Context: Intestinal parasitic infections are one of the major health problems in several developing countries, including India. They lead to nutritional deficiency, impaired physical development and negative consequences on cognitive function and learning ability.Aim: Study was conducted to know the type and prevalence rate of intestinal parasites in patients attending our tertiary care hospital. Material and Methods: Six hundred patients were included in the study. Fresh morning stool sample was collected from patients and examined macroscopically and by salinewet mount & iodinewet mount before and after formol ether concentration technique. Statistical analysis: Done by Chi Square test. Results: A total of 76 parasiteswere detected from 72(12%) parasite infected cases. 45 (12.74%) males,27 (10.93%) females were infected. The difference of rates of infection between males and females was not statistically significant. 47(18.18%) of rural and 25(7.2%) of urban patientswere infected. The difference in rates of infection between rural and urban patients was highly significant. H.nanawas the commonest (38.15%) parasite detected followed by A.duodenale (27.63%), A.lumbricoides (13.15%) and others. Poly parasitism was seen in 4 cases. Infection was more in school going children. Conclusion: Study suggests the need for health education, awareness about sanitation, personal hygienic practices, use of footwear, consumption of safe food and water. Regular identification and treatment of cases should be carried out.
Keywords: Intestinal parasites, H.nana, Ancylostoma duodenale, Helminths, Personal hygiene.
