RESUMO
This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and their seasonal variation in northern Jordan. A total of 21 906 stool samples were collected over a period of 4 years [2009-2013] from 5 government hospitals in 3 cities. Samples were processed and examined microscopically and by concentration methods. Parasitic infection was found in 9611 samples [44%]. Giardia lamblia was the most prevalent parasite [41%] followed by Entamoeba histolytica [31%] and Ent. coli [13%]; the least prevalent parasites were Ascaris lumbricoides [1%], Hymenolepis nana, Taenia sp., and Chilomastix mesnili [all < 1%]. The prevalence of different parasites varied according to season, on average the summer months showed the highest incidence of parasitic infection [62%] compared with the winter months [16%]. Giardia lamblia and Ent. histolytica were most prevalent in the summer months