Parasitic infections associated with mental retardation in Egypt

ABSTRACT

Examination of 150 mentally retarded patients for parasitic infections by urine and stool analysis revealed that 115 [76. 67%] were positive. The most prevalent parasites found were T. trichiura in 56%, A. Lumbricoides in 40.6% and A. duodenale in 21.33%. Double infection was present in 30.67%, triple infection in. 15.33% and quadriple infection in 6%. Eosinophilia was detected in 91 [64.08%] of 142 examined cases, all were suffering from intestinal parasites. S. stercoralis was present in 11.33% by stool examination and culture and in 24 [60%] out of 40 examined cases by the IFAT. Toxocara antibodies were present in 38 [56.72%] out of 67 examined cases by the IFAT. Toxoplasma antibodies were present in 106 [74.65%] out of 142 examined cases by the IFAT