AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF PROTOZOAN PARASITES IN THE HUMAN POPULATION OF SAHARSA MUNICIPALITY, NORTH BIHAR

Amoebiasis, caused by Entamoeba histolytica, has a worldwide distribution and is of public health significance in many developing countries. It has a fecal–oral transmission route and is most prevalent in developing countries in regions where substandard sanitary conditions exist due to poverty. Saharsa town is the headquarter of Koshi Division of Bihar lying in koshi belt witnesses higher percentage of incidence of intestinal parasites. The town has no drinking water supply and people mostly use drinking water from low-deep hand pump. The perennial water logging in mohallas, insanitary disposal of human excreta and use of drinking water from low-deep hand pumps prevailing in the town favours the infestation of intestinal parasites.