Spectrum of intestinal parasites in patients attending a secondary level hospital in Northeast India – A 4-year retrospective cross-sectional study
Sungkumtangla Jamir, Kekhrie Zao, Nito Yepthomi, Nounechutuo MiachieoAbstract
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
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.