Sana Nora Ahmad1, Amita Gupta2
BACKGROUND
The intestinal parasitic infection is the major problem in the developing countries. The prevalence depends on not only the geographical location but also various socioeconomic factors such as climate, hygiene and age.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A cross sectional study was conducted. A Total of 200 stool samples were collected and each was examined by direct wet mount (iodine & saline mount) and concentration techniques such as simple salt flotation and formal ether concentration.
RESULTS
In the present study the prevalence of the intestinal parasitic infection was found 34 %. The most common parasite was found to be Entamoeba histolytica, with the prevalence rate of 57.35 %, followed by Giardia lamblia 39.71 %. A male predominance was noted 37.70% over the female 28.20%. The highest prevalence of parasitic infection was found in the age group between 21 - 30 years of age 42.85 % followed by in age group 31 - 40.
CONCLUSIONS
In this study it was concluded that the formal ether sedimentation technique shown a high sensitivity for the parasite detection in comparison to the normal saline wet mount and salt flotation technique.
KEYWORDS
Prevalence of parasitic infection Direct wet mount Concentration techniques Simple salt flotation Formal-ether sedimentation
