Epidemiological factors affecting incidence of parasitic type infections in the school children of rural areas of District Multan (Punjab), Pakistan

This study was conducted from March 2022 to May 2022, among school children to recognize to the role of age and sex as epidemiological factors favoring the spread of parasitic infections among the children of 8 schools located in rural areas of district Multan. For this, the total of 1122 fecal samples were obtained. These samples were processed by using the direct smear method and formal ether sedimentations concentration. Differences were noted in overall incidence of protozoans and helminthic infections in boys and girls as well as age differences were encountered. The results showed that an overall incidence of protozoans 25.56% in younger boys and 15.3 % in younger girls, while overall of incidents of helminths was 12.35% in boys and 7.3% in younger girls. The pathogenic protozoa Giardia lamblia was more prevalent than amoebiasis while Ascaris lumbricoides was most common round worm prevalent. Such a survey first of its kind in district Multan draws the attentions of parents and scientific community to safeguard the health of children.