Intestinal parasitic infection among school age students in Lakhok subdistrict, Pathumthani province, Thailand

Abstract

Introduction: Intestinal parasites are mainly concern among children especially under age 13 who studying in primary school due to lack of appropriate protective procedures of themselves from those parasites. The parasitic infection in children may cause them serious effects in case of heavy infection if the proper prophylactic strategies are not applied. This study was conducted to survey the prevalence of intestinal parasites among the kindergarten and primary school students in Lakhok subdistrict, Pathumthani, Thailand which located closely to grimy canal (Premprachakorn canal) in the northern suburban area of surrounding Bangkok.
Method: The cross-sectional descriptive study was performed within July 2017. The 96 stool samples were collected from the students age 4 to 12 (51 girls and 46 boys). The evaluation of intestinal parasite was occupied by standard microscopic examination (simple direct smear) using 0.85% NaCl and Lugol’s iodine and also by modified concentration method using Mini Parasep® SF (Apacor, England). The investigation of pinworm infection was performed by Scotch tape technique. The result was represented in percentage of infection.
Result: The prevalence among the students was 20.83% with 5.21% of pathogenic parasites and 15.62% of non-pathogenic parasites. The prevalence in the girl was higher than the boy in the percentage of 25.49 and 15.56, respectively. The highest prevalence was Blastocystis spp. (65% among identified parasites), and the others were Endolimax nana, Giardia lamblia, and Entamoeba coli, respectively. Only Enterobius vermicularis egg was found in the stool samples (5%). The prevalence of E. vermicularis by using Scotch tape technique was 5.41%. The sex of children was also statistically significant (7.50% in the boys and 2.94% in the girl).
Discussion and Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal parasites in this current study is higher than the previous reports but the patterns are the same. Most of identified parasites are intestinal protozoa and non-pathogenic parasites are the highest incidence among them. Even though there are non-pathogenic parasites but it would be the index for personal hygiene and sanitary. This information could be used for taking further control strategies in the school and community all around.