EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HUMAN FASCIOLOSIS IN RURAL AREAS OF LAHORE, PAKISTAN*

Abstract

Epidemiological aspects of fasciolosis in human beings were investigated by faecal examination in six different areas of Lahore i.e., Bhutto colony, Siddiquia colony, Scheme no.2, Sheikhupura road, Khairdin park and Misri shah from April 2003 March 2005. The epidemiological data showed overall infection of 0.31%. Highest infection was observed in Scheme no. 2 i.e., 0,58% followed by Bhutto colony and Sheikhupura road (0.33%), and lowest in Khairdin Park, Misri Shah and Siddiquia colony (0.167%). In month wise, over all, prevalence was highest in August and January (0.667%) and lowest in March (0.0%). Season wise data revealed highest infection in summer (0.42%) followed by winter (0.33%) and lowest in spring and autumn (0.167%). Sex wise prevalence showed higher infection in females (0.30%) than in males (0.28%). All infected persons were below the age of 20 years and showed significantly higher infection (P < 0.05).