Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in desert and mountain regions of Kashan, 1989-90

Abstract

History and Objectives: Due to the great influence of intestinal parasites on personal and social health, its variable prevalence in different parts of Iran and lack of information regarding its status in Kashan, the present study was conducted in 1989-90 to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in villages of the desert and mountain regions of Kashan. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, 2399 individuals aged 0-50 years were randomly selected in 12 mountain villages and 8 desert villages. In each case, personal information was recorded in a data sheet and 3 morning stool samples were obtained in three-day intervals and studied using the formalin ether technique. The 95 confidence interval (CI) was estimated in all regions studied. Results: The prevalence of pathogenic intestinal parasites was 37.6 (CI=34.9-40.3) in desert regions and 41 (CI=38.2-43.8) in mountain regions. Intestinal protozoa had 43.2 prevalence in rural areas of Kashan, with a 27.9 prevalence of pathogenic protozoa in desert regions and 23.9 in mountain regions. Prevalence of intestinal helminthes was 17.3 in rural areas of Kashan. Conclusion: Due to the relatively high prevalence of intestinal parasites in mountain regions, we suggest further studies to determine the causes and necessary measures to alleviate this problem and find methods to treat those infected