Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Rehabilitation Centers in Golestan Province, Iran

Given the importance of having knowledge about intestinal parasitic infections in rehabilitation centers, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in the disabled. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 196 stool specimens obtained from four rehabilitation centers in Golestan province, 2009. Triple fecal samples were collected and examined by direct wet Mount, Formalin-ether concentration technique and Trichrome permanent staining (with optical microscope). Of 196 specimens, 24 (12.3 %) had parasitic protozoan infection (5 species) and worm (1 species). The prevalence of intestinal protozoa was 11.8 %, and the highest rate of infection was related to Blastocystishominis (4.2%) and Giardia lamblia (3.1%). The rate of infection was the highest in under 9 and 20-29 years (4.1%) and the lowest in over 40 (0.5%). The prevalence in mentally handicapped was 9.2% and in physically disabled was 2.5%. Due to serious complications of Amoebiasis, Giardiasis and other parasitic infections, it is essential to be careful about personal and social hygiene in these centers.