Abstract

SANTOS, Francenilton Sampaio dos et al. Prevalence of intestinal parasites in children from riverine communities in the Municipality of Coari, on the Middle Solimões River, Amazonas, Brazil. Rev Pan-Amaz Saude [online]. 2010, vol.1, n.4, pp.23-28. ISSN 2176-6215.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5123/S2176-62232010000400004.

Few studies have determined the prevalence of intestinal parasites along rivers in the Brazilian Amazon, especially in pediatric populations. Therefore, we conducted a coproparasitological survey of a group of 200 children in riverine communities in Coari, on the Middle Solimoes River, in the Amazonas State, Brazil. The results of the study show an 83% prevalence of infection, in which parasitism by the species Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common. The socio-environmental factors related to intestinal parasitic infection that were statistically significant include household income and water source variables (p < 0.05 for family income), which suggests increased prevalence may be related to the poor economic and sanitary conditions in these riverine communities. We conclude that the high rate of intestinal parasites in this pediatric population, which is associated with poor basic sanitary conditions and certain inappropriate habits, represents a troubling situation in public health.

Keywords : Parasitic Diseases; Ascaris lumbricoides; Cross-Sectional Studies.

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