Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites Infections among Cancer Patients of Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Lalitpur

Abstract

Infection with intestinal parasites is widespread worldwide, especially in developing countries. Intestinal parasites are a major cause of diarrhea in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised people, but cancer patients are more prone to infection, which can be fatal. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and examine the risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among suspected cancer patients at Nepal Cancer Hospital & Research Center (NCHRC) in Nepal with suppressed immunity. One hundred individuals were selected with a convenience sampling strategy. The stool samples were preserved in a 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. Direct wet mount, sedimentation, flotation, and acid-fast methods were used to assess the prevalence and intensity of IPIs in this population. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 8% (4% Protozoan and 4% helminths). Altogether 3 species of intestinal parasites were detected. Cryptosporidium (4%)

was

predominant followed by Trichuris trichiura (2%) and Ancylostoma duodenale (2%). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that not using soap for hand-washing was significantly associated with the prevalence of overall IPIs. None of the other evaluated

risk factors indicated an association with IPIs infection. In this study, the IPIs were

attributable

to individual hygiene behaviors, but not to nutritional status or sociodemographic characteristics. Yet, significant numbers of males reported anemia and undernutrition in this study population.