In order to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and ecto-parasites, we examined primary school children in Kuyulu, Sakabasi, Boluklu, Akcakiraz, Yalındamla and Cip villages of Elazig. Between 1st March 30^th April 1998, 211 children (7-14 years age group) were examined for ecto-parasites. Their stool samples were obtained and examined by native-lugol, zing sulfate flotation and trichrome stained methods.

The head louse and scabies were observed in 8 (3.8%) and 7 (3.3%) of the 211 cases, respectively. Intestinal parasites were positive in 163 (77.2%) of 211 stool samples. Only one parasite and more than one parasites were noticed in 80 (49.1%) and 83 (50.9%) of 163 positive stool samples, respectively. In addition, intestinal parasites were found in two cases of infested with head lice and five cases of infested scabies.

It is thought that faecal-oral contamination was primary reason for high prevalence of intestinal parasitism in those villages. It is known that individuals can easily infest each other by louse and scabies in school and home, therefore the education of the hygiene rules are an important factor in prevention.