Abstract

VILCHES-BERRIOS, Gabriela N; RENTERIA-VALLE, César A; MONTEZA-SALAZAR, Jessica L  and  SILVA-DIAZ, Heber. Intestinal coccidiosis and amebiasis in school age children of a district in Lambayeque, Peru. Rev Med Hered [online]. 2018, vol.29, n.1, pp.5-10. ISSN 1018-130X.  http://dx.doi.org/https://doi.org/10.20453/rmh.v29i1.3254.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for intestinal coccidiosis and amebiasis in school-age children in the district of Chongoyape, Chiclayo, Peru. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried-out between November 2014 and January 2015 among 133 school-aged children. A structures questionnaire collected socio-demographic and sanitation information. Serial stool samples were required, which were processed under direct microscopy, modified acid-fast staining and ELISA to detect antigens of Cryptosporidium spp, while direct microscopy and ELISA were used to detect Entamoeba hystolitica. Results: 6.8% (9/133) of the samples were positive for coccidian parasites, 3.8% (5/133) were positive for Cryptosporidium and 3% (4/133) for Cyclospora cayetanensis, no Cystoisospora belli was identified. E. hystolitica was found in 4.5% (6/133) samples. Drinking non-potable water was a risk factor for getting both infections, while animal contact was associated with getting a coccidian parasite (p=0.013). Conclusions: Both coccidian and intestinal amebas are frequent protozoan infections in this population. These parasites are public health problem that require routine and specific diagnostic methods in the region.

Keywords : Cryptosporidium; Cyclospora; Isospora; Entamoeba histolytica; child.

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