Intestinal parasites among presumably healthy individuals in Lebanon

Authors

• Bassem R. Saab, Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, PO Box 113 6044, Beirut, Lebanon. Tel. +961 (3) 771889. Fax. +961 (1) 744464. E-mail: brsaab{at}aub.edu.lb
• Umaya Musharrafieh, Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
• Nabil T. Nassar, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
• Mustafa Khogali, Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
• George F. Araj, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence period of intestinal parasites among presumably healthy subjects in Lebanon. METHODS: One stool specimen from 2634 presumably healthy Lebanese subjects, mean age 32.1 years with a range of 14-71 years, resident of different areas in Lebanon was examined for the presence of parasites. The analysis took place in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon, over 25-months between 1995-1997. RESULTS: The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 12.4%. The most common parasites identified were Escherichia coli (3.8%), Giardia lamblia (3.1%) and Entamoeba histolytica (2.3%). CONCLUSION: The data presented shows the need to improve hygienic conditions to contain the problem of intestinal infections with parasites in Lebanon.

Article Type

Research Article

First Page

34

Last Page

37

Recommended Citation

Saab, Bassem R.; Musharrafieh, Umaya; Nassar, Nabil T.; Khogali, Mustafa; and Araj, George F. (2004) "Intestinal parasites among presumably healthy individuals in Lebanon," Saudi Medical Journal: Vol. 25: Iss. 1, Article 7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15537/1658-3175.2278