The Occurrence of Human Intestinal Parasites in Finland

Abstract

A survey of the occurrence of intestinal parasites covered 243 inmates of an institution for the mentally retarded, 537 hospital patients from 4 areas, 100 military servicemen, and 65 prisoners. Two faecal samples from each patient were examined by the formalin-ether concentration technique. Among the mentally retarded the prevalence of intestinal parasites was high, 41.3% among children and 51.5% among adults. The commonest parasite was Entamoeba coli. In Helsinki, the prevalence among children in hospital was only 7%, but among adult out-patients 18.9%. Among hospital patients in other areas, military servicemen, and prisoners in Helsinki the prevalence of intestinal parasites was low. The commonest pathogenic parasite was Giardia lamblia. The high prevalence of this protozoon, 14.8% among adult out-patients in Helsinki, probably reflects the increase in tourism. Four cases of Trichuris infection were detected among the mentally retarded.