Spatial Distribution of Intestinal Amebiasis in Iran Army Units by Geographic Information Systems

The aim of this study was to determine the status of Amoebiasis as well as it''s temporal trend and mapping distribution of the disease in Iran Army Units، using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This research was a longitudinal study. Information was collected from the Deputy of Health، AJA University of Medical Sciences for 7 years. Prevalence and incidence ratio of the disease was calculated. With use of ArcGIS 9. 3 software، data were storage، processed and mapped. Results showed that a total of 2،236 cases of Entamoeba histolytica / dispar were reported. Most of the cases were observed in the provinces of Khuzestan (26. 2%)، Kerman (15. 8%)، Sistan- Baluchestan (12. 8) and Bushehr (12%) that more than 66% is allocated to these provinces. Most of the cases were reported in Khuzestan from Ground forces and in Kerman and Sistan -Baluchistan from Naval personnel. In Bushehr cases were mainly reported from Air Force personnel. The maps show the distribution of Amoebiasis in Iran Army، which can be applied as a guideline for the spread of disease، by the health centers. It is also recommended to provide the maps of the geographical distribution of other infectious diseases by using Geographic Information System.