Intestinal parasites in a remote village in Nepal

Stool samples for parasitological examination were collected in a remote area of western Nepal. Of 40 specimens collected, 36 were positive for parasites as determined by examination of direct wet mounts and trichrome smears. All but one of the positive specimens contained several parasite species, averaging four species per specimen. Four negative specimens were found in infants under 1 year of age. The parasitic burden in this population appeared to be high, and the prevalence of parasitic infection approached 100%.