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Pattern of intestinal parasitic infection in preschool children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

A S Bolbol1, S D Mostafa, M al-Sekait

  • 1College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Journal of Hygiene, Epidemiology, Microbiology, and Immunology
|January 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Intestinal parasite infections affect over 20% of young children in Riyadh. Giardia lamblia was the most common parasite, and diarrhea was not a primary indicator of infection in this age group.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Parasitology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Intestinal parasitic infections are a significant health concern in children worldwide.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing complications and long-term health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children aged 0.6-6 years in Riyadh.
  • To identify the most common parasites and associated clinical symptoms.
  • To evaluate the relationship between parasitic infections and common causes of referral in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Stool specimens from 1,167 children (aged 0.6-6 years) attending King Abdel Aziz University Hospital were analyzed.
  • Parasites were identified using standard laboratory diagnostic techniques.
  • Clinical data, including reasons for referral, were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • A total of 243 (20.8%) children were positive for intestinal parasites.
  • Giardia lamblia (13.5%) and Enterobius vermicularis (4.2%) were the most prevalent parasites.
  • Abdominal pain (38.6%) and diarrhea (27.6%) were the most common referral symptoms; however, diarrhea was less frequently associated with parasitic infections (9.5%) compared to abdominal pain (45.5%).
  • Loss of appetite, underweight, and failure to thrive were associated with Giardia lamblia.

Conclusions:

  • Intestinal parasitic infections are common in young children in Riyadh, with Giardia lamblia being the most frequent pathogen.
  • Diarrhea is not a reliable indicator of parasitic infestation in this age group.
  • Symptoms like abdominal pain, loss of appetite, underweight, and failure to thrive warrant further investigation for parasitic infections, particularly Giardia lamblia.

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