Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in preschool-children from vulnerable neighborhoods in Bogotá

Abstract

Introduction:Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are neglected tropical diseases, even though their prevalence is high in many developing countries. The public health impact of IPIs is substantial, in particular for children due to the negative effect on growth and development. Objectives: This study examines the prevalence and risk factors of IPIs in preschool-children from at-risk neighborhoods, including those from internally displaced families. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study among 239 preschool-children from two vulnerable neighborhoods in Bogotá. Fecal samples were collected and microscopically examined (direct and Ritchie technique) and data regarding related factors was obtained through a questionnaire. Results: A prevalence of 26.4% for pathogenic parasites (Giardia duodenalis, Blastocystis spp, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Hymenolepis nana) was found. Logistic regression resulted in four risk factors: siblings ≤5 years (OR 2.33 [1.077-5.021]), stray dogs .767]), household members ) and child's sex ). Discussion: IPI presence in preschool children is an important health issue in Bogotá which should be addressed. A high protozoan prevalence was found compared to helminthes. Implementing policies addressing risk factors could be a first step in decreasing IPI prevalence.

Socioeconomic Predictors of Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among Under-Five Children in Rural Dembiya, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-sectional Study

“…This study reported that 57 of 224 (25.4%; 95% CI = [20.2, 31.1]) children had intestinal parasitic infection, which was lower than the findings of studies in Wondo Genet (85.1%), 31 Hawassa Zuria District (51.3%), 32 Southern Ethiopia (41.9%), 33 and Chuahit (35.2 %). 34 The prevalence reported by this study was similar to the findings in Wonji Shoa Sugar Estate (24.3%) 35 and Butajira town (23.3%) 36 ; Sudan (24.9%) 37 ; 20 ; and Diamantina, Brazil (27.5%). 18 The current prevalence is also higher than the finding of a study in Nigeria (13.7%).…”

“…The parasitic relation of worms with human has been influenced by global changes in the human sociocultural spectrum. 13,14 Socioeconomic factors, like income or poverty, 8,15-18 occupation especially farming and fishing, 8,18-20 number of siblings, 16,20 age of children, 19,21,22 family size, 19,20 households educational status, 19,23 and health supervision or provision of health education 24,25 are contributing for persistent transmission of the parasitic disease.…”

Urban versus rural prevalence of intestinal parasites using multi-parallel qPCR in Colombia

“…This is particularly important given that treatment programs for intestinal parasites in Colombia are not aimed at the preschool-age population and do not include treatment for intestinal protozoa. 4,5 Moreover, prevalence data generated from this study provides evidence for local decision making for implementing resources to improve living conditions for urban and rural populations of children in Colombia. 14,19 A major limitation of this study was the lack of G. intestinalis assemblages and Blastocystis subtype identification.…”

“…17 The high prevalence of intestinal parasites found in the study population confirms that childhood intestinal parasitic infections are a relevant health issue in both urban poor and rural communities in Colombia and serves as an important indicator of community-level socioeconomic development. 8,10 Because accurate prevalence data in a region or community is essential for identifying local vulnerabilities, 4,17,19 molecular epidemiologic data from this study provides evidence of important community needs common to both urban slum and rural communities included in this study. Accurate epidemiologic data from this study is also critical for treatment decisions in mass drug administration programs, impact evaluation, and surveillance.…”

“…predominantly prevalent across these sampling settings. Because urban populations generally have better access to sanitation and clean water compared to rural populations, 4 the high prevalence of intestinal parasites; namely G. intestinalis and Blastocystis spp., in both urban and rural areas (62.5% and 86.1% versus 68% and 76%, respectively) is noteworthy. Previously reported data from Colombia on urban slum children in Medellín indicated a significantly lower prevalence of giardiasis (25.9%) detected by microscopy, 12 and the most recent national survey reported that 15.4% of Colombian children were infected with G. intestinalis and 57.7% were infected with Blastocystis spp.…”