Prevalence of enteric parasites in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms attending a tertiary care center in Central Kerala.

Abstract

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are distributed throughout the world, but with greater prevalence in low socio-economic communities in the tropics and subtropics. Parasitic infections can manifest as an asymptomatic carrier state, gastrointestinal symptoms, or surgical problems. Few studies have been conducted on the prevalence of these infections in Kerala. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the proportion of enteric parasites in stool samples of patients with gastrointestinal symptoms attending a tertiary care center in Central Kerala.

Methods: A total of 280 stool samples from patients at the Government Medical College center were included in study. In the Department of Microbiology, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was detected by microscopic examination of stool specimens. Stool samples were subjected to the formol-ether concentration technique (FECT), followed by modified hot Ziehl-Neelsen staining and fluorescent staining. The results were recorded, and data were presented as frequency and distribution.

Results: Out of 280 patients, parasitic infection was present in 2.86% (n=8). Overall, helminthic infections (66.67%) were more common than protozoal infections (33.33%). The most prevalent parasites were Ascaris lumbricoides (0.71%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (0.71%). The other parasites present were Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium parvum, Enterobius vermicularis and Trichuris trichiura. The association between presence of immunosuppressive conditions and presence of parasites in stool was found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of including stool concentration methods as part of routine diagnostic tests for parasites. The significant association between immunosuppresion and the presence of intestinal parasites should be borne in mind.. Awareness about the importance of personal hygiene, safe water supply, and health education should be given to target populations.