IJMHS slider images

Parasites Causing Diarrhea– Is the trend really changing?

Category ORIGINAL_ARTICLE
Authors BeenaUppal,Pragyan Swagatika Panda, Shyam Kishor, Swati Sharma
Abstract Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are endemic and they constitute a serious public health problem in developing nations. These are a major cause of morbidity and mortality especially in children and high-risk individuals in the tropical and subtropical countries. Objectives: To observe the trend of parasitic infection in North India. Methods: This study was done in the diarrhea laboratory of a tertiary care hospital, New Delhi. Five years data (2011- 2015) of stool samples analysis of patients with symptoms suggestive of parasitic diarrhea were analyzed. All samples were processed by macroscopic examination, saline and iodine wet mount, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen’s staining (wherever required).When required, concentration was done by saturated salt solution and/or formalin-ether sedimentation technique. Results: Total 11571 stool samples were processed during the study period of which 3.87% (449/11571) had parasites. The infection was more common in males and in <12 years age [239/440(53.00%)].Protozoan infection was more common [327(72.82%)]than helminthes with a rising trend from 2011 to 2015.Most common parasites isolated were G. lamblia (44.32%), A. lumbricoides (20%) and E.histiolytica (16.70%). Conclusion: Parasitic infection is highly prevalent in north India. , more common in males and in children < 12 years of age. Protozoan infections is more prevalent than helmintic infections, G.lamblia and E. histiolytica being the commonest parasites isolated. There is need for regular health education and awareness regarding personal hygiene, good sanitation practices, clean drinking water supply and regular deworming programs. KEYWORDS: Diarrhea, Intestinal parasites, Cryptosporidium.
Year 2017
Month October
Volume 6
Issue 4
Published On 28 Oct 2017
Read PDF