prevalence, incidence and reinfection rate of Giardia lamblia in primary school children in rural suburb of Kerman city in southern Iran

ABSTRACT

Giardiasis is one of the most common parasites in young children in both developed and developing countries. This disease is very prevalent in Iran, especially in Kerman city, southeast Iran. To determine the prevalence, incidence and reinfection rate of Giardia lamblia, this study has been conducted in primary schoolchildren in rural suburb of Kerman city in southern Iran. A total of 574 schoolchildren were selected randomly and their stools were examined by formalin-ether concentration method. Infected children were weighted and treated with suitable doses of metronidazole or furazolidone. Post treatment stool specimens were collected after two weeks for assessment of complete cure, and follow-up specimens were collected six months after the last treatment. The prevalence rate in both boys and girls was generally equal, while it was lower in 8.9 years old children than 10-11 years old ones in both sexes. The incidence rate was higher in girls [21.4%] than the corresponding boys [14.5%], and this different was significant [P<0.05]. In both sexes younger children were more likely to become infected than older children. The reinfection rate was 54.5% in boys, whereas it was 79.3% in girls. As indicated, the younger children acquired the infection in a much higher rate than the older ones, particularly in female groups [P<0.05]. The overall reinfection rate was 66.8%. On the basis of this study we would suggest that in endemic areas, children infected with giardiasis should be treated in a regular manner