SURVEY OF INTESTINAL PARASITES IN CHILDREN AGED 4 TO 12 YEARS AND EMPLOYEES TO FOOD HANDLING OF A SOCIO-EDUCATIONAL CENTRE URUGUAIANA, RS, BRAZIL.

Authors

  • Maria Isabel de Oliveira Figueiredo PUCRS
  • Enrique Querol PUCRS

Keywords:

Enteroparasitose, children, employees, socioeconomic.

Abstract

This study aimed to conduct a survey of intestinal parasites which are hosted by children and staff who work directly with the power of a Centre for Socio Educational Uruguaiana (RS). The first collection took place in March (summer season) and second was in September (winter season) in the year 2009. The staff, parents and or guardians signed a consent form allowing the analysis of fecal material and answered a semi-structured, in order to investigate the socioeconomic conditions, housing and hygiene. 88 samples were analyzed by the method of HOFFMAN, PONS & JANER AND LUTZ (1934), and 37 (42.04%) samples consisted positive. The parasites of higher frequency among protozoa were Entamoeba spp. 6 (16.22%) and Giardia lamblia 4 (10.81%) and between helminths Ascaris lumbricoides 8 (21.62%), Trichuris trichiura 6 (16.22%), Enterobius vermicularis 5 (13.52%). Among employees of food handlers was a positive in 2 (5.40%) samples. According to the questionnaires it was concluded that most affected children come from families with low monthly income, lack of proper conditions of sanitation and low maternal education. Also the high prevalence of domestic animals, especially dogs, 27 (81.82%) of households shows a particular concern because they are transmitters of several zoonoses. These results indicate that lack valid attitudes in the education process and control of parasites. It is also essential to raise awareness of governmental support in basic sanitation projects, performing and promoting preventive health and welfare of the community.

Author Biography

Maria Isabel de Oliveira Figueiredo, PUCRS

Saúde Pública - Parasitologia

Published

2012-04-24

Issue

Section

Articles