Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites Among Children 13-And-Under Residents in the Indigenous Land of Xakriabá, Brazil

Abstract

1. Abstract 1.1 <span style=font-size:10.0pt;font-family: times= new= roman,serif;color:black;mso-ansi-language:en-us=>Introduction: This study reports the prevalence of intestinal parasite infectionsinXakriab <span style=font-size:10.0pt;font-family: times= new= roman,serif;color:red;mso-ansi-language:en-us=>a indigenous childrenliving in the southeasternregion ofBrazil. 1.2 <span style=font-size:10.0pt;font-family: times= new= roman,serif;color:black;mso-ansi-language:en-us=>Methodology: Stool samples of 2973 children 13-and-under were analyzed. Associations between environment factors and parasites were evaluated by multivariate Poisson regression model. 1.3 <span style=font-size:10.0pt;font-family: times= new= roman,serif;color:black;mso-ansi-language:en-us=>Results: The prevalence of protozoa was high (Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 16.9%; Giardia duodenalis 18.4%), whereas that of helminthes was low ( <span style=font-size:10.0pt;font-family: times= new= roman,serif;color:red;mso-ansi-language:en-us=>Schistosoma mansoni 1.2%; Hymenolepis nana 2.2%; hookworm3.7%; Strongiloydesstercoralis 0.4%; Ascaris lumbricoides <span style=font-size: 10.0pt;font-family: times= new= roman,serif;color:black;mso-ansi-language:= en-us=>0.4%; Enterobiusvermicularis 1%). The risk of protozoan infection increased if the house was located in clay and rocky terrain; it decreased with increasing educationof the mother and the presence of toilet in the house. Sex, clay-and-rockyterrain, dry-sump and toilet in the house were associated with prevalence of helminthes. Conclusion: The high prevalence of protozoa infection suggests contamination of water sources with feces, probably due to deficient sanitation and poor hygiene. 2. Keywords: Indigenous population; Parasite diseases; Prevalence