FREQUENCY OF GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES AMONG CHILDREN IN CLINICAL PRACTICES PESHAWAR, KPK, PAKISTAN

ABSTRACT
Objective: Chronic parasitic infections severely affect the cognitive development of young children. The current study
was designed to determine frequency of gastro intestinal parasites among the children below 15 years of age.
Methods: A total of 700 stool samples from male (n=380) and female (n=320) children were collected during December
2016 and August 2017. The samples were examined for the presence of ova and cysts by routine direct microscopy
and stool concentration technique (Formal ether sedimentation).
Results: The overall prevalence of Giardia lamblia (18.5%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica (7.8%), Hymenolepis
nana (6.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides (1.4%) and Ancylostoma duodenale (0.85%) were recorded. Significance prevalence
of 38.8% was recorded for Giardiasis in age 1-5 years. It was followed by 15.7% (6-10 years), 9.7% (11-15 years) and
8.2% (<01 year). High prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica (13.8%) was noted in the age group1-5 years, followed
by 7.3% (6-10 year), 5.5% (< 01years) and 4.3% (11-15 years).The prevalence of Hymenolepis nana was significant
(12.2%) observed in the age group of 1-5 years. While Ascaris lumbricoides had significant prevalence of 2.2% within
1-5 years age group, which was followed by 1.6% (11-15 years) and 1.5% (6-10 years).
Conclusion: In the current study high prevalence of Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica and Hymenolepis nana
observed in age group 1-5 years. Least infection was observed in <1 year age group. Co-infection between Giardia
lamblia and Hymenolepis nana was also noted in 1-5 years age group. These infections may affect the physiological
as well as psychological health in the growing children of the region, therefore, requiring proper remediation actions
by concerned health quarters.
Keywords: Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris lumbricoides, Parasitic infections.