Epidemiological Study of Parasitic Infections in BuMusa Island, Hormozgan

Abstract

Background: This epidemiological study aimed to investigate the prevalence of parasitic infections in BuMusa Island, Iran, in one year from 2015 to 2016.

Methods: The current cross-sectional study was conducted in coordination with the health authorities of BuMusa on 732 intestinal samples and 1207 blood samples randomly collected from the island residents. Cutaneous lesions of 1207 people were clinically examined and those suspected of parasitic infections were enrolled. Also, 165 intestinal samples from domestic animals, 35 samples from water tanks, and 330 soil samples were taken to the laboratory to be investigated in terms of parasitic infections.

Results: The obtained results showed 26.4% and 45.5% intestinal parasitic infections in humans and animals, respectively. The most prevalent infections in humans were Blastocystis hominis (8.6%), followed by Giardia lamblia (8.2%), and Entamoeba coli (6.8%); and the least prevalent infection was Enterobius vermicularis (<0.2%). Malaria agents and Leishmania were not observed in blood samples. Investigation of animal feces showed that the highest parasitic infection was Eimeria arloingi (16.4%), while the lowest prevalence belonged to Monizia expansa (0.6%). Hymenolepis nana eggs and Cyclops were detected in one sub-source of water tanks. Rhabditis larva, a free-living nematode, was observed in a soil sample.

Conclusion: The prevalence of parasitic infections in BuMusa Island was relatively low probably due to its hot and dry climate.