Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Thai Patients: Five-Year Experiences at Siriraj Hospital

Objective: To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections at Siriraj Hospital Methods: 4,206 non-repeat stool samples (817 from HIV infected patients, and 3,389 from non-HIV infected patients) were submitted for coproparasitological examination between August 2000 and July 2005. All stool specimens were examined for ova and parasites, using simple wet-preparation and formal-ether concentration. Modified Ziehl-Neelson, and modified Trichromeblue staining were tested routinely only in HIV infected patients. Results: Intestinal parasites were detected in 18.9 % (41% in HIV infected group and 13.6% in non-HIV infected group respectively). S. stercoralis was the most prevalent intestinal parasite found in both groups (6.5 % in HIV infected and 5% in non-HIV infected group). The prevalence of C. parvum infection and microsporidial infection were 20.7% and 15.5% in the HIV infected group respectively. Conclusion: Intestinal parasitic infections remain an important problem in Thailand.