Monitoring the Trends in Intestinal Parasite Frequencies; 2018 and 2022 Data.

Objective: Monitoring intestinal parasite frequencies is effective on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies to be developed against these parasites. In this study, it was aimed to reveal the parasite species and frequency data of stool samples in parasitology direct diagnosis laboratory.

Methods: Stool parasitological examination results were obtained retrospectively from our laboratory internal quality control data tables. Data belonging to the year 2018 and 2022 were compared retrospectively.

Results: Annual parasites detected in stool samples were 388 of 4.518, and 710 of 3.537, in 2018 and 2022, respectively. Frequency of parasite detection in stool samples was found to be significantly higher in 2022 (p<0.0001). Number of stools with more than one parasite was 12 and 30 in 2018 and 2022, respectively. Incidence of infection with more than one parasite was significantly higher in 2022 (p=0.0003). Five most common parasite species were spp., , spp., intestinalis and Entamoeba histolytica in 2018, respectively; and spp., spp., spp., and intestinalis, in 2022, respectively. spp., spp. and increased significantly, while spp. and decreased significantly, in 2022.

Conclusion: According to the data obtained, causative agents for intestinal parasitic infections were protozoans, especially spp. It has been concluded that tightening the measures for protection of water with one health approach and improving the education and habits of society on personal hygiene and food safety can be effective in reducing the frequency of intestinal parasite infections in our region.