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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

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Abstract Background and Objective: Cryptosporidium is a common protozoan causing diarrhea in human, specifically in children. Hence, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of this protozoan among diarrheic children hospitalized in Gonbad Kavus in 2011. Material and Methods: Three stool samples were collected from diarrheic children in two hospitals of Gonbad city and a relevant questionnaire was filled out for each child. The stool samples were concentrated by formalin ether method, and the infection was assessed by modified acid-fast staining method. Results: Of 547 children, 27 (4.9%) were infected with cryptosporidiosis. There was no significant relationship between the amount of infection and gender and habitation area (urban/ rural). The infection rate was significantly prevalent in 2-4-year-old children (P=0.013). The most and the least infection rate were observed in spring and winter, respectively (P< 0.0001). There was a significant association between the disease and keeping animal (P= 0.041) Conclusion: The prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in diarrheic children in Gonbad is almost equal to other regions of the country and keeping animal and spring season may be considered as the risk factors for the disease. Keywords: Cryptosporidium, Cryptosporidiosis, Diarrhea, Children, Golestan, Iran