The Prevalence of Giardia Infection in Student In Arak, of Iran 1999

Giardiasis is one of the intestinal parasite infection in various regions in Iran. Giardia can lead to different personal and social problems and due to the broad spectrum of its clinical manifestation, this study was performed in order to define the prevalence of giardiasis in 6 to 14 years old student of Arak in 1999.

A cross sectional descriptive study was performed in 948 students aged 6 to 14 years old to school by random sampling. Three stool specimens were collected from each student at three days intervals. Using formalin ether method, the specimens were examined by a parasitologist. Demographic characterisitics and clinical manifestations of the affected individuals were evaluated and recorded in the questionaires. Then the results were statistically analyzed.

948 students were enrolled into this study. 145 of them (15.3%) were infestated with giardiasis. Infestation was most commonly observed in the primary students 27.6% and 79% of the affected individuals were symptomatic and the remainder were asymptomatic. The most common clinical manifestation was abdominal pain (64.7%) and the least common was vomiting and diarrhea (4.2%).

Considering the relatively high prevalence of this infestation, further research to find out the predisposing factors recommended.