Survey study of intestinal parasites in Kirkuk paediatric hospital

ABSTRACT

This paper reports the prevalence of intestinal parasites in kirkuk paediatric hospital patients A total of 770 stool samples were collected and examined by both direct and concentration techniques. Intestinal parasites were found in 223 children [116 males and 106 females]. The parasites were Giardia lamblia 91[40.81%]. Entamoeba histolytica 109 [49.37%], Hymenolepis nana 5 [2.24%], Trichomonis hominis 7 [3.14%]. Mixed infections were Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica 7[3.14%], and Giardia lamblia and hvmenolepis nana 1[0.45%]. The nematodes were Ascaris lumbricoides 2[0.9%], and Enterobius vermicularis 1[0.45%] The highest prevalence [50%] was in the 10-12 years age groups. The rate of infection in males [27.15%] was lower than females [31.27%]. The scotch tape method was more efficient than direct and concentration techniques for detection of eggs of Enterobius vermicularis. The main clinical symptoms observed in infected children were diarrhea and abdominal pain