Prevalence of intestinal parasites in residents of the city of Araçatuba, SP

Abstract

In Brazil, the occurrence of intestinal parasites or enteroparasites remains a major public health problem. Therefore, studies involving parasitological surveys in a population are interesting, as they can serve to point out the effectiveness of containment or possible weaknesses generated by socio-environmental problems. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of intestinal parasites in residents of Araçatuba, São Paulo. This is a cross-sectional study, with a quantitative approach to a non-probabilistic sample. For its realization, between February and March 2013, fecal material was collected from 83 children and adolescents between 05 and 15 years old and 90 from young people, adults and elderly people aged 16 years or more, assisted by the ESF's (Family Health Strategy) and basic health units in the city of Araçatuba-SP. For the parasitological analyses, the coprological technique of spontaneous sedimentation in water, determined by Hoffman and collaborators, was used. The parasitological analysis indicated an overall prevalence of 56.07%. Prevalences registered between sex and age groups were above 50%, with highlights for the male gender (57.81%) and the age group of 16 years or more (60%). Ten species of intestinal parasites were identified, seven protozoa and four helminths. The main species identified were the protozoans Blastocystis sp. (41.23%), Endolimax nana (27.84%) and Entamoeba coli (26.80%). In order to have a more complete view of the current scenario of intestinal parasites in Araçatuba-SP and their associated factors, a study with current samples and accompanied by a socioeconomic and health investigation is recommended, even as a subsidy for the development of a possible containment policy for intestinal parasites in this population.