Prevalence of enteroparasitoses in the initial years of primary school: a study among children of a municipal institution in Caetanópolis-MG (Brazil)

Abstract

Intestinal parasites are associated to 7.28% of the causes of morbidity in Brazil, thus remaining as an important public health challenge. The diagnosis and appropriate treatment of these infections are of great importance to reduce new cases, as well as relapses, and programs vising to children of school age highlights as an important measure for the population control of enteroparasitoses. This study aimed to examine, in a school from Minas Gerais interior, the prevalence of enteroparasitosis among children who attend the first years of elementary school. In addition, we aim to verify if common places frequented by children may be involved in the parasites contagion. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with 60 children of an elementary school from Caetanópolis-MG. The fecal matter was collected by the parents or legal guardians, and the soil samples from recreational places of school were sampled by the researcher. For the detection of parasites in the collected samples, the Hoffman, Pons e Janer method was used. The prevalence of enteroparasites was of 26,7% (16/60), being it higher among the male children who attended the 1st year. In relation to the parasites most frequently found, the protozoa stand out, being recovered Entamoeba coli (63%; 10/16), Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (25%; 4/16) and G. lamblia (6%; 1/16). cysts. Monoparasitism was more common (69%; 11/16), but biparasitism (25%; 4/16) and multiparasitism (6%; 1/16) were also shown. Soil samples were absent in parasitic structures. In conclusion, elementary school students in Caetanópolis/MG have a considerable rate of infection by intestinal parasites.