MENDES, Ana Clara de Medeiros.
Resumo:
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.
