Background and purpose: Strongyloidiasis is prevalent in Northern provinces in Iran. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis and other intestinal parasites in rehabilitation centers in Mazandaran Province, north of Iran.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in seven rehabilitation centers in Mazandaran Province, 2013-2014. Fecal samples were collected from 341 participants (239 male, 102 female) aged 11-86 years old. The centers and specimens were randomly selected. All samples were examined by formol-ether concentration and agar plate culture. Diarrheic samples were examined by direct smear and Trichrome staining. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS V.16.

Results: Intestinal parasitic infection was observed in 112 individuals. Protozoa infections were seen in 19.6% and helminth infections were seen in 14.1%. Strongyloides stercoralis was detected in 2.1% of the samples. The infection rate with other helminth parasites included Dicrocoelium dendriticum 7.9%, Trichuris trichiura 3.2%, Echinostoma sp. 0.9%, Taenia 0.3%, and Trichostrongylus sp. 0.3%. Entamoeba coli was the most common protozoan parasite (19.4%) followed by Iodamoeba butschlii (2.1%) and Chilomastix mesnili (1.2%).

Conclusion: This study showed high infection rate with some intestinal parasites. The problems and complications associated with these parasites call for prompt diagnosis and treatment of infected individuals in rehabilitation centers.