Prevalence and associated risk factors of human intestinal parasitic infections: a population-based study in the southeast of Kerman province, southeastern Iran

Abstract

Background: Determination of the prevalence and distribution pattern of intestinal parasites is a fundamental step to set up an effective control program to improve the health status. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county, southeast of Kerman province, southeastern Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 861 stool specimens were collected from inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county through a multistage cluster sampling method in 2018. The collected specimens were examined by parasitological methods including, direct wet-mounting (for the fresh specimens with a watery consistency), formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation and agar plate culture. Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 34.2% (95% CI 30.1 to 38.2). The prevalence of protozoan parasites 32.3% (95% CI 28.4 to 36.5) was significantly higher than helminthic parasites 3.2% (95% CI 2.1 to 4.7). Blastocystis sp. (13.3%), Entamoeba coli (11.4%) and Giardia lamblia (10.6%) as protozoan parasite and Hymenolepis nana (2.4%) as helminthic parasite were the most common detected intestinal parasites in the study. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (1.5%), Iodamoeba bütschlii (1.0%), Chilomastix mesnili (0.5%), Entamoeba hartmanni (0.4%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.3%) and Ascaris lambercoides (0.3%) were other detected parasites. Multiple logistic regression revealed a significant association of intestinal parasitic infections with source of drinking water and residency status (rural/urban). Multiple infections with 2 or 3 parasitic agents constituted 22.7% of 295 infected cases.Conclusions: This study revealed a high prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections among inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county. Intestinal parasites especially protozoans remain a challenging public health problem wherever sanitation and health measures are limited in Iran.

Intestinal parasites among intellectually disabled individuals in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…E. coli , Blastocystis spp., and G. duodenalis , were the most predominant protozoan species reported during the period under review. These species are the most commonly reported in Iran in almost all studies on IPIs among different populations [ 2 , 20 ]. The majority of individuals infected with these species are asymptomatic and excrete numerous cysts that remain viable for a long time in the environment.…”

Epidemiology of Intestinal Parasites in the Rural and Urban Areas of Hamadan Province in west –Central Iran

“…Some other recent studies conducted in different regions of the country from the north (Fooman, Takestan) to the south (Ahwaz, Bandar Abbas, Kerman), to the center (Kashan) have revealed a significant reduction in intestinal parasites, especially helminthic infections in Iran. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] These studies have also determined that the most common intestinal parasites in Iran presently are Blastocystis hominis 23,25,26 and G. lamblia, 22,25 and the mean infection rate for G. lamblia is about 2.5%; however, A. lumbricoides is extremely rare, even in the rural areas located in other provinces of the country. 24,25 Significant changes in society and at depths of it are likely taking place.…”

Socio-Environmental Determinants and Human Health Exposures in Arid and Semi-Arid Zones of Iran—Narrative Review

“…In Iran, intestinal parasites prevalence between 4.7% and 56% have been reported. 74 This issue has been significantly observed in the East and Southeast of Iran (arid and semi-arid regions) due to low socioeconomic status, limited sanitation and geographic factors such as location, physical features, distribution of natural, and etc. 74 According to recent studies Blastocystis sp., Escherichia coli , and Giardia lamblia are the most common water-borne intestinal parasites In Iran.…”

“… 74 This issue has been significantly observed in the East and Southeast of Iran (arid and semi-arid regions) due to low socioeconomic status, limited sanitation and geographic factors such as location, physical features, distribution of natural, and etc. 74 According to recent studies Blastocystis sp., Escherichia coli , and Giardia lamblia are the most common water-borne intestinal parasites In Iran. 75 , 76 However, the outcomes of an epidemiological study performed in the Kerman province of Iran showed that 7.5%, 28.4%, 18.9% of the recorded water-borne diseases were associated with Blastocystis and E. coli infections, respectively.…”

“…75 , 76 However, the outcomes of an epidemiological study performed in the Kerman province of Iran showed that 7.5%, 28.4%, 18.9% of the recorded water-borne diseases were associated with Blastocystis and E. coli infections, respectively. 74 The reviewed evidence leaves no room for doubt about the association between intestinal parasitic infections and the source of drinking water. It is demonstrated that 38.4% of the infected with prevalent species parasites were using unsafe sources of water as drinking water.…”