RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To understand the pathogen spectrum and epidemic status of major human parasites in Chenzhou City, Hunan Province, so as to provide the evidence for parasitic diseases control. METHODS: The survey sites were selected by the stratified cluster sampling method. The intestinal helminthic eggs were detected by Kato-Katz technique. The trophozoites or cysts of intestinal protozoa were detected by saline smear and iodine staining methods. The eggs of Enterubius vermicularis of children from 3 to 6 years old were detected by the cellophane anal swab method. The species of hookworm were identified by the filter paper strip culture method. RESULTS: A total of 7 031 people were detected with the intestinal helminthic infective rate of 1.83% (129 cases). The major parasite was hookworm and there was a statistically significant difference of the infection rates among various parasites (χ2 = 107.77, P < 0.01). All the hookworm larvae were Necator americanus. No intestinal protozoon was detected. There were statistically significant differences of the infection rates among the counties (χ2 = 25.77, P < 0.01). The age of the patients was mainly focused on 30 and above years old and the infection rate was increased with the growth of age (χ2 = 26.21, P < 0.01). Farmers were the main population of the patients and there was a statistically significant difference of the infection rates between farmer and others (χ2 = 29.67, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The infection rates of parasites are low and hook-worm is the main parasite in the pathogen spectrum in Chenzhou City. However, the infection factors still exist, therefore, effective and scientific measures should be taken to consolidate the achievement.