Status of intestinal parasitic infections among rural and urban populations, southwestern Iran

Journal Title: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine - Year 2019, Vol 12, Issue 3

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections in the urban and rural areas of Shushtar County, southwest Iran. Methods: A total of 1 008 fecal samples were analyzed by direct smear examination, formalinether concentration, and Ziehl-Neelsen and trichrome staining; furthermore, PCR was used to distinguish Trichostrongylus and hookworm species based on 28S rRNA gene. Results: Totally, 16.0% cases tested positive, either with a pathogenic or a non-pathogenic parasite. Protozoa were detected in 14.0%, helminths in 1.0%, protozoa and helminth coinfections were detected in 0.3%, and co-infections of two protozoa were detected in 0.7% of cases. The most common protozoa and helminths were Giardia duodenalis (7.7%) and Trichostrongylus spp. (0.5%), respectively. Among five microscopy Trichostrongylus positive cases, Trichostrongylus culbriformis was successfully identified in three isolates by sequencing. In the rural areas, the prevalence of parasitic infection was higher (9.8%) than that in the urban areas (6.2%). A significant association was found between educational level, type of drinking water, animals contact, hand-washing, and clinical symptoms. Conclusions: This study indicates that intestinal parasitic infections remain as a public health priority in Shushtar County. It seems that drinking water and environmental sanitation are the main risk factors of parasitic infections in rural areas.

Authors and Affiliations

Abdollah Rafiei

Keywords

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  • EP ID EP489970
  • DOI 10.4103/1995-7645.254939
  • Views 68
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Abdollah Rafiei (2019). Status of intestinal parasitic infections among rural and urban populations, southwestern Iran. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 12(3), 130-136. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-489970