Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infections are a global health problem, particularly affecting children in tropical regions. In Cuba, research on the general population shows that children are the most vulnerable group. After 14 years, the national survey on intestinal parasitism needed to be updated to reflect the most vulnerable group: children between the ages of 1 and 14. Objective: To determine the prevalence of infections with intestinal parasites and risk factors in children from Ciego de Ávila province. Methods: From June to August 2023, a cross-sectional study was carried out on 1,050 children. A fecal sample from each child was analyzed using three parasitological techniques. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected through a validated questionnaire. Results: The intestinal parasitic infection affected 269 of the 1 050 children, with a prevalence rate of 25,6 %. The most prevalent medically significant intestinal parasites were Blastocystis spp. (10,6 %) and Giardia duodenalis (9,3 %). Soil-transmitted helminths presented with prevalence values of less than 1 %. The municipalities of Venezuela (36,7 %), Morón (33,9 %), and Ciro Redondo (33,0 %) had the highest prevalence of intestinal parasite infections. Eating unwashed fruits and vegetables was a risk factor for increased infection by intestinal parasites. No relationship was identified between the main infecting species and the development of clinical symptoms. Conclusions: Moderate prevalence of intestinal parasite infections was reported at the provincial level. Programs for the prevention and control of intestinal parasites must be promoted in municipalities with the highest prevalence
Abstract
Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infections are a global health problem, particularly affecting children in tropical regions. In Cuba, research on the general population shows that children are the most vulnerable group. After 14 years, the national survey on intestinal parasitism needed to be updated to reflect the most vulnerable group: children between the ages of 1 and 14.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of infections with intestinal parasites and risk factors in children from Ciego de Ávila province.
Methods: From June to August 2023, a cross-sectional study was carried out on 1,050 children. A fecal sample from each child was analyzed using three parasitological techniques. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected through a validated questionnaire.
Results: The intestinal parasitic infection affected 269 of the 1 050 children, with a prevalence rate of 25,6 %. The most prevalent medically significant intestinal parasites were Blastocystis spp. (10,6 %) and Giardia duodenalis (9,3 %). Soil-transmitted helminths presented with prevalence values of less than 1 %. The municipalities of Venezuela (36,7 %), Morón (33,9 %), and Ciro Redondo (33,0 %) had the highest prevalence of intestinal parasite infections. Eating unwashed fruits and vegetables was a risk factor for increased infection by intestinal parasites. No relationship was identified between the main infecting species and the development of clinical symptoms.
Conclusions: Moderate prevalence of intestinal parasite infections was reported at the provincial level. Programs for the prevention and control of intestinal parasites must be promoted in municipalities with the highest prevalence.
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References
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22 julio 2025