Parasitic infestation in expatriates in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of intestinal pathogenic parasitic infestation in expatriates working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was assessed. Stool specimens were collected from 2, 496 non-Saudis for routine microscopic examination. Pathogenic parasites were found in 55.7% of the total with multiple in 10.5% of positive cases. The common parasites were Entamoeba histolytica [34.3%], Ascaris lumbricoides [8.5%], and Giardia lamblia [5.1%]. To a lesser extent Hymenolepis nana [2.8%], Trichuris trichiura [2.5%], Tenia species [2.5%] and Schistosoma species [1.7%] were detected. The prevalence of such infections in different nationalities was more comparable to the prevalence in their own countries and higher than that in the Saudi population. It is recommended that expatriates should be checked and treated if necessary upon arrival and when returning from home leaves. This screening is essential, particularly for catering and domestic workers