[Occurrence of human intestinal parasites in selected populations of Cracow region in the years 2000-2006 on the basis of parasitological stool examinations performed in the Laboratory of Parasitology of the District Sanitary-Epidemiological Center].

BACKGROUND: Infections with intestinal parasites are the most frequent parasitic diseases in all human populations. According to available epidemiological data enterobiosis, giardiosis and ascariosis are the most prevalent in Poland. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of human intestinal parasites in three selected populations in Cracow between 2000-2006.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: As many as 5383 stool samples were tested with the use of coproscopic methods and ELISA for the presence of Giardia intestinalis coproantigen.
RESULTS: In 283 stool samples different species of intestinal parasites were detected. The prevalence of human intestinal parasites was minimal in 2002, with the ratio of 3.30%, while the maximal prevalence was noted in 2005 (8.86%). The mean prevalence of intestinal parasites in 2000-2006 was 5.26%. In this period of time the most prevalent intestinal parasite among children and adults was Enterobius vermicularis (2.35% and 1.84% respectively), and in the population of citizens returning from the tropics were Entamoeba coli (6.98%). Besides, a gradual trend of decrease in the number of patients referred directly to our laboratory for parasitic examination of stool samples was noted over the last years.