Abstract:

Aim: In this study, we aimed to introduce the distribution of parasites detected in stool samples of patients admitted to our laboratory on the basis of parameters such as, age, and gender between 2014 and 2016. Method: Firstly,stool specimens from patients were examined macroscopically. Subsequently, they were examined microscopically with iodine. The data was evaluated retrospectively. Results: In total, 8909 stool samples were included in the study. Parasites were detected in 164 (1,84%) of the samples, while no parasites were detected in 8745 (98,16%) of the samples. 49.4% of the parasitic patients were female and 50.6% were male patients. 49.4% of parasites were 0-15 years old, 12.2% were 16-30 years old, 11.6% were 31-45 years old, 11.6% were 46-60 years old, 15. 24% were isolated from patients over the age of 61. The distribution of intestinal parasites was as follows: Giardia intestinalis (48.17%), Blastocystis hominis (35.36%), Iodamoeba butschlii (6.1%), Enterobius vermicularis (3.05%), Ascaris lumbricoides (3,05%), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.22%), Trichuris trichiura (1.22%), Taenia saginata (0.61%), Hymenolepis nana (0.61%) and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (0.61%). Conclusion: Regional epidemiological data are important to take preventive measures against infections caused by parasites and to develop effective treatment protocols.The incidence of parasites in studies conducted in different regions of our country vary between 4.1% and 75%. In our study, the rate of parasites was 1. The most common parasites were Giardia intestinalis and Blastocystis hominis. Although the prevalence of parasites in our study is low compared to other studies in our country, intestinal parasites are still a major health problem that affects about 2% of people in our region.

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