Haematological values and parasitic infections in school children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

A total of 1426 apparently healthy Saudi children, were subjected to clinical and laboratory investigations of blood, urine and stools. Lower means were observed for Hb concentration, Hot ratio, RBC and WBC counts. The MCV was in the range of Western levels. Of 1343 stool specimens 156 (11.6%) were positive for intestinal parasites (5.4% pathogenic and 6.3% commensals). The higher infection rate of commensals strongly suggests the presence of potentially infectious environmental sources and a public health problem. Giardia lamblia was the most common pathogenic parasite 3.6% and its high infection rate seemed to be associated with lower Hb level. So screening for parasitic infections especially among anaemic children is necessary as a part of the general health care programme.