Abstract :
Background: Intestinal parasitic infections represent major health problem particularly in tropical countries. Intestinal parasitic infections are closely related to poor sanitation and socioeconomic status. In rural populations these infections are common as most of population belong to low socioeconomic group and also lack proper hygiene. These infestations has implications for child health in terms of physical growth retardation and development.
Materials and Methods: This two years prospective study was carried out in Dept. of Microbiology, Rural medical college, (PIMS-DU) Loni. All stool specimens from children (0 -14 years) received in Dept. of Microbiology were included in the study. All stool specimens were subjected to macroscopic and microscopic examination. Both saline wet mount and iodine wet mount were prepared and examined for microscopic features.
Results: A total of 460 stool specimens were received during the study period. Males (56.5%) outnumbered females (43.5%) in the present study. Maximum children belonged to age group 1 - 5yrs. A total of seven stool specimen showed parasites giving the positivity 1.52%. Commonest intestinal parasite was found to be E. histolytica in our study. We found one case of H. dimunita which is quite uncommon parasite.
Conclusions: Intestinal parasitic infestations like amoebiasis, hookworm, ascariasis exertdiverse clinical manifestation such as malnutrition, iron deficiency anemia, intestinal obstruction. Presence of parasitic infections is expected to be high in agricultural rural population. But we found the quite low positivity in our area may be owing to better sanitation awareness and compliance to Government deworming health program.
Keyword :
Children, Stool Specimen, Intestinal parasites, Rural population, E histolytica, H dimunita.