Risk factors for intestinal parasitoses among children and youth of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Abstract

Introduction

Intestinal parasitoses affect millions of people worldwide, especially children of developing countries. In Argentina, the prevalence of these infections varies among areas according to socio-economic and climatic variability. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasitoses and risk factors in child and youth populations from neighbourhoods of La Plata (Buenos Aires province, Argentina) affected by occasional floods, including a serious flood in 2013.

Methods

Serial stool samples and anal swabs of 398 individuals were processed using techniques of sedimentation and flotation. Socio-economic variables were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire and the land use/cover was determined by classification of a satellite image.

Results

Of all examined individuals, 70.9% were parasitized by at least one of the 12 parasites identified. The most prevalent species were Blastocystis sp. (42.7%), Enterobius vermicularis (34.7%) and Giardia lamblia (17.6%). Infection risk factors included houses built with makeshift materials and dirt floors; lack of piped water and public waste collection service, bed-sharing and living in the non-urban area. >70.3% of the participants that lived within <200 m from watercourses or permanent water bodies were parasitized.

Conclusion

This research shows that parasitic infections are still a serious public health problem and that they are strongly associated with socio-economic conditions and land use/cover. In this context, studies focused on One Health strategy are need to ensure the diagnosis and surveillance of parasitosis and to tackle zoonotic diseases as well as to encourage the development of sanitary and educational programs sustainable over time.

Graphical abstract

Intestinal parasitoses are still a serious public health problem and that they are strongly associated with socio-economic conditions and land use/cover.

Highlights

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  >70% of children and youth were parasitized.

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  12 parasitic species were identified.

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  Blastocystis sp., Giardia lamblia and Enterobius vermicularis were the most prevalent species.

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  Intestinal parasitoses are strongly associated with socio-economic conditions.

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  Land use/cover was an important infection risk.