DefinePK

Abstract

A survey was conducted over the period from November, 1978 to September 1979 in one of the sectors of Karachi to determine the rate of infection by protozoans and helminths in the population. A total of 3249 samples of faeces of patients with gastric complaints were obtained from two big hospitals and one laboratory of the area. The specimens were preserved with Merthio­late Iodine - Formaldehyde, mounted and examined under the high magnification of a compound microscope.
Of the total 3249 stools examined, 988 were found positive for protozoa and helminth infections. Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites were present in 21 samples while the cyst form was found in 577. Giardia lamblia was detected in 266 specimens, Ascaris lumbricoides in 118 and H. Nana in 23 samples. Ancylostoma Duodenale was positive in 25 stools and Entero­bins vermicularis in 60, Trichuris trichiuria in 23 and taenia saginata in 2 specimens.
Quite a number of samples had more than one infecting organism. The highest percentage of infections was in June and July and the lowest in December. The survey revealed 30.4% of parasitosis with the highest infection being by Entamoeba Histolytica cyst and the second highest by Ascaris lumbricoides. This proves that attention should be given to improve the sanitation in the area surveyed. Efforts should also be made to keep a check on the immigrants to Karachi from other parts of the country as they bring in infections and are responsible for its spread.
As this survey included only three institutions and a single stool sample from each individual was examined, it therefore proves that the infection rate was very high. The estimates may be taken as a tentative result but it does reveal that intestinal infections are present in a high percentage and preventive measures should be instituted immediately.