Intestinal Parasitic Infection in Children in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal: A Study in Kanti Children’s Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Abstract

The present study entitled "Intestinal Parasitic Infection in Children of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal: A Study in Kanti Children's Hospital Maharajganj, Kathmandu." has enfolded some facts about the status of parasitic infections in the patients of Kanti Children's Hospital. Total number of samples collected were 278 from the children of age group 01-14 years of both sexes and stool samples were examined by fecal smear preparation method. A survey was also carried out to determine knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding intestinal parasites by means of structural questionnaires to the parents belonging to different castes during July to September 2005.

Out of 278 children, 45.32% were infected. Among positive samples prevalence rate in male children were 45.91% and 44.53% in female children. So there was no significant difference in prevalence of parasites in two sexes. Statically the prevalence of intestinal parasite according to sex wise was found to be significant (χ2=0.06) Prevalence of Giardia lamblia was found to be 21.23% Entamoeba histolytica 7.91% in protozoan parasites, While Ascaris lumbricoides 17.99%, Hookworm 2.15%, Hymenolepis nana 1.79%, Enterobius vermicularis 1.08%, Trichiuris trichiura 1.08% and Strongyloides stercoralis 1.43% in helminthes. Ascaris lumbricoides and Giardia lamblia were the most dominant helminthes and protozoan parasite respectively. Regarding the age group high prevalence was found in 10-12 years age group 63.36%. The minimum prevalence was observed in children of age group 1-3 years 26.66%. But difference was found to be significant (χ2=15.21)

The high prevalence of intestinal parasites is an indication of unhygienic condition or the area, which is due to children behaviour, poor sanitary condition, illiteracy, lack of awareness etc. These contributing factors are responsible for transmitting the intestinal parasites. Health education is advised to play a vital role in the control of intestinal and other parasitic infections.