Gastrointestinal parasites in Mushahar community in Balan Bihuli, Saptari, Nepal

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasites inhabiting the intestinal tract of hosts, including humans, directly or indirectly affect the growth, well-being and the survival of hosts. However, parasitism in humans, especially among the highly marginalized ethnic tribes in Nepal have not been fully illustrated. Therefore, current research aimed to determine the prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites among Musahar Community people living in Saptari District in eastern Nepal. A total of 200 fresh fecal samples of Musahar people of varying age and sex were collected via purposive sampling. The samples were then immediately preserved in 2.5% potassium dichromate solution in 30 ml sterile vials and transported to Central Department of Zoology. The laboratory analysis was carried out by direct wet mount and concentration (sedimentation and flotation) methods and examined under a compound microscope. Results showed 81% (162/200) and a total of 9 different species of parasites. The presence reported were Ancylostoma sp. (41.5%), Ascaris lumbricoides (29%), Entamoeba sp. (31.5%)%), Entamoeba coli (21.5%), Trichuris trichuria (16%) Strongyloides stercoralis (8.5%), Giardia sp. (7%), Hymenolepis nana (14%) and Balantidium coli (2%). The prevalence of helminths (62%) was higher than the single-celled protozoa (42%), and mixed pattern of infection was higher than single infection. GI parasitism is comparatively higher in those population who are habituated in consuming rats, walking barefoot, defecating haphazardly on open lands, living in mud-built houses and with unknown or more than one year earlier history of medication. In conclusion, Mushar community people harbor a significantly higher prevalence of parasites in their GI tract. Thus, an awareness campaign and arrangement of effective deworming is highly recommended.