Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites among Symptomless Primary School Children Attending Urban Health Centers, Tabriz

Parasitic diseases are among the most common infectious diseases in the world. As no data are available on prevalence of intestinal parasites among primary school children in Tabriz، we aimed at assessing the prevalence of this disease، related risk factors، environmental status and behavioral habits among 6-12 year old children in Tabriz. Subjects were primary school children (6-12 years old). Based on geographical map، Tabriz city was divided into 5 areas. From each area، 2 urban health centers were selected. Ninety children attending each selected health center were randomly subjected to stool examination. Of 900 pupils، 361 (42. 1%) were females and 539 (57. 9%) were males. Three hundred and ninety six individuals (44%) were affected by one or more intestinal parasites. The most prevalent pathologic parasites were Giardia (8. 8%) and Cryptosporidium (7. 7%). There was no statistical difference between girls and boys regarding the prevalence of pathologic and non-pathologic intestinal parasites. Findings of this research show that parasitic infections exist among the pupils in Tabriz and infectious transferring ways are active. It is necessary to educate and guide parents and teachers for special planning in order to eradicate and eliminate the related causes.