Prevalence of intestinal parasites in Deula community, Kirtipur Municipality, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Infections with intestinal protozoans, helminths, and other parasites are major, but overlocked problems in developing countries. Accurate surveys of intestinal parasites in Deula community inform empirical treatment regimens and can assess the impact of community-based drug treatment programs. There is limited information on this topic in Nepal. In a prospective study of intestinal parasites in symptomatic people of the Deula community, January-July 2018, samples were examined by microscopy of a direct and concentrated faecal sample. We studied 150 samples. The median (inter-quartile range) age of the people was 34.5 (16-50.5) years, 52% were female and 48% were male. The proportion of people with abdominal pain was 30.39%, diarrhea 42.16%, anemia 14.71% and malnutrition 3.92%. Altogether 102 (68%) parasitic infections were detected. The most common parasites using all methods of detection were Entamoeba histolytica (35.30%), Giardia lamblia (21.57%), Trichuris trichiura (14.71%), hookworm (13.73%), Ascaris lumbricoides (7.84%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (6.85%). E. histolytica was most common, followed by G. lamblia in all age groups, T. trichiura and A. lumbricoides. Hookworm and S. stercoralis were more common with increasing age. This study substantiate the significance of intestinal parasitic infections in indicative Deula community and the need for adequate facilities for laboratory diagnosis together with education to improve personal hygiene and sanitation.