A Study on the Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Patients Referred to Laboratories of Teaching Hospitals and the Central Laboratory in Jiroft City

Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infections are still a major health concern in developing countries due to associated complications and negative impact on physical and intellectual development, especially in low-income populations, poor personal and environmental hygiene, overcrowding, and lack of access to clean water. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and type of intestinal parasitic infections in individuals referred to teaching hospitals and the central laboratory of Jiroft city. Materials and Methods: All individuals referred to teaching hospitals and the central laboratory of Jiroft city who had undergone stool testing for parasites were included in the study. Information such as age, sex, and parasite type were collected from the registry books of these centers. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software based on the comparison of percentages and ratios and descriptive statistics. Results: Among the 6,857 people who participated in the study, 220 (3.2%) were infected with intestinal parasites. The most prevalent parasite found in the study was Giardia lamblia (76.8%), followed by Entamoeba coli (20.5%). Trichomonas hominis, Blastocystis hominis, hookworm, and Tenia saginata were other isolated parasites. The Chi-Square test and Cramer's V showed that there was no significant relationship between age, gender, and sample positivity (Cramer's coefficient V = 0.06, P > 0.05). Conclusions: The significant prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in Jiroft city requires the attention of various organizations and improvement of personal and social health education, as well as improvement of water and food quality