Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in preschool-children from vulnerable neighborhoods in Bogotá

Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are neglected tropical diseases, even though their prevalence is high in many developing countries. The public health impact of IPIs is substantial, in particular for children due to the negative effect on growth and development. Objectives: This study examines the prevalence and risk factors of IPIs in preschool-children from at-risk neighborhoods, including those from internally displaced families. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study among 239 preschool-children from two vulnerable neighborhoods in Bogota. Fecal samples were collected and microscopically examined (direct and Ritchie technique) and data regarding related factors was obtained through a questionnaire. Results: A prevalence of 26.4% for pathogenic parasites (Giardia duodenalis, Blastocystis spp, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Hymenolepis nana) was found. Logistic regression resulted in four risk factors: siblings ≤5 years (OR 2.33 [1.077-5.021]), stray dogs (OR 2.91 [0.867-9.767]), household members (OR 2.57 [1.155-5.706]) and child’s sex (OR 2.17 [1.022-4.615]). Discussion: IPI presence in preschool children is an important health issue in Bogota which should be addressed. A high protozoan prevalence was found compared to helminthes. Implementing policies addressing risk factors could be a first step in decreasing IPI prevalence. Keywords: parasitic intestinal disease, preschool child, Colombia, human migration, cross sectional study. Prevalencia de parasitos intestinales en ninos preescolares de barrios vulnerables de Bogota RESUMEN Introduccion: Infecciones parasitarias intestinales (IPI) son enfermedades tropicales desatendidas, a pesar de que su prevalencia es alta en muchos paises en desarrollo. El impacto en la salud publica de los IPI es importante, especialmente para los ninos debido al efecto negativo sobre el crecimiento y el desarrollo. Objectivos: Este estudio examina la prevalencia y factores de riesgo de IPI en ninos preescolares de barrios en riesgo, incluidos los de las familias desplazadas. Materiales y Metodos:  estudio transversal entre 239 ninos preescolares de dos barrios vulnerables de Bogota. Se recogieron muestras fecales y se examinaron microscopicamente utilizando dos tecnicas (directa y Ritchie). Se aplico cuestionario para indagar factores relacionados con el parasitismo intestinal. Resultados: Se encontro una prevalencia de 26,4% de parasitos intestinales patogenos (Giardia duodenalis, Blastocystis spp, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides y Hymenolepis nana). La regresion logistica resulto en cuatro factores de riesgo: hermanos ≤5 anos (OR 2.33 [1.077-5.021]), los perros callejeros (OR 2.91 [0.867-9.767]), los ocupantes de la casa (OR 2.57 [1.155-5.706]) y el sexo del nino/a (OR 2.17 [1.022-4.615]). Discusion: La presencia del IPI en los ninos preescolar es un problema de salud importante en Bogota y que debe abordarse. Una alta prevalencia de protozoos se encontro comparado con helmintos. La implementacion de politicas que aborden los factores de riesgo podria ser un primer paso en la disminucion de la prevalencia del IPI. El antecedente de desplazamiento no cambio ni el tipo de parasito ni la prevalencia de parasitismo. Palabras clave: Parasitosis intestinales, Preescolar, Colombia, Migracion Interna, Estudios de corte transversal. Suggested citation: Bouwmans MCH, Gaona MA, Chenault MN, Zuluaga C, Pinzon Rondon AM. Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in preschool-children from vulnerable neighborhoods in Bogota. Rev Univ Ind Santander Salud. 2016; 48(2): 178-187.