ABSTRACT
To determine parasitic infestation among children of rural and urban areas of district Vehari. Children Complex Hospital, at District Headquarter Hospital Vehari and PMRC Research Center, Nishtar Medical College, Multan, Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was done in 2006 where 500 children aged 1-10 years presenting with anaemia and malnutrition were studied. Demographic information included residential area [rural/urban], gender, socio-economic status, hygienic conditions, source of drinking water were recorded on a questionnaire. Parents were interviewed, while stool and blood samples of children were collected for parasites and to determine anemia. Parasites were found in 140[28%] children and anemia in 236[47%]. Prevalence of protozoa 102 [20.4%] was greater than intestinal helminthes 38 [7.6%]. The most common protozoa was Entamoeba histolytica 101 [20.2%] and in nematodes, Hymenolepis nana was seen in 28 [5.6%], Ancylostoma duodenale [hook worm] in 5 [1%], Ascaris lumbricoides [round worm] in 3 [0.6%] and Taenia saginata [tape worm] in 2 [0.4%]. Diarrhoea was seen in 254 [50.8%] cases, constipation in 191 [38.2%], abdominal pain in 245 [49%], anorexia in 181 [36.2%] and abdominal distension in 86 [17.2%] children. Rural children were significantly more infected with parasites, 81 cases [32.27%] compared with urban children 59 cases [23.69%] [p<0.05] and same was for poor children 81 [34.9%] compared with middle income 57[21.8%] [p<0.05]. Infected cases with poor hygienic conditions [77 cases 35.2%] were more infected than those with satisfactory 62 [24.4%] and good hygiene 1[3.7%]. Worm infestation was common 84[35.9%] in those using drinking water from hand pumps compared to those obtaining drinking water from government water supply 47[23.9%] and water filtration plant 9[13.%], a significant difference in infection due to poor quality drinking water was observed[p<0.05]. Worm infestation and anemia were inter related and 85 [60.7%] children with anaemia had parasites against 55 [39.3%] who were not anaemic [p<0.05]. Poor sanitation, hygiene and source of drinking water have appeared as major contributors towards parasitic infestation. Ent.histolytica was the most common protozoal infection found compared to helminths. Use of clean drinking water and good hygienic practices should be instituted throughout the country