Frequency of enteral parasitic contamination in Babolian schools girls, 1998

Abstract

Objective: Parasitic infections are one of the most important health and economic problems in most developing countries. Parasitic infection may interfere absorption of some elements such as iron. The rate of infection among people who live in groups like in dormitories and schools is more than that in other places. Methods: This study conducted on 334 teenage girls, who selected randomly from 8 high schools, in Babol. We examined the stool samples by direct and floatation method. Findings: Prevalence of parasitic infection was 26.9% (90 cases). The prevalence of parasitic infection was 23.3% (21 cases) with worms and 76.4% (69 cases) with protozoa. The most prevalence parasitic was Giardia (16.5%) and Hymenolepis nana was the second prevalent parasitic found (2.7%). Conclusion: The comparison of the results with those of other surveys approved the highest prevalence of Giardiasis at different age groups. It is possible to reduce the incidence of enteral infections by extending the knowledge of students using educational programs and better control of food specially drinking water.

Keywords

• giardia
• parasitic infection
• hymenolepis nana
• adolescent girls