Intestinal parasites among intellectually disabled individuals in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Exactly 1263 of the 3004 intellectually disabled individuals examined by 14 studies across 10 provinces of Iran were positive for IPIs. Overall pooled prevalence estimate was 41% (95% CI 29-53%) with a range of 21% (95% CI 10-32%) to 68% (95% CI 55-80%) across sub-groups. Entamoeba coli (16.2%; 95% CI 10.3-22%), Blastocystis spp. (12.2%; 95% CI 7.2-17.2%), and Giardia duodenalis (11.9%; 95% CI 7.4-16.3%) were the most prevalent protozoan species. In terms of helminthic agents, the most prevalent species were Enterobius vermicularis (11.3%; 95% CI 6.3-16.3%) followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (10.9%; 95% CI 5.0-16.9%) and Hymenolepis nana (2.8%; 95% CI 0.4-5.2%) CONCLUSION: IPIs are highly prevalent among intellectually disabled individuals in Iran. Improving the health status and implementing infectious disease prevention strategies in rehabilitation centers, health promotion interventions to improve personal hygiene of intellectually disabled individuals, as well as utilize sensitive diagnostic methods besides routine stool examination techniques, and treatment of infected individuals will help in the control of these infections among intellectually disabled individuals.