ABSTRACT

In this study, fecal specimens of 3,679 patients presenting at the parasitology laboratory of the Medical Faculty of the Mustafa Kemal University between September and May 2005 were examined for intestinal parasites. A total 3,679 stool specimens from 1,260 (34.3%) males and 2,419 (65.7%) females for intestinal parasites using the native-Lugol method were examined. Intestinal parasites were found in 265 (34.23%) male and 509 (65.76%) females. One or more intestinal parasites were detected in 774 (21.03%) patients. A total of 1,720 cellophane tape specimens were examined (64 (38.60%) male and 1,056 (61.39% female). E. vermicularis was found in a total of 150 (8.72%) patients; of whom 65 (9.78%) were male patients and 85 (8.04%) female. The distribution of intestinal parasites detected in stool specimens were follows: (31.5%) Giardia intestinalis, (25.3%) Blastocystis hominis, (18.30%) Entamoeba coli, (13.40%) Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, (1.2%) Dicrocoelium dentriticum, (%1) Ascaris lumbricoides, (%2. 8) Iodamoeba bütschlii, (%1.20) Chilomastix mesnili, (1.4%) Hymenolepis nana, (1.8%) Trichomonas hominis, (0.2%) Strongyloides stercoralis and (0.7%) Taenia saginata.

Keywords: Intestinal parasites, Hatay