Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Mental Retardation Center of Bandar Abbas, Southern Iran.

Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among mentally retarded individuals and the staff of the center in Bandar Abbas, south of Iran.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in central institution for mentally retarded in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan Province, from 2016 to 2017. A triple fecal specimen was collected from each one of the 163 participants and were evaluated using wet mount and formalin-ethyl acetate methods. Trichrome and Ziehl-Neelsen staining were used to confirm suspected cases of protozoa. As well as Baermann and Harada-Mori techniques and agar plate culture were implemented to diagnosis of .

Results: Overall, 163 subjects were examined including 126 mentally retarded individuals and 37 personnel. Ninety (55.2%) cases of participants were infected with at least one of the intestinal parasites, 69 (54.7%) of mentally retarded and 21 (56.7%) of personnel. Twenty-six mentally retarded individuals were infected with (20.6%), 30.2%, 5.6%, 1.6%, 0.8% and 1.6% Twelve staff (32.4%) harbored 2.7%, 2.7% and 2.7%.

Conclusion: High rate of intestinal parasites particularly, compared to the most recent studies of general population. Therefore, regular screening and tracking the positive cases, disinfection of the living environment, training and financing of the staff, increasing the number of the workers, recruiting of professionals and trained personnel in these centers are suggested.