Hookworm Infection Recorded at an University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal Over One Decade Period.

Abstract

We report an annual prevalence of hookworm infection among Nepalese as studied at Parasitology Laboratory of Department of Pathology, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal over one decade period (1985-1994). A total of 4, 164 to 9, 440 (average 7, 857) fecal samples were examined each year for the presence of various intestinal parasites. The annual positivity rate for hookworm infection ranged from 3.8 to 10.7 percent. Throughout the study period, a higher incidence of hookworm infection was observed among adults compared with children. Hookworm infection was more common among females compared with their male counterparts except for the year 1989 and 1990. Of the two species of human hookworms, 67.0% were Ancylostorna duodenale while remaining 33.0% were Necator arnericanus.