International Journal of Medical Laboratory Research (IJMLR)

A STUDY ON PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTION AMONG SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN IN HAROTI REGION

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Archana Garg, Lakshmi Agarwal, Mamta Gupta, Rishab Mathur

 

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Infection caused by intestinal parasites is still a common health problem with special concern in developing countries; the severest age group affected are children. Studies suggest that even moderate intensity of infection may have adverse effects on growth, anaemia and cognitive function. Objective: Aim: This study was conducted to find out the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among school going children. Materials and Method- A total of 380 children between 5 and 15 years of age participated in the study. Early morning stool specimen was collected for microscopic, macroscopic examination and for concentration techniques. Results: Infections were more prevalent in males than in females. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was found to be 52.10%. Prevalence of protozoan parasites was significantly higher i.e.47.36% and that of helminthic parasites was 4.73%. In our study Entamoeba histolytica was the most common protozoan parasite (32.82%), followed by Blastocystis hominis (25.75%) and Giardia intestinalis (25.25%). Among helminthes, hookworm was the predominant parasite detected (3.53%) followed by Hymenolepis nana and Enterobius vermicularis (1.01%). Out of the 380 children,27.27% were found to have mixed infection. 52.10% parasites were detected by formol ether sedimentation technique, (4.73%) helminths floated by saturated salt flotation technique Conclusion: Conclusion: Preventive measures such as periodic deworming and health education about nutritional balanced diet, iron supplements, and personal hygiene practices have to be given to both the parents and their children to prevent and reduce disease burden. Health awareness program, personal hygiene, hand washing as well as uses of sanitary latrine and treatment of food to reduce the incidence of parasitic infection should be carried out in these communities

 

KEY WORDS: Intestinal parasites; school children, preventive measures

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