Prevalence and Factors Associated with Intestinal Parasitic Infection among School Children from Jagüey Grande Municipality in Matanzas Province, Cuba

Abstract

Background: Infections by intestinal parasites are a major public health problem worldwide, especially among children in developing countries. As the prevalence of parasitic infection is different among and within countries, there is a need for periodical prevalence evaluation to appropriate control strategies. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out during October 2013 to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated factors among school children attending "Juan Lefont Alonso" primary school from Jagüey Grande municipality in Matanzas province, Cuba. Three fresh faecal samples were collected from each child in different days. Parasite detection was achieved using direct wet mount, formalin-ether concentration, Ziehl-Neelsen permanent staining and Kato-Katz techniques. One hundred and seven children of third grade (8 to 9 years old, 56 males and 51 females) were included in the study after an informed consent form was signed by their parents or legal guardians. Questionnaire and observation were used to identify sociodemographic and associated factors. Data were analysed using EpiInfo 6.0 software. Results: Fifty-five out of 107 screened schoolchildren (51.4%) were infected with one or more intestinal parasites. The most common parasites were Giardia duodenalis (39.2%; 42/107), Bastocystis sp (28%; 30/107), Trichuris trichuria (23.4%; 25/107) and Ascaris lumbricoides (19.6%; 21/107). Parasitic infection was similar by gender or place of residence. The risk of intestinal parasitic infection was significantly associated with the use of unboiled drinking water, and with bad hand washing practices as well as with the presence of diarrhoea and abdominal pain (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The present study indicated that intestinal parasitic infections are common in this school and could negatively influence the quality of life of the community where the centre is located. In order to effectively reduce these infections, a multi-sectoral effort is needed.

Effectiveness and Tolerability of 3-Day Mebendazole Treatment of Giardia duodenalis Infection in Adults and Children: Two Prospective, Open-Label Phase IV Trials

“…This was done to evaluate treatment failure, including the possibility of reinfection, which is common in developing countries like Cuba. 14 They were advised to return to the clinic at any time if they or their child felt ill. A participant was considered cured only if no Giardia trophozoites or cysts were detected in any of the 3 posttreatment fecal specimens.…”

“…The effectiveness of the chemotherapy (ie cured or not) was evaluated based on the presence or absence of the parasite in stool specimens after therapy, as assessed by the same laboratory test done pretreatment, in all of their 3 fecal samples collected on days 3, 5, and 7 after treatment completing treatment. This was done to evaluate treatment failure, including the possibility of reinfection, which is common in developing countries like Cuba 14 . They were advised to return to the clinic at any time if they or their child felt ill. A participant was considered cured only if no Giardia trophozoites or cysts were detected in any of the 3 posttreatment fecal specimens.…”

Prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated risk factors among schoolchildren from Unión de Reyes municipality, Matanzas Province, Cuba

“…However, children seem to be the most commonly affected; resulting in negative impacts on intestinal absorption, and therefore, on nutrition, growth and development. 4,5 Prevalence ranges from 25-91%, [6][7][8][9] variations depending on study sites, techniques used for diagnosis and number of stool samples analyzed, amongst other factors.…”