Prevalence of Parasitic Infections in Peadiatric Population – A Prospective Study

Introduction: The study was done to determine the prevalence of parasitic infections in the pediatric population, and to correlate their presence with the health status of the children. Materials and methods: Stools were collected in wide mouthed disposable containers from the children admitted in pediatric ward with various complaints in Chigateri Government Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka. The samples were screened by saline and iodine preparation for the detection of various parasites. Simultaneously the children were also screened for the presence of Enterobius vermicularis eggs by cellophane tape method early in the morning. Results: A total of 220 samples were examined and 53 (24.09%) were positive for various parasites 21(39.6%) samples were positive for multiple parasitic infections. The parasitic infections were more common in the age group of 5-10yrs and in male children 40(75.40%) and the most common health problem associated with parasitic infection was found to be anaemia. Summary: This study indicates effective mass scale deworming and regular screening of parasitic infections is essential to reduce the burden caused by them.