ABSTRACT
Background & Objectives: Microscopic evidence of Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) becomes evident only when the parasites are heavily populated in the intestine. Immunological tests can diagnose IPIs even at earlier stage of a disease but the tests are costly, not easily available and lots of research is yet to be done in that field. So even today we have to rely upon microscopic evidence only & microscopically detected infections may be a tip of iceberg only. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of Intestinal parasitic infections in patients attending a tertiary care hospital. Material and Methods: A total of 847 stool sampleswere examined macroscopically & microscopically for the presence of parasite eggs, larva, cysts and trophozoites. Results: Out of 847 stool samples, parasites were detected from 72 (8.5%) samples. The distribution of intestinal parasites was as follows: Entamoeba histolytica (44%), Giardia intestinalis (30%), Trichomonas intestinalis (10%), Ascaris lumbricoides (6%), Hymenolepis nana (4%), Strongyloides stercoralis (2%), Ancylostoma duodenale (2%), and Isospora belli (1%). Conclusion: It is concluded that protozoal infections are more common in our region than helminthic infections. Constant surveillance of the infected patients, their treatment as well as improving sanitary condition will help to prevent the spread of IPIs.