Prevalence and Intensity of Intestinal Helminthiases in Northwest and Northeast of Iran

Abstract

The prevalenee of intestinal helminths was determined by stool examination of the inhabitants of two mountainous areas in the northeast (Torghabeh) and northwest (8asmenge) of Iran. All members of 20% of the families from 10 villages of Torghabeh amounting to 18 I 2 persons, and 10% of families from 23 villages of Basmenge to 10 I 7 individuals were chosen by stratified sampling method and were examined, and the intensity of infection was determined by egg count. The highest rates of infection were found for ascaris (74% and 81%) in both areas. Then T. trichiura (with a prevalence of 21% and 37%) and H. nana (4% and 8%), were more prevalent infections detected. In Basmenge 57% were infected with one, and 37% with two and 1% with three species of helminths and ouly 8% were free from infection, while in Torghabeh 60% had one, 16% had two, and I% had 3 worms, and their differences discussed. These data are compared with those from other parts of Iran and their differences discussed.