Abstract
Objective: To determine the frequency and seasonality of intestinal parasitic infections among patients in Qassim region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Methodology: A descriptive study conducted during 3 years period at Buraidah Central Hospital (BCH) in Qassim region, KSA. The faecal specimens of 23,278 patients who attended BCH during the study period were analyzed by direct and concentrated microscopy techniques. The specimens of the subjects who came to hospital for pre-employment screening were excluded from the study.
Results: Pathogenic intestinal parasites were found in 1676 patients (7.2%). Nine parasites were recorded and were predominated by Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica/ dispar. The monthly distribution of intestinal parasitic infections was highest during June and August (Summer) and were lowest during December and January (Winter).
Conclusion: Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica/ dispar were found to be the common aetiologic agents of intestinal parasitic diseases among the study population. Summer time was identified as a potential local risk factor for acquisition of infection in the study region.