Prevalence of Strongyloidiasis in Peru: Systematic Review

Abstract

Strongyloidiasis is a disease of great public health significance. We aimed to assess the prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in Peru.Methods.This systematic review was based on a literature search in PubMed, SciELO and Google Scholar using the key words or root words “strongyl*” AND “Peru” on 15 July 2020. Eligible studies were published from 1 January 1981 to 15 July 2020 and written in English, Spanish, Italian, or French.Results.We included 21 papers in the analysis. Studies were heterogeneous regarding the study population, diagnostic methods, and the prevalence of S. stercoralis, which ranged from 0.3–45%. Half were designed to detect parasites in general. In studies designed to detect S. stercoralis, the most widely used diagnostic method was the Baermann technique.Conclusion.Prevalence of S. stercoralis in Peru was high but varied by geographic area, techniques for stool examination, and participant characteristics.

A simple parasitological technique to increase detection of Strongyloides stercoralis in Bolivian primary health care system

“…Compared to other techniques, such as Dancescu, reviewed in this study, it does not require complex materials or specialised health personnel. Although it cannot compete with other techniques with better results, its implementation would be easier, faster, and less costly for the public health system with short-term results, as in other countries in the region (9,10,29). It is expected that with the implementation of the new universal health insurance "SUS", which is being implemented by the Bolivian government, the school-age child population will have access to early diagnosis and prompt treatment for these infectious diseases (31).…”