Prevalence of enteroparasitosis after an educational and pharmacological intervention in students of a rural educational unit, Chimborazo, Ecuador

Abstract

Introduction. Intestinal parasites are a health problem that does not receive the attention it deserves. In Ecuador, the parasite prevalence is significantly higher in rural areas (80%) than in urban areas (20-40%), with schoolchildren being more likely to acquire enteroparasites. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of enteroparasitosis, after an educational and pharmacological intervention with a broad-spectrum antiparasitic in students attending an Educational Unit of Guano-Chimborazo. Methodology. Coproparasite analyzes were performed on 18 students (5 and 13 years old). The research is descriptive, cuasiexperimental, longitudinal, ambispective and quantitative. A fecal sample was collected per individual, subsequently analyzes were performed using different techniques: direct examination, Ritchie, Kato-Katz and Ziehl-Neelsen. Results. A percentage decrease in the total prevalence of parasitism was found from 100% to 88.9%, without achieving statistical significance (X² =2.118; P=0.1456), this result was conditioned by the lower prevalence of Endolimax nana that was reduced from 72.2 to 44.4% and Giardia duodenalis from 11.1 to 5.5%. On the contrary, an increase in prevalence in Entamoeba coli was found from 33.3 to 38.8%; Entamoeba hartmanni from 38.8 to 44.4%; Iodamoeba butschlii from 0 to 16.6%; Chilomastix mesnili from 5.5 to 33.3% and Blastocystis sp., from 55.5 to 61.1% Conclusion. The educational training and the antiparasitic treatment applied were not sufficient; it is necessary that hygienic measures be intensified, the population intervene again with a systematic hygiene education program and the competent authorities improve health facilities to ensure that infections decrease significantly. General study area: Clinical Laboratory. Specific study area: Parasitology. Type of study: Original article.