INTESTINAL PARASITE INFECTIONS

IDENTIFICATION, FREQUENCY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS WITH INTESTINAL PARASITE INFECTIONS IN PATIENTS WITH GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, intestinal parasitic infections are major cause
of human mortality and morbidity especially among developing countries wherein public
health standards are not much better like developed countries. Intestinal parasitic
infections are linked with poor sanitation, lack of safe drinking water, inadequate dietary
and cultural habits and climate conditions. Objective: To assess the frequency, risk
factors and clinical manifestations related to intestinal parasite infections in patients with
gastrointestinal disorders. Study Design: Cross-sectional multi-centre study. Setting:
Department of Medicines, Chandka Medical College Larkana and Civil Hospital, Khairpur
Mirs. Period: 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2017. Method: 260 patients, the patients
with gastrointestinal disorders presenting one or more symptoms (e.g. diarrhea, dysentery,
abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, cramping and constipation) were included.
Results: Frequency of intestinal parasites was 32.3%. The most common parasites were
Entamoeba histolytica (10.4%), Giardia lamblia (8.5%) and Hymenolepis nana (6.9%). Age,
education, monthly income and contact with animal were significantly associated with
intestinal parasite infections. Concerning symptoms, the presence of intestinal parasites
infection was significantly associated with diarrhea and dysentery. Conclusion: Study
concluded that most prevalent parasites were Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia
and Hymenolepis nana. Significant association was found in age, education and monthly
income.