Abstract

Introduction: Infections caused by intestinal helminths are not so uncommon in endemic regions. Clinical identification of helminthic infections is frequently difficult and laboratory diagnosis with simple tests will help the clinicians in diagnosing and treating the patients. Hence, we did a study to assess the prevalence of intestinal helminths among adult patients attending our tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: About 1334 freshly collected stool samples from patients attending our hospital (1067 - adult males and 267 – adult females) were included in the study. The stool samples were subjected to macroscopic and microscopic examination with saline and iodine mount. The samples positive for helminths were noted and analyzed. Results: In our study, out of 1334 samples, 62 (4.6%) were positive for intestinal helminths, of which 49(79%) were males and 13 (21%) were females patients. Strongyloides species larvae were found in 28 (45.1%) samples, Hookworm ova in 23 (37%), Enterobius vermicularis ova in 6 (9.6%), Hymenolopsis nana ova in 4 (6.4%), Trichuris trichiura ova in 3 (4.8%), and Ascaris unfertilised ovum in 1 sample. We also found the presence of polyparasitism in 5 (8%) samples and all of them were immunocompetant. Conclusion: The results conclude that intestinal parasites and also polyparasitism are more common in males (79%) than females (21%) in our area. Strongyloides species forms the major intestinal helminths (45.1%) followed by hookworms (37%). Prompt diagnosis, effective treatment, health education, better sanitary measures and evidence-based approaches are required to control intestinal parasitic infections in our country.

Authors and Affiliations