Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in the Southwest of Iran: A Four-year Retrospective Study

<P>Background: The current study was aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in persons who were referred to selected hospitals of Abadan and Khorramshahr cities, in the southwest of Iran. </P><P> Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 43200 and 28821 stool specimens were gathered from Abadan and Khorramshahr cities, respectively, during four consecutive years (2014-2017). </P><P> Results: A decreasing trend was seen in the prevalence rate of IPIs in Abadan and Khorramshahr cities. The overall prevalence of IPIs was estimated to be 5.82% and 6.11% in Abadan and Khorramshahr cities, respectively. In Abadan city, the proportion of IPIs in male persons with 56% was higher than females 44%, while in Khorramshahr city, more prevalence was observed in females (54% vs. 46%). Moreover, according to the season, the highest prevalence was recorded in Spring (30.4%) and Summer (31.1%) in Abadan and Khorramshahr cities, respectively. We found Giardia lamblia, as the most frequent parasite in studied individuals of both cities (Abadan: 2.92%; 1261/43200 and Khorramshahr: 3.15%; 908/28821). Other parasites were as follows: Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, E. coli, E. hartmanni, Blastocystis hominis, Hymenolepis nana, Enterobius vermicularis, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Taenia spp. </P><P> Conclusion: This was the first study on the prevalence of IPIs in Abadan and Khorramshahr cities, southwest of Iran. Intestinal parasites are still the main public health concern in these regions. Health education, improving sanitary conditions, screening and treatment of infected people, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas can be helpful.</P>