Determinant factors associated with parasitic infestation among pediatric cases with unexplained eosinophilia

ABSTRACT

Background: In tropical countries like India, common causes of eosinophilia are parasitic infestation, unhygienic living condition, and poor sanitation that accounts for high worm infestation in India. Objective: The present study was aimed to study the association between various risk factors and parasitic infestation in pediatric cases with unexplained eosinophilia. Materials and Methods: The study population comprised of 384 children. A well predesigned and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect detailed related history and sociodemographic details. Saline and iodine wet mount of stool sample was made to detect intestinal parasites. For detection of microfilaria, Leishman’s staining of peripheral blood smear was done. Finally, the statistical analysis of the collected data was carried out. Results: Out of 384 participants, 7.03% of the total population was found to be positive for intestinal parasites. None of the peripheral blood smears showed the presence of microfilaria. Most of the positive study participants were from low or middle socioeconomic sectors. Very few parents were graduates. 6.5% of children in this category were found to show parasites in their stool samples. Hygiene status, hand washing, and stool disposal habits of patients were found to be significantly associated with the presence of the parasite. Conclusion: Possible sociodemographic, environmental and behavioral factors associated with parasitic infestation among pediatric cases with unexplained eosinophilia need to be studied to implement effective control measures so as to provide better health care and health benefits to the children.