Surveys on the prevalence of various intestinal parasitic infections in different geographic regions is a prerequisite for developing appropriate control strategies. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in schoolchildren enrolled in various schools in Srinagar City, Kashmir, India, and to assess epidemiological factors associated with the extent of endemic disease. Stool samples were collected from 514 students enrolled in 4 middle schools. The samples were processed with the use of both simple smear and zinc sulphate concentration methods, and then microscopically examined for intestinal parasites. Of the 514 students surveyed, 46.7% had 1, or more, parasites. Prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides was highest (28.4%), followed by Giardia lamblia (7.2%), Trichuris trichiura (4.9%), and Taenia saginata (3.7%). Conditions most frequently associated with infection included the water source, defecation site, personal hygiene, and the extent of maternal education. The study shows a relatively high prevalence of intestinal parasites and suggests an imperative for the implementation of control measures.
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December 2007
Research Article|
December 01 2007
Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Associated Risk Factors among Schoolchildren in Srinagar City, Kashmir, India
Showkat Ahmad Wani;
Showkat Ahmad Wani
Department of Zoology, the University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India 190 006;
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Fayaz Ahmad;
Fayaz Ahmad
Department of Zoology, the University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India 190 006;
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Showkat A. Zargar;
Showkat A. Zargar
*Department of Gastroenterology, SKIMS, Soura, Srinagar, J&K India,190 011. showkat_aish@yahoo.co.in
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Zubair Ahmad;
Zubair Ahmad
Department of Zoology, the University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India 190 006;
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Pervaiz Ahmad;
Pervaiz Ahmad
Department of Zoology, the University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India 190 006;
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Hidayatullah Tak
Hidayatullah Tak
Department of Zoology, the University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India 190 006;
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J Parasitol (2007) 93 (6): 1541–1543.
Citation
Showkat Ahmad Wani, Fayaz Ahmad, Showkat A. Zargar, Zubair Ahmad, Pervaiz Ahmad, Hidayatullah Tak; Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Associated Risk Factors among Schoolchildren in Srinagar City, Kashmir, India. J Parasitol 1 December 2007; 93 (6): 1541–1543. doi: https://doi.org/10.1645/GE-1255.1
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