Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites among Tharu Community of Rajhena VDC of Banke District

Abstract

The present study was carried out in the Tharu Community of Rajhena VDC of Banke district to determine knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the prevalence of intestinal parasites by means of structured questionnaire in people above 10 years. A total of 250 stools samples of different age groups and sexes were collected and examined by direct smear technique. Out of 250 peoples 78(31.20%) were found to be infected with one or more types of intestinal parasites. The prevalence rate in male was 34.32% which was higher in comparison with the females (27.58%). The prevalence rate of intestinal parasites in age group 10-30 years was 32.96, in age group 31-50 years was 26.23% and in 50 years above was 28.57% respectively. Altogether, 7 species of parasites were detected. Giardia lamblia topped the list of protozoa, whereas Ascaris lumricoides was the most frequently detected among helminth parasites The prevalence percentage in total 250 stool samples, of protozoans, Giardia lamblia(8.4%) and Entamoeba histolytica (5.6%) while of helminthes, Ascaris lumricoides (11,20%), Ancylostoma duodenale (2.4%), Hymonolepsis nana (2%), Trichuris trichiura(2%) and Taenia solium (1.6%) respectively. Of the total 78 positive cases, 67(85.89%) had prevalence of single species infection while 9(11.54%) had double species infection and 2(2.56%) had multiple infections with a maximum of three species. In the survey analysis, it was found that 72(38.91%) were infected with intestinal parasites among non-vegetarian while 6(9.23%) among vegetarian which is statistically significant. Regarding the occupation wise, the intensity of intestinal parasites was maximum (35.60%) in farmers and minimum (8.34%) in service holders. Similarly, maximum (40.29%) infection was found in those people who used to defecate at open field. It was found that awareness towards intestinal parasites was very poor. Prevalence of parasitic infection was found 11.42%among aware people whereas 34.41% among un-aware people. In the treatment method, maximum infection (57.54%) was observed in people who believe in traditional methods.