A preliminary survey of parasitic infections and nutritional status among school children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

A total of 320 school children in the Model Institute of the Capital in Riyadh, were clinically and parasitologically examined. Thirty-five (10.94%) had intestinal parasites. Entamoeba coli (61.91%) was found more frequently among the commensals, while Giardia lamblia (28.57%) was the most common pathogenic parasite. All urines were parasite free. The low infection rate with Gardia could be explained by the good physical and nutritional status and better sanitary and living conditions.