The Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Primary School Students in Gorgan, Iran

Background&Objectives: High prevalence of parasitic infections can bethe result of the subclinical infections. Some regular and ongoingepidemiological studies are needed to combat and control these infections.This study was conducted on elementary school students to achieve anoverview of the spread of parasitic infections in Gorgan.Material & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, using random clustersampling, 800 of 7-12 year-old students were selected from 18 primaryschools in Gorgan. The stool samples taken on three consecutive days wereexamined by two methods including direct smear and formalin-etherconcentration.Results: Overall, 230 (28.8%) are infected by intestinal parasites. Theprotozoa are Blastocystis hominis (122; 15/2%), Entamoeba coli (93;11/6%), Giardia intestinalis (79; 9.9%), and Entamoeba histolytic (8; 1%).The Helminthes are Hymenolepis nana (12; 1.5%), Entrobius vermicularis(10; 1.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides in 4 (0.5%) and hook worms (3; 0.4).Conclusion: Based on the results, the prevalence of intestinal parasites isquite high among primary school students especially in families with loweducation level, income and sanitary level. Hence, it is a necessity topromote the hygienic knowledge of the students .Key words: Prevalence, Intestinal parasites, Primary schools students,Gorgan