No abstract

Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infections are the main health problems in developing countries which can cause mortality and morbidity among infected people particularly in children. They are also associated with stunting of linear growth, physical weakness and low educational achievement in children. This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in children. Material and Method: Pediatric Patients taking treatment in P.D.U. Hospital and Medical College, Rajkot-a tertiary care hospital in Gujarat, India, were included in study. Physical and microscopic examination was carried out in the total 368 stool samples received during from period January 2015 to July 2016. Result: 51(13.86%) stool samples showed presence of ova/cyst of protozoa or helminthes. Protozoal cyst or trophozoites were found in 33 (8.97%) while helminthic eggs or larvae were found in 19 (5.16%) of positive samples. Conclusion: Protozoa are more common than helminthes. It is an important public health problem. It is necessary to develop effective prevention and control strategies including periodic deworming, health education and environmental hygiene.