he Prevalence of Human Intestinal Parasites in Rural Areas of Saveh, Markazi Province, Iran

Background & Objective: As far as no study has been done on the prevalence of parasitic infections in Saveh, Markazi Province, Iran, the current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in rural areas of Saveh during 2005-2006. Materials & Methods: 755 people were selected and examined randomly through systematic cluster sampling for intestinal parasites using formalin ether sedimentation technique, as well as direct smear for the diarrheic samples. Results: In general, 14% of individuals were infected with intestinal parasites. The rate of infection with protozoa and helminth parasites were 13.3% and 0.7%, respectively. The infection rate of each parasite species were as follows: Entamoeba coli 5.9%, Giardia lamblia 5.6%, Blastocystis hominis 1.6%, Iodamoeba butchli 0.1%, Chilomastix mesnili 0.1%, Hymenolepis nana 0.3%, Enterobius vermicularis 0.3% and Taenia 0.1%. Conclusion: Comparing the prevalence of intestinal parasites in other parts of the country, especially the rural areas, it is found that the prevalence was lower in Saveh, which is prominent for helminthes parasites. Considering that Saveh is known as a healthy city, the efficient health services in this area is concluded from the obtained results. Therefore, providing treated safe water and sanitation for the reduction of parasites, especially Giardia are recommended in the study area.