Prevalence of intestinal parasites in children under 12 years of age, hygienic habits, characteristics of the houses and presence of bacteria in the drinking water of a locality of Sabaneta, Colombia

Abstract

Objective: To study the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children under 12 years of age, their hygienic habits and the characteristics of the houses, and to detect bacteria in the drinking water.

Methods: A descriptive observational study of 97 children. Stool specimens were examined until a positive result was obtained or until completing three negative tests. Chromogenic methods were used to detect bacteria in the drinking water.

Results: Parasites were found in 81.4% of the children, with predominance of protozoa (97.5%), namely: Iodamoeba butchilii (41.2%), Entamoeba histolytica/ Entamoeba dispar (27.8%), Giardia intestinalis (24.7%), Entamoeba coli (16.5%), and Endolimax nana (8.2%). No bacterial growth was obtained in the water specimens.

Discussion: Although bacteria were not found in the drinking water, the presence in it of protozoa should be studied in the future, not only because of the high prevalence of parasites found but also because negative results for coliform bacteria do not necessarily imply the absence of parasites in the water. Education on the transmission of intestinal parasites and changes of the hygienic habits are essential for preventing these infections.