Examination for helminth eggs and protozoan cysts in fecal samples from healthy Korean adults, 2000~2006

Kim, Hyun Seo; Lee, Jun Haeng; Choi, Yoon Ho; Kim, Ji Hyang; Son, Hee Jung; Rhee, Poong Lyul; Kim, Jae J; Lee, Moon Kyu; Rhee, Jong Chul

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
Contemporary clinicians have very little understanding of the importance of preventing parasitic disease. This aim of this study was to estimate trends in intestinal parasitic disease via stool examination in healthy Korean adults.
METHODS
We reviewed stool examination results to detect any intestinal parasite infections in newly examined healthy patients at the Health Promotion Center of Samsung Medical Center from 2000 to 2006.
RESULTS
The rates of overall intestinal parasite infection showed substantial growth from 2000 to 2006: 2.51%, 2.63%, 3.56%, 4.04%, 4.48%, 3.94%, and 4.45% (p<0.001) for 2000 to 2006, respectively. Rates of infection with helminthic eggs (five species) increased from 0.80% in 2000 to 1.50% in 2006 (p<0.001). This trend corresponds to the positive rate of Clonorchis sinensis helminthes (0.45% to 1.43%; p<0.001). Total protozoan cysts infection (four species) also increased (from 1.96% to 2.99%, p<0.001), especially with infection of Endolimax nana (1.15% to 2.23%; p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Rates of intestinal parasite infection have increased over the last seven years, especially with C. sinensis and E. nana. These results demonstrate that Korean doctors should pay more attention to the diagnosis and treatment of parasite infections to further patient education and prevent parasitic infections.