Pediatr Infect Vaccine.  2023 Dec;30(3):145-151. 10.14776/piv.2023.30.e15.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Risk Factors Among in Children Ilam Town, West Iran

• Viesy S
• Jaydari A
• Hataminejad M
• Shadpirouz M
• Pouladi I

• KMID: 2551464
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14776/piv.2023.30.e15

Abstract

Purpose
Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a major health problem worldwide, especially in developing countries. According to the literature, children are more likely to get infected due to more frequent exposure to sources of infection.
Methods
In this study, we collected 500 fecal samples from children under 15 years of age who referred to labs in Ilam city. All samples were microscopically examined using formalinether concentration and Trichrome staining techniques. The results were analyzed using SPSS 20.0.
Results
Among 500 investigated samples, 4 types of parasites were detected. Giardia lamblia, Entameba coli, and Blastocystis hominis were identified as intestinal protozoa, and pinworm as intestinal worm. In this study, 23 cases (4.6%) had parasitic infections. 13 patients (2.6%) were infected with Giardia parasite, 4 patients (0.8%) with E. coli, 3 patients (0.6%) with B. hominis and 3 patients (0.6%) had pinworms.
Conclusions
The findings of this study showed that the prevalence of IPIs among children aged under 15 years in Ilam is relatively down, which can be attributed of sufficient information of parents and children about the modes of parasite transmission and the important role of carriers in the pathogen cycle.

Keyword

Prevalence; Parasitic infections; Risk factors; Pediatrics