Intestinal parasitosis in school age children in Lalitpur District of Nepal

Enteric parasites are the most common cause of parasitic diseases, and they cause significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries like Nepal. This study was conducted to estimate the intestinal parasitic infestations among school children in Lalitpur district of Nepal. A total of 1392 stool samples were collected from school children selected from two governments, two private, one community and one slum school from the same district. The stool samples were examined for evidence of parasitic infections by direct microscopic examination and further confirmed by concentration and flotation methods, for the coccidian parasite modified ZN staining was performed. Prevalence of intestinal parasites was 16.7%. The highest prevalence was seen with Giardia lamblia (7.4%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica (3.4%) and Cyclospora cyantenenis (1.7%). Highest number was seen in male child (17.8%) and the highest prevalence of parasites were seen in age between 11 to 15 years that is, 7.3%, whereas highest prevalence was seen in government school (12.2%). The results designated that intestinal parasitic infestation among school children in the study area is mainly water-borne. The burden of parasitic infestations among the school children, coupled with the poor sanitary conditions in the schools, should be regarded as an issue of public health priority.