Background: Soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs) are the most common intestinal worm infections affecting disproportionately the most deprived communities throughout the tropics and subtropics. In many parts of the developing world, these parasitic worms and anaemia are of considerable public health and economic importance. Objectives: To determine the relative distribution of the incidence of different intestinal parasitic infestations among school children in rural the study area and also to find its association with anaemia and to prove the efficiency of different methods of parasite detection viz., Lacto phenol cotton blue wet mount and Normal saline wet mount. Methods: Stool samples from a total of 335 children were collected and subjected for routine macroscopic as well as microscopic examination. For microscopic examination of stool, various methods such as saline, iodine, LPCB wet mount preparations were performed. From each subject, blood was collected to estimate the total haemoglobin levels. Results: overall parasitic infestation was detected in 228 of 335(68.05%) children. This study revealed mixed parasite infections in 7.1% of children. The overall incidence of anaemia in parasitized children was high (55.70%). Conclusion: This study revealed a concrete evidence of parasitisation and anaemia which demands the need for improved sanitation and better living conditions for the school going children in rural areas. Thus a global strategy for the control of STHs, based on regular anthelminthic treatment, health education and improved sanitation standards, is warranted. The use Lacto phenol cotton blue stain along with saline wet mounts for routine microscopic examination of stools for ova& cyst.
