ABSTRACT

Intestinal parasitosis is still an important public health problem. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in children with gastrointestinal symptoms, and to evaluate its association with socio-economic and environmental factors. Stool samples of 3,216 children were examined by the saline-iodine method and trichrome staining. The cellophane tape method was also performed on 2,160 children. According to the educational levels and the economic status of families, the patients were classified as coming from underdeveloped, developing and developed areas. In 770 (23.9%) of 3,216 stool samples, various parasites were detected by the saline-iodine method and trichrome staining. The most common parasite was Giardia intestinalis (40.1%), followed by Entamoeba coli (10.2%). Enterobius vermicularis eggs were detected by the cellophane tape method in 221 (10.3%) out of 2,160 patients. The positive cases were evaluated according to the socio-economic and the environmental criteria; and most of them were found to have come from underdeveloped and developing areas. Health care and governmental officers should cooperate in order to improve the living conditions, and also people should be informed about the signs, symptoms and prevention methods of the parasitic diseases.

Keywords: Childhood parasitosis, gastrointestinal symptoms, socio-economic conditions