Objective: To find out the prevalence of parasitic infection among school aged children and to
make necessary recommendations for preventive measures.
Methods: The stool samples were examined for evidence of parasitic infections by direct
microscopy and confirmed by concentration methods (formal ether sedimentation technique).
Results: Among 300 samples, 15 (5.00%) were found to be positive for Entamoeba histolytica
5 (1.67%) followed by parasite Giardia lamblia 4 (1.33%), by parasite Ascaris lumbricoides 3
(1.00%) by parasite Hymenolepis nana 2 (0.67%), by Cyclospora 1 (0.33%).
Conclusions: Major contributors for the prevalence of parasites were found to be poor personal
hygiene and the educational level of the children. This should be regarded as an issue of public
health priority and demand for effective school health programs involving periodic health
education and screening.