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[Ascaris lumbricoides in infants: a population-based study in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil]
L M Costa-Macedo1, M d Costa, L M Almeida
1Departamento de Patologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de de Janeiro, Rua Teodoro da Silva, 48, 5o. Andar, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20551-001, Brasil.
Insights
Ascariasis is a significant health issue in infants and mothers in Duque de Caxias. Over 30% of one-year-olds and 42% of mothers had Ascaris lumbricoides infections, indicating a need for further research.
Area of Science:
- * Public Health and Tropical Medicine
Background:
- * Ascariasis, caused by the nematode Ascaris lumbricoides, is a prevalent soil-transmitted helminthiasis globally.
- * Infant and maternal populations are particularly vulnerable to parasitic infections due to developmental and physiological factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To determine the prevalence and intensity of Ascaris lumbricoides infection in children under two years and their mothers.
- * To assess the public health significance of ascariasis in this specific demographic within Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro.
Main Methods:
- * A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 1997.
- * The study included 387 children under two years and 104 mothers of children under one year.
- * Coproparasitologic examinations were performed using the MIFC and Kato-Katz thick smear methods.
Main Results:
- * Ascaris lumbricoides infection prevalence was 3.3% in children under one year, 30.7% in one-year-olds, and 42.3% in mothers.
- * Medium-to-heavy infection intensity was observed in 38.0% of children under one year.
- * Higher prevalence rates were noted in older children and mothers compared to infants under one year.
Conclusions:
- * Ascariasis represents a considerable public health problem, particularly affecting children in their first year of life and their mothers.
- * The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and further research into maternal and infantile ascariasis in the region.
Abstract:
Prevalence and intensity of Ascaris lumbricoides infection were analyzed by a cross-sectional study in children addressed in the city of Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro State, from July to December 1997. The study population consisted of children under two years of age (N=387) and mothers of children under one year of age (N=104). Coproparasitologic tests were run using the MIFC and the Kato thick smear (Kato-Katz) methods. Prevalence was 3.3% (95% CI: 1.0-7.8) for children under one year, 30.7% (95% CI: 25.4-36.4) for one-year-olds, and 42.3% (95% CI: 33.0-51.9) for mothers of children under one. Some 38.0% of children under one year of age showed medium-to-heavy infection. These results indicated that ascariasis was an important problem in the first year of life and demonstrated the need for research in the area of maternal and infantile ascariasis.