Intestinal parasitic infection among children less than five year of age visiting Children’s Hospital of Kathmandu.

Abstract

Introduction: Intestinal parasitosis is a worldwide concern and cause significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries like Nepal. The current study aims to identify the status of intestinal parasitosis among children less than five years of age visiting Kanti Children Hospital.

Methods: Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted from January 2017 to December 2017 among children less than 5 years of age visiting Kanti Children’s Hospital. Parasites were detected by using standard microbiological procedures.

Results: Among a total of 770 stool specimens collected, intestinal parasites were detected in 7.4% cases. Children of age group 49-60 months were found to be infected more often followed by 37- 48months with higher frequency seen in summer season in the month of May and June. Altogether five species of parasites were detected, among which three were protozoan and two were helminths. The most common parasite identified was  Giardia lamblia (4.3%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica(2.2%) and Hymenolepis nana(0.5%).

Conclusion: The study indicated that there is still burden of parasitic infection in Nepal among children. Hence, there is a need to incorporate effective prevention and control strategies including health education and environmental hygiene.