Spectrum of intestinal parasites in patients attending a secondary level hospital in Northeast India – A 4-year retrospective cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: Intestinal parasitic infections, particularly soil-transmitted helminths (STH), remain a major public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions. Data from Northeast India are limited. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, age distribution, and seasonal trends of intestinal parasites among patients attending a secondary-to-mid-tertiary care hospital in Nagaland. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of stool samples collected from January 2019 to December 2022 was performed. Samples were examined macroscopically and microscopically using saline and Lugol’s iodine wet mounts after formol-ether concentration. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS. Results: A total of 2166 stool samples were analyzed. Overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 7.8% (169/2166), with Ascaris lumbricoides (36.3%) and Taenia spp. (31.5%) being the most common. Highest prevalence was observed in the 11–15 years of age group (14.7%). A. lumbricoides infections peaked during the winter months (November–March). Coinfections were observed in two patients. Conclusion: Although hospital-based data may underestimate community prevalence, this study highlights the persistent presence of intestinal parasites in Northeast India, with school-aged children at higher risk. Findings highlight the need for community-based surveillance.