Evaluation of Intestinal Parasites and Risk Factors in Patients Applying to Outpatient Clinics with Digestive System Complaints in Ordu province

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the parasite prevalence, species and factors affecting parasite positivity in patients with digestive system complaints in Ordu Province in Turkey. Methods: 317 patients who presented with gastrointestinal complaints were included in the study. A questionnaire including; socio-demographic characteristics of the patients, lifestyle and digestive system complaints was applied. Cellophane band method, nativ-lugol, sedimentation and Modifiye kinyoun acid-fast methods were used for the diagnosis of fecal parasites. After the samples were prepared and stained, they were examined under a microscope. Results: Parasite positivity was detected in 205 (64.66%) of 317 patients. Blastocystis spp. constitutes 34.1%, 34.7% of Cryptosporidium spp and 16.1% of Entamoeba coli . The incidence of helminths was 2.8% and the incidence of protozoa was 97.2%. 73.7% of using city water, 93.7% were eating vegetables predominantly. In 9 (4.4%) of the patients with parasite positivity, no parasite was detected at the first examination, and it was detected in the 2nd and 3rd Bakers. The complaints of salivation in Entamoeba coli , Blastocystis spp. and Cryptosporidium spp, and allergy, rectal itching, drooling, increased appetite were significantly higher in Enterobius vermicularis ( p <0.05). Conclusion: It has been observed that there is a high rate of parasites in patients presenting with digestive complaints. Mostly Blastocystis spp., Cryptosporidium spp species were observed in Ordu Province. Patients who present with the complaint of digestion, especially those whose complaints do not improve, should definitely be evaluated in terms of parasites and the preliminary diagnosis of parasitosis should not be immediately ruled out, even if the first stool examination is negative.