Abstract

MARCOS RAYMUNDO, Luis A. et al. Prevalencia de parasitosis intestinal en niños del valle del Mantaro, Jauja, Perú. Rev Med Hered [online]. 2002, vol.13, n.3, pp.85-90. ISSN 1018-130X.

Objective : To document the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitoses in Jauja, Junin. Material and methods: Subject aged from 1 to 16 years, form the Huertas and Julcan districts, province of Jauja, department of Junin, Perú, were included; they (161) here interviewed and examined; they also provided a stool sample. Results: Prevalence of intestinal parasitoses was high; all 188 subjects had parasites or commensals, and 64% harbored pathogens. The socio-demographic characteristics of this population shown poverty, crowding in poor living conditions and poor hygienic habits, which would explain the high prevalence of intestinal parasitoses. The most frequent parasites were Giardia lamblia (35.1%) and Fasciola hepatica (19.1%). The association between Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichiuris trichiura showed statistical significance (P<0.05). Abdominal pain was the most frequent (45.3%) symptom observed. Among the diagnostic methods, the Spontaneous Tube Sedimentation (STS) technique detected most parasites more efficiently. The Rapid Sedimentation Technique described by Lumbreras (1962) was best for detection of Fasciola eggs. Conclusion: The high endemicity of intestinal parasitoses is related to the poverty, crowding and poor hygienic habits of the population. The high prevalence of human fascioliasis characterize this zoonosis as a significant Public Health problem. (Rev Med Hered 2002; 13: 85-89).

Keywords : Prevalence; parasitoses; children associated factors; Jauja.