Enteric helminthiasis in schoolchildren from an Andean-populated center in Peru

Abstract

Introduction. Cajamarca is a region in Peru that faces significant challenges regarding the quality of life and hygiene practices for much of its population. The lack of robust educational programs in health and food safety is evident in rural areas of the region. Objective. To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites by observing eggs in the feces of schoolchildren from a populated center in the Cajamarca Valley. Materials and Methods. Fecal samples were collected from 117 children from an educational institution and processed using the zinc sulfate saturated solution flotation concentration method. Results. Helminth eggs were observed in the feces of 73 schoolchildren (62.39% [95% CI: 53.62 – 71.17]). The gender of the schoolchildren was associated with the presence of positive parasite cases (p<0.05), with a higher prevalence in girls. Older schoolchildren were more affected, but this did not show a statistical association (p>0.05). Most infected schoolchildren had Ascaris lumbricoides (54.70%), followed by Taenia spp (3.42%). Additionally, three cases of co-infection with A. lumbricoides and Taenia spp (2.56%) were observed, along with one case of A. lumbricoides with Trichuris spp and Trichuris spp with Taenia spp (0.85%). Conclusion. The prevalence of enteric parasites in the schoolchildren from the evaluated populated center was high, highlighting the need to improve hygiene practices and health education programs, especially those focused on children.