Geohelminthiasis in native communities from Zulia State, Venezuela

Abstract

Introduction: Geohelminthiases are intestinal parasitic diseases caused by helminths which complete their life cycle in the soil. They are a global public health problem mainly affecting the lowest socioeconomic strata.

Objective: Determine the prevalence of geohelminths in native communities from Zulia State, Venezuela.

Methods: Analysis was performed of 250 stool samples from individuals of both sexes aged between 1 and 80 years. The samples were processed by direct examination, concentration (Ritchie) and egg count (Kato-Katz).

Results: Geohelminth eggs were found in 35.20% of the stool samples studied (88 cases). The most affected age group was schoolchildren (7-12 years: 38.64%), followed by adults (20 years and over: 26.13%). The most common helminth was Ascaris lumbricoides with 25.20%, followed by Trichuris trichiura with 14.80%. The least common genus was Ancylostoma with 4.40%. Infection was mild in most subjects (A. lumbricoides 74.60%, T. trichiura 81.08% and Ancylostoma 90.91%).

Conclusions: A moderate prevalence of geohelminth infection was observed, most of which was mild. The presence of geohelminths is related to poor environmental sanitation in these native communities.