Intestinal Parasites in a Rural Highland Tourist Community of Nepal: Diversity, Prevalence, and Associated Factors in...

In Nepal, the close and longstanding human-livestock relationship, vital for subsistence and livelihoods, also creates opportunities for potential zoonotic exposure to intestinal parasites, which remain a persistent and under-recognized public health challenge.

This study investigated the prevalence, associated factors, and potential zoonotic implications of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in Sermathang, located in Nepal's Sindhupalchok District.

Fecal samples were collected from 122 humans and 37 livestock and analyzed using direct smear methods along with sedimentation and flotation concentration techniques.

Among human participants, 27 (22.1%) tested positive for intestinal parasites, with Ascaris lumbricoides being the most frequently detected (9.8%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica (4.9%) and hookworms (1.6%). In livestock, 27 samples (72.97%) were found to be infected, with common parasites including Toxocara species, Strongyloides species, and Ascaris species. Although individuals involved in farming, those living in non-concrete houses, and those who consumed raw or undercooked meat had adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of 1.03 (95% CI: 0.40-2.63), 1.15 (0.42-3.15), and 1.20 (0.28-5.20), respectively, none of these associations reached statistical significance.

Although host-specific species were observed, parasites belonging to the same genera (Toxocara, Strongyloides, and Ascaris) were detected separately in human and livestock samples from the same households. However, microscopy limitations prevent the assessment of zoonotic transmission, underscoring the need for molecular studies to confirm potential cross-species links.