The prevalence of intestinal parasites and relative factors in children below 2 years old in the urban areas of Semnan in 1996-97

Intestinal parasites have worldwide prevalence and is considered to be as one of the most important hygienic problems in the world. As a whole, we can say there is no where in the world without parasites infestations. For the assessment of parasitic infestations of children under 2 years old in urban areas of Semnan, sample of stools for 3 consecutive days of 359 children under 2 years old, whom were accompanied by their mothers to the health center, were obtained. Samples were recognized by Formalin/ether and direct methods and thionin staining. From 359 children below 2 years old that their stools were examined, 14.2% of them had Protozoa infestation and Giardia Lamblia by 10% was the most common parasite. In these children, infestation by intestinal helminths was not seen and infestation by pathogen parasites was seen in 10.3%. There was significant association between the age and infestation by intestinal parasites (P=0.0000). There was not any significant association between the sexual, areas condition (Tropical/cold) by intestinal parasites. The most common parasite was Giardia. Therefore, educating mothers the principles of hygiene, can prevent infestation to parasites and the potential complications.