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Intestinal parasitic infections in hosted Saharawi children

J M Soriano1, G Domènech, M C Martínez

  • 1Observatory of Nutrition and Food Safety in Developing Countries, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Av. Vicent Andres Estelles s/n. 46100 Burjassot, Spain. jose.soriano@uv.es

Tropical Biomedicine
|March 22, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This study found high rates of intestinal parasitic infections in Saharawi children in Spain, with Giardia lamblia being the most common. These infections were linked to mild anemia and iron deficiency, highlighting a significant public health concern.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a significant global health issue, particularly in vulnerable populations.
  • Limited data exists on IPI prevalence in Saharawi children, especially those hosted in non-endemic regions like Spain.
  • This study addresses the scarcity of research on IPIs in this specific demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among Saharawi children aged 6-12 years living in Spain.
  • To identify the specific types of intestinal parasites affecting this population.
  • To investigate potential associations between IPIs and hematological parameters like anemia and iron deficiency.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 270 Saharawi children aged 6-12 years hosted in Spain.
  • Stool sample analysis to detect and identify intestinal parasites.
  • Assessment of hematological parameters including hemoglobin levels, iron status, and eosinophil counts.

Main Results:

  • Six intestinal parasites were identified: Giardia lamblia (29%), Entamoeba coli (17%), Blastocystis hominis (15%), Endolimax nana (9%), Hymenolepis nana (5%), and Enterobius vermicularis (2%).
  • Mixed infections were observed in 4.4% of children, including double infections (e.g., G. lamblia and B. hominis) and triple infections (G. lamblia, B. hominis, and H. nana).
  • Prevalence of mild anemia was 14.8%, iron deficiency was 15.5%, and eosinophilia was 16.6%.

Conclusions:

  • Saharawi children hosted in Spain exhibit a substantial burden of intestinal parasitic infections, with G. lamblia being the most prevalent.
  • The findings indicate a potential link between IPIs and hematological abnormalities such as mild anemia and iron deficiency in this population.
  • Urgent public health interventions and targeted deworming strategies are recommended to mitigate the impact of IPIs on Saharawi children's health.

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