Single and Poly Intestinal Parasitism–What is The Need of the Hour?

Intestinal Parasitic infection is one of the major economic burdens in the developing countries. Most frequent intestinal Parasites in man are Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale and Trichuris trichura. These parasites show high prevalence rate in Africa, Asia and Latin America.Aims and

To study the prevalence and distribution pattern of Single and Poly Intestinal parasite infections and their comparison after 5 years. Material and

Morning stool samples were collected and examined within two hours using direct saline and iodine preparation method for the presence of ova and cysts. Negative samples were re-examined by formal ether concentration method.

Entamoeba histolytica was the commonest protozoa and Ancylostoma duodenale was the commonest helminthic infection. It was observed that the prevalence of Single and Polyparasitism reduced over a period of 5 years.

Health education and the treatment for the rural population by the doctors reduced the overall prevalence of the intestinal parasitic infection. But, the low socio-economic status and the lower literacy rate lead to poor sanitary disposal, open air defecation and bare foot walking which increased the risk of recurrent infections of Hookworm in the rural community. Proper public health measures such as construction of free public Latrines, disposal of wastes and the distribution of foot wears are the need of the hour to reduce the Hookworm Prevalence, which is one of the common causes for anaemia in developing countries.