A total of 220 healthy school children aged 12-18 years in Udaipur, were subjected to laboratory investigation of stool and hemoglobin blood levels. Low mean hemoglobin concentration was observed among 57 (25.9%) of the children who were positive for intestinal protozoan parasites. The higher infection rate suggests the presence of infection from environmental sources and a public health problem. Entamoeba histolytica was the commonest pathogenic parasite followed by Giardia intestinalis and their high infection rate seemed to be associated with lower hemoglobin level. The study design allowed the assessment of hemoglobin levels before and after treatment with metronidazole. It was concluded that screening for parasitic infection especially among anemic children is necessary as a part of the general health care program.
Keywords: Protozoan parasites, school children, hemoglobin concentration.
