Frequency of intestinal parasites at princess Aysha medical complex, Marka, Jordan

Abstract EN

Objective: To determine the frequency of the different types of intestinal parasites identified at Princess Aysha Center/ Amman-Jordan. Methods: The medical records of all patients who were seen at the center (in the different specialties) during the period between 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2000 were retrospectively reviewed.

This includes reviewing the stool analysis and culture request forms in the medical record and all the relevant information in this record. Results: The total number of stool analyses performed in the study period at the center were 12556.

The total number of patients with stool analysis request forms was 3392.

The frequency of positive stool analysis tests among the study group was 148 (4.4%).

The highest frequency of intestinal parasites was among those less than 5 years old 7.8% The frequency of intestinal parasite was higher among females (54%).

The highest positive result for intestinal parasite was found in the central region and urban areas.

Giardiasis and Amoebiasis (62 & 20 %) respectively were the commonest intestinal parasites isolated while Hymenolepis nana and Trichomonas hominis were the least common (0.7%) each. Conclusion: Because of the importance of the intestinal parasites as a community and public health problem and the lack of reliable data on the exact prevalence of intestinal parasites, a proper survey should be conducted (on hospital and laboratory based) in the different health care units.