Prevalence of parasitic infections in a rural area of Karachi, Pakistan
Siddiqui, M.I.; Bilqees, F.M.; Iliyas, M.; Perveen, S.
Jpma. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association 52(7): 315-320
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-9982 PMID: 12481664 Document Number: 548566
To find the prevalence of human intestinal pathogenic parasites. The study was conducted in Konkor, Gadap, District East, Karachi. After taking the verbal consent, all the villagers, selected by area sampling technique were interviewed by a structured questionnaire and then each person in the house was provided with a clean, plastic container to collect the stool samples. Samples were examined using normal saline, iodine preparation and zinc floatation technique where appropriate. Out of 263 residents 185 tested for intestinal parasites and 88 (47.5%) had pathogenic parasites. The distributions of parasites were Giardia lamblia 50% and Entamoeba histolytica 48.86%. Statistically none of the socio-demographic variables were associated except education and age group. In the light of the study result it is concluded that there is a high prevalence of parasitic infection in the community and an intervention strategy including health education program should be designed and implemented to control parasitic infections.