PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PROTOZOA AND HELMINTHIC PARASITIC INFECTIONS IN ADULT POPULATION OF PUDUCHERRY

An increasing of intestinal parasitic infections occurs in India is due to the improper sanitation and lack of water purity. Our main objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among clinically suspected patients who are attending our tertiary care teaching hospital. Totally 571 stool samples were collected from the patients who had a suspicion of parasitic infections and they sent to the Parasitology laboratory for routine diagnostic testing in Microscopy. Most of our patients are from rural and urban areas. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was found in this study is about 44 (7.70%) which includes E. histolytica/dispar, Giardia, Hookworm, Blasotocystis and Strongyloides. Remaining 527 stool samples were negative for protozoa, helminths and coccidian parasites. No statistical significance was observed between rural and urban patients. Helminthic infections are more endemic in this Union territory and surrounding Tamil Nadu when compared to the other parasitic infections. Urban populations are mostly affected due to unaware of the cleanliness program.