"Case report :A case of Polyparasitism in a 10 year old child."

Reported case is of multiple parasitic infections in a 10 year old male child from poor socio-economic background, presented with severe diarrhea and vomiting. Stool sample was sent for diagnosis of cholera, processed for microscopy and culture. In microscopic examination fertilized eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides, eggs of Trichuris trichiura and larva of Strongyloides stercoralis were found. In Hanging drop preparation darting motility was absent. In culture V.cholarae was not isolated. Patient responded well with albendazole and rehydration therapy. After three days sample was again collected for microscopy. It did not reveal any parasitic infestation. The present case describes a unique co-infection of three different nematodes in urban area. This case strongly emphasize on proper education of hygienic habits, sanitation, regular deworming exercise specially at primary school level. Key word : Multiple parasitic infection, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis Background: Helminthic infection is highly prevalent throughout the developing countries. These infections are documented as serious health problem as they cause iron deficiency anaemia, growth retardation in children and other physical and mental health problems. (1). Multiple parasitic infection are closely associated with poor socio economical class, poor personal and environmental sanitation, overcrowding, limited access to clean water, tropical climates and low altitude. Intestinal parasitic infections are distributed throughout the world with high prevalence rate in many regions. Amoebiasis, ascariasis, trichuriasis and hookworm infection are among the ten most common infection in the world. (2). Geohelminths are the soil transmitted nematodes with a life cycle that involves no intermediate host or vectors. They infect many animals and humans by faecal contamination of soil, food, and water. S.stercoralis infection is endemic in tropical countries. The infection remains asymptomatic in healthy individuals but can lead to hyper-infection syndrome in a compromised host. A.lumbricoides , though less harmful to the gastrointestinal mucosa, has migratory behavior and can cause obstruction in the gastrointestinal lumen.(3). Eventhough distributed worldwide and having high prevalence trichuriasis has been neglected more than most of the other intestinal parasitic disease. The Morbidity associated with trichuriasis is due to the worms , unique mode of attachment to the wall of the large intestine. The degree of morbidity is related to the intensity of the infection.