This paper should be cited as: Rostami, M. Tohidi, F. Sharbatkhori, M. Taherkhani, H. Eteraf, A. Mohammadi, R. Maghsoodloorad, F.

The Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Primary School Students in Gorgan, Iran

Rostami, M. (MSc)*1, Tohidi, F. (MSc)2, Sharbatkhori, M. (PhD)3, Taherkhani, H. (PhD)4, Eteraf, A.5, Mohammadi, R. (MSc)6, Maghsoodloorad, F. (MSc)7,

1 MSc of Parasitology, Department of Parasitology &Mycology, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.

2 PhD Student of Parasitology Department of Parasitology &Mycology, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor of Parasitology, Department of Parasitology &Mycology, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.

4 Professor of Parasitology, Department of Parasitology &Mycology, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.

5 BSc Student of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.

6 MSc of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.

7 MSc of Parasitology, Department of Parasitology &Mycology, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.

Abstract

Background&Objectives: High prevalence of parasitic infections can be the result of the subclinical infections. Some regular and ongoing epidemiological studies are needed to combat and control these infections. This study was conducted on elementary school students to achieve an overview of the spread of parasitic infections in Gorgan.

Material & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, using random cluster sampling, 800 of 7-12 year-old students were selected from 18 primary schools in Gorgan. The stool samples taken on three consecutive days were examined by two methods including direct smear and formalin-ether concentration.

Results: Overall, 230 (28.8%) are infected by intestinal parasites. The protozoa are Blastocystis hominis (122; 15/2%), Entamoeba coli (93; 11/6%), Giardia intestinalis (79; 9.9%), and Entamoeba histolytic (8; 1%). The Helminthes are Hymenolepis nana (12; 1.5%), Entrobius vermicularis (10; 1.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides in 4 (0.5%) and hook worms (3; 0.4).

Conclusion: Based on the results, the prevalence of intestinal parasites is quite high among primary school students especially in families with low education level, income and sanitary level. Hence, it is a necessity to promote the hygienic knowledge of the students .

Key words: Prevalence, Intestinal parasites, Primary schools students, Gorgan

Email: rostami@goums.ac.ir

Corresponding Author: Rostami, M.

Received 4 Feb 2012 Revised 11 Jun 2012 Accepted 13 Aug 2012