Abstract

LACOSTE LAUGART, Esperanza et al. Aspects on children epidemiology of intestinal parasites in Vegón Nutrias, Venezuela. Rev Cubana Hig Epidemiol [online]. 2012, vol.50, n.3, pp. 330-339. ISSN 1561-3003.

Introduction: intestinal parasitic infections have a high prevalence rate and a worldwide distribution, mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. In Latin America parasitic diseases have a high prevalence. Venezuela shares this tendency as well, and a high frequency of protozoa and helminthic infections is reported, mainly in children. Objectives: to estimate the rates of the intestinal parasitic infections and to identify the main risk factors associated with these infections in children younger than 15 years in Vegón de Nutrias community, Barinas State, Venezuela. Methods: a questionnaire was applied; stool samples were collected, which were studied by parasitological techniques such as direct wet mount, Ritchie (formalin-ether) method, and Kato Katz thick smear. Results: 89.7 % of children studied were found infected by parasites or commensals; Endolimax nana had the highest prevalence (38.9 %) and Blastocystis spp was the second highest (36.6 %). The main factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections were the age group (5-9 years old) inadequate hygienic habits, inadequate sanitary conditions, and the ingestion of bad quality water. These results suggest the necessity of implementing comprehensive strategies for the control and surveillance of these infections in order to improve the quality of life in these communities.

Keywords : children; intestinal parasite infections; stool parasitological techniques; protozoa; risk factors.

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