Occurrence of Blastocystis hominis and other intestinal parasites in a Paracambi community (Brazil) in the period of April to July of 2005

Abstract

Intestinal parasites are considered an important public health problem, affecting
mainly children in school age and presenting a major risk to intestinal infections,
malnutrition symptoms, and intellectual and growth deficits. The aim of this study
was to evaluate the occurrence of intestinal parasites among students and their
families in the Municipal School Lírio do Vale in the Guarajuba community in
Paracambi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The parasitological exams were performed in 320
samples using MIF-C method in the first survey. For the second survey, the samples
were collected and screened with the Ritchie and Safranin methods. The overall
occurrence of helminthes and protozoa were 11.9% and 17.5% in the first and
second surveys, respectively. Among protozoan parasites, Blastocystis hominis was
the most common species detected in both surveys (31% and 38% of positive cases).
For helminthes, Ascaris lumbricoides (9%) and hookworms (9%) were found.
Cryptosporidium sp was not found in the samples. When we related the presence
of intestinal parasites with age, parasites were more prevalent in children (p=0.048)
than in adults. Our data showed a relatively low occurrence of intestinal parasites in
this community. Educational programs are expected to have great impact to further
reduce enteroparasite prevalence and improve local life quality.