Abstract

The prevalence of intestinal parasites among children in developed and developing countries is striking. We decided to survey the prevalence of intestinal parasites among children in the day care centers of Ham, Iran, given that this has not been investigated in this region. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in preschool children. For this study, we enrolled 650 children whose parents filled out a consent form. A fresh stool sample was obtained from each child and analyzed using direct methods, including saline and formalin-ether sedimentation techniques. A standardized questionnaire which included demographic information, socioeconomic status, type of drinking water, personal hygiene, parental age and education and number of family members, was prepared for each child. Of the 650 children, 310 were male and 340 were female. All of them were under the age of 6 years. The overall infection rate of intestinal parasites was 14. The parasites identified in the samples, with their prevalence in parentheses, include Giardia lamblia (11.7), Hymenolepis nana (7.84), Ascaris lumbricoidese ggs (3.84), Entamoeba coli (10.76), Blastocystis hominis (5.69), Dientamoebafragilis (4.30), Iodamoeba butschlii (6.61) andEntamoeba histolytica (2.92). Mixed infections were seen inl8 of the samples. The highest and lowest prevalence was seen with G. lamblia and E. histolytica, respectively. The parents' educational level was significantly associated with prevalence of parasites (p<0.05). E. histolytica, a deadly parasite, was found during this study. A precise survey of the causes of these infections and the factors related to distribution of parasites, along with periodic testing of children and their educators, health management and staff training, is essential.