RESUMO
Intestinal parasitic infections is a serious public health problem in most of the regions of the world, especially in developing countries, and represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children and among high-risk groups. Aims: To find out the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand and compare and correlate it with gender, age group and area (rural or urban). Methods: The collected stool samples were subjected to routine stool investigations during the study, i.e. Macroscopic examination was carried out for the presence adult worms or their body segments and microscopic examination such as stool wet mounts (both saline and iodine mounts); modified acid-fast staining for Cryptosporidium and Isospora and ELISA for Cryptosporidium were done. Results: Out of total 3614 patients, 197 (5.45%) (excluding Cryptosporidium ) and 338(9.35%) (Including Cryptosporidium), while 141(3.90%)(only Cryptosporidium )had parasitic infection. Maximum numbers (average) of patients were enrolled in month of May (102, 16.94%) and June (87, 14.45%). Maximum number of patients were in the age group of 1-10yrs (949, 26.26%) whereas out of these110 patients were found positive (11.6%). On the other hand, out of 343 patients in 11-20yrs age group, 46 (13.4%) were found positive and least number of patients were from <1year age group. Mostly male patients were affected by parasitic infections (60.06%). Parasite most commonly isolated was Cryptosporidium 141(41.72%), followed by Giardia lamblia 74(21.89%) and hookworm 40(11.83%). One cases each of trematodes, Fasciola hepatica (both ova and adult) and Clonorchis (ova) whereas two cases of Isospora belli were also seen. Conclusion: Prevalence of intestinal parasites (9.35%) is low in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.