TY - JOUR AU - Shakya, Bikash AU - Bhargava, D AU - Shrestha, S. AU - Rijal, B. P. PY - 2010/04/23 Y2 - 2024/03/29 TI - Intestinal Parasitosis JF - Journal of Institute of Medicine Nepal JA - Journal of Institute of Medicine VL - 31 IS - 3 SE - Original Articles DO - UR - https://www.nepjol.info/index.php/JIOM/article/view/2974 SP - 13-16 AB - <p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Intestinal parasitosis is highly prevalent among general population and hospital patients in Nepal. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among patients in a hospital of Nepal.</p> <p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective study was done by analyzing the findings of stool examined from April 2006 to March 2008 at Department of Microbiology of the hospital. &chi;2-test was used for analytical assessment.</p> <p><strong>Results</strong>: Out of 2221 fecal samples, 20.7% were positive, the positivity being 23.9% and 15.8%, respectively in first and second year (P&lt;0.05). Overall infection rate was nearly equal in male and female (20.2% vs. 21.2%). The infection rate was highest among patients of &gt;60 years (25.3%) followed by those of &lt;15 years (21.2%) and 15-59 years (20.1%) ( <em>P</em>&gt;0.05). <em>Ascaris lumbricoides </em>(31.8%) and <em>Entamoeba histolytica </em>(38.0%) were the commonest helminth and protozoa, respectively. Other parasites were Hookworm (18.3%), <em>Hymenolepis nana </em>(2.6%), <em>Taenia solium </em>(2.6%), <em>Strongyloides stercoralis </em>(1.3%) and <em>Giardia lamblia </em>(5.5%).</p> <p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Though, the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among hospital visiting patients is declining, high detection of <em>A. lumbricoides </em>and <em>E. histolytica </em>signifies the need of public awareness regarding latrine use, water source protection from fecal contamination, proper sanitation and hygienic behavior.</p> <p><strong><em>Keywords</em>:</strong> Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba histolytica, intestinal parasites.</p> <p>DOI: 10.3126/joim.v31i3.2974</p> <p><em>Journal of Institute of Medicine, </em>December, 2009; 31(3) 13-16</p> ER -