Abstract

Background:
Over 30 million individuals around the world suffer from Strongyloides stercoralis infection, which is a nematode that affects intestines and transmitted through the soil. Most patients with this condition are asymptomatic. These infections are common, chronic and persisting. The aim of the current study was to detect the major source of zoonotic disease in Hail, Saudi Arabia.
Methodology:
Fecal samples were collected from 50 individuals (Housemaids) in Hail General Hospital and 70 stool samples were collected from cats of the same households in Hail. Also four types of leafy vegetable plants (Green onions, Leek, watercress and parsley (from regional greengrocers and markets sold for human consumption were collected.
Results:
Prevalence of S. stercoralis in the samples of leafy vegetables was found to be 15 %, 4% in human fecal samples and 5.7% in fecal samples collected from stray cats.
Conclusion:
Strongyloides stercoralis was found to be the parasite that causes Strongyloidiasis, which is a zoonotic disease. We were successful in isolating S. stercoralis larvae from humans, leafy vegetable and cats in Hail city, Saudi Arabia.

Key words: Strongyloides stercoralis, leafy vegetable, zoonotic disease, Saudi Arabia