Intestinal Parasitism in Prisoners

• NCJ Number: 106651
• Journal: Journal of Prison and Jail Health Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1986-1987) Pages: 78-88
• Author(s): D S Blumenthal; P E Martinelli; L Pelfrey; Z Rosemond
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Prisoners may represent a population at high risk for intestinal parasite infections, based on results from Georgia correctional institutions for both adults and youths.

Abstract

The study used 100 inmates chosen at random from 5 Georgia State prisons housing from 650 to 1,500 inmates. They were asked to voluntarily submit stool specimens. One hundred and fifty-five inmates returned specimens. Results of 270 stool examinations routinely obtained on admission to an institution for offenders aged 15 to 17 were also analyzed. The samples were taken between January 1983 and July 1, 1984. The rate of infection was 5.2 percent among the prison inmates and 8.5 percent among the youthful offenders. Pathogens found included Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Strongyloides stercoralis, hookworm, and pinworm. Findings should be confirmed by further research. Data tables and 10 references.