level (P<0.05). Conclusion: Intestinal parasitic infection in Debre Elias Woreda was highly prevalent and this is a public health problem. Therefore, the woreda health office in collaboration with other stake holders should work on targeted health education and provision of adequate and safe water supply.

Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminthes Infections in School Going Children in North India

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections represent a major public health problem in poor and developing countries including India. Burden of STH does not only depend on regional ecological condition but also on local standard of social and economic development of the people. The wide spread use of anthelminths has shown remarkable reduction in the burden of STH in India. However, there is a risk of developing drug resistance as a result of frequent treatment with anthelminths. Although periodic treatment with anthelminths for the control of intestinal parasitic infection is highly effective and inexpensive, careful study of epidemiology of soil- transmitted helminthes is needed before making large scale periodic treatment schedules. The present study is designed to study the prevalence and distribution of STH infections in school going children. Objectives: To study the Prevalence, distribution and Risk factors associated with of STH infection in school going children in north India. Material and Method: This cross sectional study was conducted in school going children of Fathehgarh, Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh - India. A total of 580 school going children aged 6 - 14 years from two randomly selected primary schools studied. ResultsChygienic conditions, malnutrition, illiteracy and faulty personal habits of children. It is recommended that periodic deworming of school going children should be continued.

Risk Factors Associated with Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Children

Intestinal parasites are endemic worldwide and have been described as constituting the greatest single worldwide cause of illness and disease. The effective prevention and control of intestinal parasitic infections requires identification of local risk factors, particularly among high-risk groups. This study retrospectively analyzed demographic factors that may affect the prevalence of intestinal parasites among school children. Interviews, observation, and anthropometric indices assessment were used to identify the risk factors. The findings of the study showed that young age, female gender, and severe malnutrition, Poverty, illiteracy, poor hygiene, lack of access to potable water and hot and humid tropical climate are the factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections all correlated positively with increased rates of infection. Clinical visits were performed on 650 school children aged 5-15 years over a four-year period (2010-2013) in the Nahya Village, Giza Governorate. Stool specimens were examined using the formal ether concentration technique. Data were analysed using the SPSS statistical software. The results suggest that the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among young children is highly dependent on the specific species of the parasite.

Parasitic Infections among School Age Children 6 to 11-Years-of-Age in the Eastern Province

Parasitic Infections among School Age Children 6 to 11-Years-of-Age in the Eastern Province

Prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among school children in Bamo no. 2 primary school, Adele town, East Arsi, Ethiopia

Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infection (IPI) is one of the major and serious medical and public health problems in developing countries including Ethiopia. Effective prevention and control of IPIs require the identification of local risk factors, particularly among school children. Objective: This article assesses the prevalence of IPIs and associated risk factors among school children in Bamo no. 2 primary school in Adele town, East Arsi in southeast Ethiopia. Materials and Methods: Study participants were selected by using multistage sampling technique. A total of 417 school children were enroled in Bamo no. 2 primary school in Adele town, East Arsi. Structured questionnaires were used to identify environmental, sociodemographic, and behavioral factors. Stool specimens were collected and examined for parasites using direct smear and formal–ether concentration technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 20. A bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done. P value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The overall prevalence of IPIs in the present study was 113/417 (27.1%), for at least one intestinal parasite. A total of six parasites were detected; the most prevalent were Ascaris lumbricoides [50 (12.00%)], Entamoeba histolytica/dispar [43 (10.3)], Trichuris trichiura [35 (8.4%)], Giardia lamblia [31 (7.4%)], Hymenolepsis nana [13 (3.1%)], and Teania saginata [12 (2.9%)]. In addition to these, single [49 (15.45%)] and multiple [64 (20.18%)] infections were identified. In this study, the most significantly associated risk factors for the occurrence of IPIs were grade level, water type used, hand washing habit before meal and after defecation, defecation habit, and eating unwashed/uncooked vegetable (P