Strongyloidiasis in Assam, India: A community-based study.

BACKGROUND

Strongyloidiasis is endemic in many tropical and subtropical countries and reports from northeast India are very few.

AIM

A community-based study was carried out in Assam, India, to find out the occurrence of Strongyloides stercoralis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Stool samples were obtained from 198 randomly selected individuals from the community. Samples were processed using direct microscopy with formal-ether concentration methods.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Seventeen numbers of samples showed the presence of Strongyloides stercoralis (8.5%). A total of 105 (53%) individuals were positive for at least one intestinal parasite. The other intestinal parasites detected were Ascaris lumbricoides (33.3%), Trichuris trichiura (9.1%), hookworm (7.1%), Enterobius vermicularis (1.5%), and Giardia cyst (1.5%). Five out of 17 individuals positive for S.stercoralis had associated gastrointestinal, respiratory, and/or cutaneous symptoms.The present study although not exhaustive for true prevalence calls for attention in the backdrop of high malnutrition and pulmonary tuberculosis.