Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasites in Hospital Patients

Abstract

Pathogenic parasites of intestine have been a major public health problem in tropical and sub-tropical areas. To gain deeper insight into the magnitude of problem in Pakistan, present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated risk factors in hospital patients in district Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan.Main purpose of study was to find UpToDate epidemiology of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in hospital environment and analysis of risk factors that have leading role in spread of parasites. Collected stool samples were processed for microscopic and macroscopic analysis of intestinal parasites and blood samples were processed for complete blood count (CBC). Questionnaire was used for collection of history related to potential risk factors of IPIs. Data from questionnaire was used for statistical analysis of risk factors through Fisher’s exact test. Overall, 45.90% (101/220 in number) cases were positive: species-wise distribution revealed 74.25% (A. lumbricoides), 24.75% (T. trichiura), and 0.9% (G. lamblia) cases. High prevalence was observed in males (27.27%) than females (18/63%), age groups 8-13 (40.59%) and 14-19 (29.70%) and associated with more meat consumption and poor personal hygiene. Among potential risk factors assessed, source of drinking water (P = 0.0002), handwash before meal (P = 0.0006), handwash after defecation (P < 0.0001), footwear (P < 0.0001) and skin care (P < 0.0001) were found to be the most important predictors of high risk of parasitic infections in human. Present study revealed high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in patients of age between 8-19, which demands improved health education among school/college students on handwashing before meal and after defecation, avoid walking barefooted and importance of skin and nails cleanliness.