The Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among the Mentally Retarded Patients in Lamook Rehabilitation Center of Qaemshahr, Mazandaran Province, ۲۰۱۵

Background & Objectives: Intestinal parasites are of the most important infections and health problems throughout the world, especially in the developing countries. The mentally retarded are at high risk for this type of parasitic infections. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in the mentally retarded patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed on feces samples of ۹۷ mentally retarded patients staying in Lamook rehabilitation center in Qaemshahr, Iran, ۲۰۱۵. The samples were tested through the direct smear method and simple-flotation by saturated solution of sodium chloride (or the Willis method). Results: All the patients were male and with mean age of ۳۵ years. Our results indicated that five (۵.۱۵%) of the participants were infected by intestinal parasites. Trichuris trichiura in one, Entamoeba coli in two (nonpathogenic protozoa), and Blastocystis hominis (nonpathogenic) in two cases were observed. Conclusion: The pervalance rate of intestinal parasitic infections in this center was relatively low, indicating the statisfactory health status and proper supervision of the authorities of this center in this regard. Given the dangers posed by intestinal parasitic infections to mentally retarded patients, prevention and management of these infections is underscored

Keywords:

Mentally retarded , Infection , Trichuris trichiura , تریکوریس تریکوریا , عفونت , معلولین ذهنی