Intestinal Parasites in the Students of Van Health High School and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among the students of Van Health High School and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Faeces samples were collected from 40 females and 70 males, a total of 110 students. Then, the samples were examined by using the methods of saturated salt water (Fulleborn's flotation technique), native-lugol and trichrome stain. Of the 110 students surveyed for intestinal parasites, 34 (30.9%) had one or more parasites. Infection was observed in 8 female (20%), and 26 male (37.1%) students. Twelve intestinal parasite species were detected in stool specimens. The most common intestinal parasites are Entamoeba coli (18.18%), Giardia intestinalis (14.54%), Entamoeba histolytica (13.63%) and Blastocystis hominis (11.81%) in the present study. In conclusion, the Students of University of Yuzuncu Yil, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Van Health High School had high intestinal parasitic infection. Thus, the results suggest that both students and community must be fully aware of this public health risk.