Prevalence of intestinal parasites in Ghaemshahr in 2004

Parasitic infections, especially in under developing countries, are major health concerns. They are of utmost importance in our country due to geographical location, suitable weather and cultural background. This study intends to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in urban and rural population of a northern city, Ghaemshahr. The study population included 4898 urban and 1697 rural residents. Stool samples were randomly obtained and examined by direct and flotation methods. The data were analyzed by chi-square. A total of 557 subjects (8.4%) were infected with intestinal parasites among whom 2.8% had protozoa and 5.7% had intestinal helminthes infections. Giardia lamblia was the most frequent parasite (32.8%). Totally, 7.9% of males and 9% of females were infected (NS). Meanwhile, 10.6% of rural subjects and 7.7% of urban residents were infected (p<0.001). Regarding to the high rate of infection with Giardia lamblia, filtration of drinking water is strictly recommended. Meanwhile, our study showed a higher prevalence of parasitic infections in the rural area, therefore, general education and promoting hygienic situation may be partly helpful to control the situation.