Prevalence of intestinal parasites in filariasis endemic areas in Egypt.

Stool and blood specimens were collected from 230 individuals of both sexes at 2 villages (Qualyubia Governorate) where filariasis is endemic. The overall prevalence of parasites was 81%, while it was higher (92.4%) among filariasis patients than non infected individuals (50%). On the other hand, the level of microfilaria (MF) in the blood apparently showed an influence on the prevalence of parasitic infection in the infected individuals. However, in all groups, E. histolytica was the commonest protozoal parasite followed by G. lamblia. As regard helminthic infections, S. mansoni was the commonest followed by E. vermicularis. These data suggest that filariasis as an endemic disease may suppress the immune response of the host and under such circumstances, the susceptibility for other infections become higher.