Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Primary School Students in Kish Island, Iran

Abstract

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections pose a significant public health challenge in developing countries, with children being particularly susceptible. The prevalence of these infections varies across communities. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among students in 12 primary schools on Kish Island, Iran, and to evaluate the infection status of family members of infected students.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 443 students aged 7‒12 years in Kish Island, southern Iran, from May 2016 to 2017. Stool samples from 179 boys (40.4%) and 264 girls (40.4%) across 12 primary schools were examined for evidence of parasitic infections using direct wet mount, formalin ethyl acetate, and trichrome stain methods. Modified Ziehl Neelsen (ZN) staining was used to detect coccidian parasites. Conventional PCR was also employed to identify the genotype of Giardia lamblia. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19.Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 5.2%. The highest incidence rate was found in Entamoeba coli (2.0%), followed by Giardia lamblia (1.6%). The prevalence rate of infection was significantly correlated with the type of drinking water (P0.05). In this study, the genotypes of Giardia lamblia were molecularly characterized by studying the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) gene. This study represents the first molecular characterization of G. lamblia in children on Kish Island, with sequence analysis revealing assemblage B (BIII 100.0%).Conclusion: This study indicates a low prevalence of parasitic infections in a sensitive population (children) on Kish Island. The prevalence of Giardia lamblia, a more pathogenic parasite, was quite low in our study. This cross-sectional study was conducted on all island residents; no significant difference was observed among them.

Keywords

• intestinal parasites
• kish island
• primary school students