Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of examination for intestinal parasites in fecal samples sent to our laboratory by obtaining from patients applied to the hospital because of various complaints.

Methods: 12 239 stool samples were examined by one or several methods such as direct wet mount using 1:5 dilution of Lugol’s iodine solution, sedimentation technique using fecal concentration tubes, Cryptosporidium/Giardia immunofluorescence (Crypto/Giardia Cel, Cellabs, Brookvale, NSW, Australia), ELISA for detecting Entamoeba histolytica adhesin antigen (E. histolytica II™, TechLab, Blacksburg, VA, USA), multiplex polymerase chain reaction for E. histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and Dientamoeba fragilis (Multiplexed Diagnostics Gastrointestinal Parasites, 5Plex, AusDiagnostics, Mascot, NSW, Australia) between January 2015 and July 2018.

Results: In 683 (5.58%) of fecal samples, parasites were detected by any method. Number of patients with parasitic infection were higher in summer (n=208), followed by autumn (n=165), winter (n=163) and spring (n=147), respectively.

Conclusions: It is thought that parasitic infections involving the gastrointestinal tract are still important for public health; direct microscopy alone is not sufficient for the diagnosis, and the diagnostic possibility can be increased by supporting with immunological and molecular methods. It should be kept in mind that bacterial and viral agents as well as parasitic infectious agents should be investigated in patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms especially in summer.

Klimik Dergisi 2020; 33(3): 307-13.

Cite this article as: Usluca S, Babür C, Kılıç S. [Curent status in intestinal parasitic infections: A reference laboratory results]. Klimik Derg. 2020; 33(3): 307-13. Turkish.