Dispersión hídrica de enteroparásitos en una zona agropecuaria de gran altitud, en Los Andes Ecuatorianos

Influence of Environmental Pollution and Living Conditions on Parasite Transmission among Indigenous Ecuadorians

“…The results of this study, in relation to the insufficient chlorination of the water, are consistent with those reported in indigenous Venezuelans of the state of Zulia [ 29 ], and more specifically with the study carried out in the parish of San Andres, where the contamination of all of the samples of irrigation water circulating in canals and stagnant in wells was verified [ 18 ]. These results are also in accordance with those described by Esteban et al [ 30 ], who verified the efficient parasitic dispersal of zoonotic species through irrigation canals in Peruvian agricultural communities located at high altitudes.…”

“…When analyzing the influence of environmental sanitation conditions and hygienic habits on intestinal parasitic infection in the inhabitants of the communities analyzed, we found that fecal water contamination, the absence of water tanks in the community, the absence of sanitary control in the production chain and food marketing, breeding of herbivores and pigs in the peridomicile, and dwellings with earth floors/walls and thatched roofs constituted the main risk factors in parasitic transmission. The importance of water is well known due to the resistance shown by the infective forms of parasites—especially protozoan cysts and Blastocystis morphotypes, which use water for their dissemination, as confirmed by González et al [ 18 ]. In addition, the lack of construction of tanks that allow water chlorination influences transmission, in accordance with what was shown in [ 27 ]—that by implementing improvements in hygiene, with quality water, the child population recovers its growth rate, and morbidity and mortality due to diarrhea decrease.…”

“…Additionally, the contamination of 57% of the water samples obtained from the taps of houses has been indicated [ 18 ]—a situation that explains the considerable frequency of enteroparasitosis that the individuals of this community present, whereby almost the entire population was parasitized.…”

“…In relation to the absence of sanitary control in the production chain and food marketing, as part of the mitigation plan, the population was made aware of the need for the adequate sanitation of vegetable products obtained from these crops, and alerted about the risk of contamination inherent after washing and irrigation with contaminated water from wells and canals. The implementation of sprinkler or drip irrigation systems, the construction of supply wells far from septic tanks [ 18 ], and the periodic antiparasitic treatment of animals [ 19 ] were also suggested.…”

“…Deficiencies are also observed in water consumption. Although the houses have tanks and distribution pipes, the chlorination of the communities does not meet the national standard, stipulating concentrations between 0.3 and 1.5 ppm of residual chlorine [ 17 ], which translates into insufficient or excessive amounts of chlorine [ 18 ].…”