Prevalence of intestinal parasites among patients of Al-Noor specialist hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among patients of a tertiary care hospital. A total of 12,054 samples received from the outpatient as well as inpatient departments from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2009 in Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Stool examinations were performed by direct method and concentrated Techniques for all patients. Overall, the prevalence of intestinal parasites was 6.2% [740 cases]. Majority of patients were infected by Entamoeba histolytica [4.7%] followed by Giardia lamblia [1.3%], while Ankylostoma duodenal [0.02%] exhibited the minimum prevalence. Parasitic infections were more frequent in non-Saudis than Saudis patients [7.1% vs. 5.8%; p<0.05]. There was no significant difference between males and females regarding parasitic infections, with a femalemale ratio of 11.08. There was a higher prevalence in patients under five years of age [9.1%], followed by patients aged 5-14 years [7.5%]. The notable finding from this study is the high prevalence of E. histolytica. Overall, parasitic infections were more prevalent in patients under five years of age and in non-Saudi nationals