ABSTRACT

In this study, in order to collect specimens, from March 2003 through June 2003, 18 tertiary-care centers in Isparta were divided into 6 diverse geographic regions according to the density of the population using the 1/3 pattern. Fecal samples and perianal materials from 800 individuals in these regions were examined in order to detect intestinal parasites in Isparta. We investigated 800 persons of whom 77 (9.6%) had intestinal parasites in their fecal samples and perianal materials. Of these parasites, 26 (34.2%) were Entamoeba coli; 20 (26.3%), Giardia intestinalis; 14 (19.2%), Enterobius vermicularis; 8 (10.4%), Blastocystis hominis; 4 (5.2%), Iodamoeba bütschlii; 2 (2.6%), Chilomastix mesnili; 1 (1.3%), Entamoeba histolytica / dispar; 1 (1.3%), Endolimax nana; and 1 (1.3%), Ascaris lumbricoides. The prevalence rates in this study seemed to be lower when compared to the previous epidemiological studies in Isparta. However, intestinal parasites are an important public health problem that is seen in one tenth of the population and which should be eliminated.

Keywords: Intestinal parasites, prevalence