Abstract
Background: Intestinal parasites are one of the most important human infections in many tropical and sub-tropical areas.
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and their association with some
demographic factors in patients referred to the Ghamar Bani Hashem hospital Khoy, West Azarbaijan province.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2014 to March 2016. Stool samples of 5610 patients referred to the
Ghamar Bani Hashemhospitalwere examinedusing the formalin-ether concentrationand direct smearmethods. Determinationof
intestinal parasites was based on the morphological characteristics of the parasites. The scotch tape method was used for detection
of Enterobius vermicularis ova in 133 suspected individuals. Microscopic results were recorded and analyzed.
Results: A total of 5610 people (51.6% male and 48.4% female) were examined. The mean age of the patients was 47.26 ± 1.3. Among
these, 32.1% were infected to at least 1 of the intestinal parasites. Prevalence of protozoa and helminths parasites was 30.1% and 1.2%,
respectively. The prevalence rate of intestinal parasites was: Blastocystis sp.12.9%, Giardia lamblia 11%, Entamoeba coli 4.1%, Iodamoeba
butschlii 2.1%, Endolymax nana 1.5%, Entamoeba histolytica/E.dispar 0.25%, Trichomonas hominis 0.09%, Ascaris lumbricoides 0.09%, Hymenolypis
nana 0.03%, and Enterobius vermicularis 4.5%.
Although the highest prevalence was in the age group of 20 - 29 years (31.8%), there was no significant relationship between age
and parasite infection. However, a significant relationship was observed between the Giardia lamblia infection and age.
Conclusions: Human intestinal parasite infections, especially protozoan infection, are still abundantin the Khoy region. Adequate
knowledge andperiodic surveillance of theprevalence of parasites andthe variables that affectfrequency are importantfor effective
control.