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Intestinal parasites in pediatric patients with diarrhoeal diseases in Bangkok
Insights
A study found 18.4% of pediatric patients with diarrhea had intestinal parasites. While not the primary cause, these parasites can increase susceptibility to other infections, highlighting the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Diarrhoeal disease is a common ailment in pediatric patients.
- The role of intestinal parasites as a primary or contributing factor in pediatric diarrhoea requires ongoing investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in pediatric patients presenting with diarrhoeal disease.
- To identify common intestinal parasites affecting children with diarrhoea.
- To assess the utility of the direct-smear technique for diagnosing intestinal parasitoses.
Main Methods:
- Stool examinations were performed on 147 pediatric patients with diarrhoea using the direct-smear technique.
- Patient data including age and sex were recorded.
- Prevalence rates for identified parasites were calculated.
Main Results:
- Intestinal parasites were detected in 18.4% of the pediatric patients.
- The most prevalent parasites identified were Entamoeba histolytica (6.8%) and Giardia lamblia (6.1%).
- Other detected parasites included Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, and Balantidium coli. No parasites were found in children under one year of age.
Conclusions:
- The direct-smear technique is a simple and effective method for diagnosing intestinal parasitic infections.
- While not always the primary cause of paediatric diarrhoea, intestinal parasites can exacerbate infections and increase susceptibility to other pathogens.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of intestinal parasitoses are crucial for managing parasite-related diarrhoeas in children.
Abstract:
Stool examinations of 147 pediatric patients with diarrhoeal disease were carried out at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok by using the direct-smear technique. Stool of 27 patients (18.4%) were positive for intestinal parasites. Children under one year of age were free of intestinal helminths and protozoa. Parasites were equally prevalent in males and females and without any age group predilection. The prevalence of intestinal parasites were Entamoeba histolytica 6.8%, Giardia lamblia 6.1%, others were Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Trichuris trichiura and Balantidium coli. Although the incidence of parasitism was not high as to be the main causatic agent of pediatric diarrhoea, the intestinal parasites may increase susceptibility to infection with other intestinal pathogens. The diagnosis of intestinal parasitoses can be determined by a simple direct faecal-smear technique and so that specific therapy can be instituted without delay in management of parasite-related diarrhoeas.