Intestinal Parasites in Rehabilitation Centers of Tehran, Iran

SUMMARY 330 mentally retarded and physically handicapped persons were studied in four different socioeconomic regions of Tehran. One faecal sample from each person was examined by the direct smear, formalin­ether method and Graham test for detection oxyuris. Overall prevalence of intestinal parasites in both groups was 59 .4 % . The commonest protozoan and helminth were Entamoeba coli and Entarobius vermicularis, 30.3% and 20%, respectively. In the south region the prevalence of infection was 76 % in the north region 50. 7 % and in the east region 53.3% (P≤0.01). Statistical findings show that high prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis among mentally retarded patients is suggested due to poor hygienic conditions and autoinfection in this group. The high rate of Enterobiasis and Giardiasis may be due to close contact and direct transmition.