Enteroparasitos em residentes de duas cidades do Curimataú Ocidental, Paraíba, Brasil.

Abstract

Intestinal parasites are infections caused by helminths or protozoa and represent a serious global public health problem, being relevant causes of morbidity and mortality. High prevalence occurs mainly in underdeveloped countries and factors such as basic sanitation, hygiene and socioeconomic level are determining factors for its transmission. Therefore, the research aimed to analyze the prevalence of enteroparasites and enterocommensals in residents of the cities of Cuité and Nova Floresta in Paraíba. Reports from 790 individuals of all ages and sex who underwent Fecal Parasitological Exams (EPF) were analyzed, during the period from July 2018 to July 2023. The Chi-square test (p<0.05) was used to analyze the association between the variables. The research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (CEP)/ CES/ UFCG (opinion: 6,145,329). 196 reports were positive for some enteroparasite/enterocommensal, with (67.9%) of these showing monoparasitism. The most common etiological agents were Entamoeba histolytica/ E. dispar (39,8%), Strongyloides stercoralis (22,6%) and Giardia lamblia (13,5%). As for sex, (26,3%) of men and (24,0%) of women were positive. The age group with the highest percentage of infected people was 60+ (27.5%), followed by adults (20-59) in which (27.4%) were infected. A positive association was observed between rural areas and positive cases (p=0.001). The results showed a high rate of infected people, from an epidemiological perspective, reinforcing the need for prevention actions through the introduction of control measures, including the treatment of those infected, the implementation of public health policies, as well as awareness about enteroparasitosis through health education.