A Comparative Study of Concentration Techniques for Detection of Intestinal Parasitic Infections – to Evaluate the Prevalence And to Identify A Better Method of Concentration Technique At A Tribal Tertiary Care Hospital

Parasitic infection caused by helminths and protozoa are the major cause of human disease in most countries of tropical region. It is estimated that about 3.5 billion people are infected with intestinal parasites of whom 450 million are ill. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection varies not only geographically but also in different region in the same country. The present study is undertaken to determine the rate of prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among all age group of people in this tribal area and to determine the best concentration technique to identify maximum number of intestinal parasites. Material & Methods: A total of 836 stools samples were collected from patients with symptoms of parasitic infestation and the same were subjected to (1) Gross examination (2) Direct microscopic examination by using saline and iodine preparation and (3) modified Ziehl Neelson staining after fixing with methanol (4) different concentration technique viz.. (a) Brine concentration flotation technique (b) Zinc sulphate flotation technique (c) Formal ether concentration sedimentation technique (d) Merthiolate iodine formalin sedimentation technique. Results: Out of total 836 stools samples the detection rate by various methods was 286(34.2%) for ova and cysts of protozoa , coccidian and helminths. Compared to females (29.75%), males (38%) were more affected. The direct smear saline mount could only detect 36% while the maximum detection 66% of intestinal parasite was after Formalin ether concentrated sedimentation technique. Among the intestinal protozoa, Entamoeba histolytica (53.49%) was the most common followed by Giardia cysts (8.04%) . Coccidian parasites like cryptosporidium parvum and isospora beli were detected in the HIV infected patient only. Ascaris lumbricoides (16.43%) followed by ancylostoma duodenele (9.09%) were the common helminthic infections. Conclusion: Early and prompt diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infection is important as in addition to morbidity and mortality they contribute to malnutrition, growth retardation and diminished work capacity.