Parasitoses intestinais e baixos índices de Gini em Macapá (AP) e Timon (MA), Brasil

Introduction:Parasitic diseases still constitute a serious public health problem due to their high prevalence in the population, association with several environmental factors and their complex epidemiological cycles.Objective: To conduct a survey of intestinal parasitic diseases in two cities in Northern Brazil - Timon (MA) e Macapa (AP).Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed in 2012 and examined cases of intestinal parasites in children 2-12 years of age attended in two laboratories linked to the public health service in the cities of Timon - MA and Macapa - PA, both in Brazil.Results:Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica and Ascaris lumbricoides were the most prevalent parasites in the study.Conclusion: The hypothesis regarding to association of intestinal parasitic diseases and low Gini index is true. The control of these diseases requires public policies involving health, environmental education and better income distribution.