Preliminary study of the prevalence of intestinal parasites among diarrheic inhabitants in Makkah Al-Mukarramah.

Darrheic disease is one of the greatest causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Intestinal parasites contribute to the disease and the well being of humans. This study was undertaken in the Holly City of Makkah Al-Mukarramah. A total of 166 diarrheic stool samples were collected. A wet smear from each specimen in normal saline and Lugol's iodine solution was examined microscopically for the trophozoites and cysts of protozoan parasites. Stools were also examined using ethyl acetate formalin concentration technique to confirm the diagnosed parasites. All stool specimens were stained by Ziehl-Neelsen stain to detect the oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. One way ANOVA was used to analyze data. 128 persons were found to be infected, with an overall prevalence of 77.1%. 46.99% of the samples were females, and 53.01% were males. The prevalence of infection in females was 36.1%, and 40.9% in males. 16.9% of infected females were living near the Holy Masjid (down town), while 19.3% were living away from the Holy Masjid (up town). 18.7% of infected males were living down town, while 22.3% were living up town. The majority of cases fall into the young age groups (< 30 years old). There is no significant difference between the prevalence of infection down town and up town (P = 0.22), whereas the prevalence of infection between the patients over or under 30 years old was significance (P = 0.036). The rates of infection were higher in those living up town than those living down town. The results were critically discussed.