Abstract
Background: Soil-transmitted helminths are among the most common infections in the world. In Colombia there are no national studies about their morbidity nor nation-wide epidemiological maps. In this study incidence rates of ascariasis, trichuriasis and hookworm infections (STH) between 2009 and 2016 were estimated and mapped by the first administrative territory level. Methods & Materials: An observational, retrospective study of the STH incidence in Colombia, 2009-2016, with data extracted from the so-called personal health records system (Registro Individual de Prestación de Servicios, RIPS, Ministry of Health, authorized public crude date) was performed. Official population estimates from the National Department of Statistics (DANE) were used for crude and adjusted incidence rates estimation (cases/100,000 pop). Using open Geographical Information Systems software, Kosmo 3.0®, we developed 24 thematic maps of STH in Colombia during the study period. Results: During the period studied, 16,821 cases were reported (median 2,169/year; 1,906 for ascariasis, 219 for hookworms and 33 for trichuris; for a 8-year cumulated crude national rate of 31.97 cases/100,000 pop for ascariasis, 3.72 for hookworms and 0.85 for trichuriasis); 54.1% were female; 53% were < 10 years old and 18.1% were 10-19 years old. The highest rates were located at Guania (187.9 cases/100,000 pop, cum-rate for ascariasis and 47.6 for hookworms) and Casanare (49.27 cases/100,000 pop, cum-rate for trichuriasis). Conclusion: As STH infections are neglected, especially in many countries, such as those in Latin America, surveillance is not regularly undertaken. Despite its limitations, this study is the first attempt to provide estimates of national STH incidence with consistent findings regarding affected age groups and geographical distribution, with maps that allow estimating the risk with implications in public health and traveling medicine.
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