Mass Investigation on Intestinal Parasite Infection in Masjed Soleyman, Iran, 2010-2017: A Large Population Survey

Abstract

Background and Aims: Globally, intestinal parasitic infections are a significant risk to human health. These infections may cause many health problems for humans, such as reduced growth, especially in children. This study, epidemiologically, aims to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections which are collected from three medical centers in the city of Masjed Soleyman located in the southwest of Iran from 2010 to 2017.

Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, documented data of three medical center’s laboratories in Masjed Soleyman were collected through the years 2010 to 2017. In these medical centers, conventional parasitology methods such as direct observation are employed for detection, and other techniques have been practiced in required cases.

Results: Out of 45829 patients, 9.7% of the patients were infected by the intestinal parasites. Statistical analysis has revealed that there is a significant relationship between the rate of infection and sex and season.

Conclusions: Considering the obtained data, the incidence of protozoan parasites is more than worm infections. Despite increased levels of public health, parasitic infections that are transmitted directly are still found in the community. The air temperature, sex, environmental pollution, and lifestyle are effective factors in increasing or decreasing these infections.