TITLE: PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFESTATIONS IN PATIENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY
Main Article Content
Keywords
Intestinal parasitic infestations (IPI); prevalence; Hookworm; Giardia lamblia; Entamoeba;
Abstract
Objectives: To determine the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasitic infestations among patients attending a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology of a tertiary care hospital from January 2025 to December 2025. A total of 100 stool samples from patients of all age groups were included. Samples were examined using standard parasitological techniques, including direct saline and iodine wet mount microscopy. Demographic variables such as age and sex, along with parasitological findings, were recorded and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Out of 100 stool samples examined, 10 were positive for intestinal parasites, yielding a prevalence of 10%. The highest number of cases was observed in the 18–30 years age group. Males were more frequently affected than females. Among the detected parasites, Ancylostoma duodenale (Hookworm) was the most common, accounting for 7 (70%) cases, followed by Giardia lamblia in 2 (20%) cases and Entamoeba species in 1 (10%) case.
Conclusion: The study highlights a notable prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestations, with a higher burden among young adults and males. Helminthic infections, particularly hookworm, predominated over protozoal infections. Strengthening routine screening, improving sanitation, and enhancing public health awareness are essential to reduce the burden of IPIs.
Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology of a tertiary care hospital from January 2025 to December 2025. A total of 100 stool samples from patients of all age groups were included. Samples were examined using standard parasitological techniques, including direct saline and iodine wet mount microscopy. Demographic variables such as age and sex, along with parasitological findings, were recorded and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Out of 100 stool samples examined, 10 were positive for intestinal parasites, yielding a prevalence of 10%. The highest number of cases was observed in the 18–30 years age group. Males were more frequently affected than females. Among the detected parasites, Ancylostoma duodenale (Hookworm) was the most common, accounting for 7 (70%) cases, followed by Giardia lamblia in 2 (20%) cases and Entamoeba species in 1 (10%) case.
Conclusion: The study highlights a notable prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestations, with a higher burden among young adults and males. Helminthic infections, particularly hookworm, predominated over protozoal infections. Strengthening routine screening, improving sanitation, and enhancing public health awareness are essential to reduce the burden of IPIs.
References
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2. Feleke BE, et al. Intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors. BMC Infect Dis. 2021;21:112.
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4. World Health Organization. Soil-transmitted helminth infections update. WHO Weekly Epidemiol Rec. 2021.
5. Praharaj I, et al. Epidemiology of intestinal parasites in India. Indian J Med Microbiol. 2021;39(2):150–155.
6. Okyay P, et al. Distribution of intestinal parasites in hospital settings. Trop Biomed. 2021;38(1):45–52.
7. Tefera E, et al. Intestinal parasitic infections among patients in developing countries. PLoS One. 2021;16:e0250000.
8. Garcia LS. Diagnostic methods in intestinal parasitology. Clin Lab Med. 2021;41(2):233–248.
9. Dunn JC, et al. Trends in soil-transmitted helminths and protozoa. Lancet Infect Dis. 2021;21:160–170.
10. Cools P, et al. Molecular vs microscopy diagnosis of intestinal parasites. Acta Trop. 2021;214:105758.
2. Feleke BE, et al. Intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors. BMC Infect Dis. 2021;21:112.
3. Khan W, et al. Burden of intestinal parasites and associated factors. Parasitol Res. 2021;120:123–130.
4. World Health Organization. Soil-transmitted helminth infections update. WHO Weekly Epidemiol Rec. 2021.
5. Praharaj I, et al. Epidemiology of intestinal parasites in India. Indian J Med Microbiol. 2021;39(2):150–155.
6. Okyay P, et al. Distribution of intestinal parasites in hospital settings. Trop Biomed. 2021;38(1):45–52.
7. Tefera E, et al. Intestinal parasitic infections among patients in developing countries. PLoS One. 2021;16:e0250000.
8. Garcia LS. Diagnostic methods in intestinal parasitology. Clin Lab Med. 2021;41(2):233–248.
9. Dunn JC, et al. Trends in soil-transmitted helminths and protozoa. Lancet Infect Dis. 2021;21:160–170.
10. Cools P, et al. Molecular vs microscopy diagnosis of intestinal parasites. Acta Trop. 2021;214:105758.
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Published
Sep 30, 2026
Article Details
How to Cite
Dr. Boris Konsam, Dr. Girish Babu R J, & Dr. Ramya Bhargavi. (2026). TITLE: PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFESTATIONS IN PATIENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY. Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology, 32(11), 2357-2357. https://doi.org/10.69980/0949w662
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Author Biographies
Dr. Boris Konsam
Post Graduate, 3rd year, Department of Microbiology, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, SSAHE, Tumkur
Dr. Girish Babu R J
Professor, Department of Microbiology, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, SSAHE, Tumkur
Dr. Ramya Bhargavi
Tutor, Department of Microbiology, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, SSAHE, Tumkur
How to Cite
Dr. Boris Konsam, Dr. Girish Babu R J, & Dr. Ramya Bhargavi. (2026). TITLE: PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFESTATIONS IN PATIENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY. Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology, 32(11), 2357-2357. https://doi.org/10.69980/0949w662
