INTESTINAL PARASITE PREVALENCE IN SCHOOLCHILDREN FROM NORTHWESTERN RIO GRANDE DO SUL STATE, BRAZIL

Parasites are often a public health hazard, especially among schoolchildren. The transmission of these parasites is associated with poor hygiene and sanitation, as well as close contact between people. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of intestinal parasitic infections in schoolchildren from the rural and urban areas of the Palmeira das Missoes county, a major town in northwestern Rio Grande do Sul State. Fecal samples from 209 schoolchildren aged three to fourteen were analyzed. The Hoffman, Pons and Janer, Faust, Ritchie, and Kinyoun’s stain for coccidea parasite detection techniques were applied. 59.3% of the patients were positive for pathogenic or commensal parasites. The most common parasites were Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba coli, Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp., respectively. There were no significant differences in positivity among schoolchildren from rural and urban areas. Low family income and the mothers’ schooling (up to 8 years of education) were statistically significant for the presence of parasites. This is the first parasite study carried out in the Palmeira das Missoes county.