Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2025
Comparative Analysis of Automatic Fecal Analyzer versus Direct Wet Smear Microscopy for Detecting Parasitic Infections in Stool Samples
Published on: April 25, 2025
Status of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in a Tertiary Care Center
Ajaya Basnet1, Arun Bahadur Chand2, Nayanum Pokhrel3
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Shi-Gan International College of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal.
Insights
Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) affected 13.1% of patients in central Nepal, with protozoa like Entamoeba histolytica being most common. This highlights the need for public awareness regarding hygienic practices and water source contamination.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) pose a significant public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries like Nepal.
- IPIs are associated with growth retardation and increased susceptibility to other infections.
- Assessing IPI prevalence is crucial for targeted public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among patients at a tertiary care hospital in central Nepal.
- To identify the common etiological agents of IPIs in the study population.
- To analyze demographic and seasonal variations in IPI prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical and laboratory records from January 2019 to December 2020.
- Examination of stool samples using conventional microscopy with normal saline and iodine preparations.
- Inclusion of data from 3,146 patients attending KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital.
Main Results:
- A total of 13.1% (411/3146) of patients were infected with intestinal parasites.
- Entamoeba histolytica was the most prevalent parasite (90.8%), followed by Giardia lamblia (8.3%).
- Infection rates were higher in females (14.1%) and in the 20-30 age group (16.1%).
Conclusions:
- While helminth infections showed a declining trend, protozoan infections remain a concern.
- The high prevalence of protozoa suggests potential water source contamination with fecal matter.
- Increased public awareness about hygienic practices is urgently needed to mitigate IPI transmission.
Background:
Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are diseases of serious public health concern in low- and middle-income countries, including Nepal. Such infections can cause growth retardation and increased susceptibility to other parasitic infections. Hence, this study aims to assess the prevalence of IPIs among the patients attending a tertiary care hospital in central Nepal.
Methods:
Clinical and laboratory records of patients, whose stool samples were collected and transported to the Department of Clinical Microbiology, KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital, during 2 years (January 2019 and December 2020) were examined for parasitological findings, by conventional microscopy using normal saline and iodine preparation.
Results:
Out of 3,146 patients included in the study, 411 (13.1%) patients (median age[IQR]: 27[12-45]) were infected with the intestinal parasites. Patients of different age groups, such as 20-30 years (16.1%), 10-20 years (14.1%), and 30-40 years (13.3%) were mostly infected. Infection was more common in females (221/1572, 14.1%) than males (190/1574, 12.1%). There were 373 (90.8%) cases of IPIs due to Entamoeba histolytica, 34 (8.3%) cases due to Giardia lamblia, and 4 (0.9%) cases due to helminths. The prevalence of IPI in the first and second years was 14.5% (260/1794) and 11.2% (151/1352), respectively. IPIs were more common in summer (n=87, 12.8%) and spring(n=81, 10.8%).
Conclusions:
Present study showed a declined prevalence of helminth infection. However, a higher rate of protozoan infection indicated the water source contamination with fecal matters and therefore urgencies for awareness among the public about hygienic practices.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections