Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infection in Relation to Age in the Urban Population from Chandigarh, India

Abstract

Background: Intestinal parasitic infection is a global health problem particularly in the developing countries with different prevalence rates in different regions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in different age groups in the urban population of Chandigarh, India. Materials and Methods: The retrospective study included stool samples 504 in number from human subjects from Chandigarh. Unstained wet saline mount preparations of stool sample were done to detect eggs or larvae and iodine wet mount to detect ova/ cysts of tapeworm, Enterobius, Ascaris, Giardia, Trichuris and Hookworm. Results: A high prevalence rate of intestinal parasitosis (73%) was seen. The age group distribution shows a higher prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in the young population (age group 21-30 years and 31-40 years). Ascariasis was the most common parasitic infection observed. Conclusion: The present study reveals a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in the study population and calls for long term control measures to improve their sanitary and living conditions.