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Parasitic zoonoses in the Roma population

Lucija Bajkovec1, Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek2, Ljubo Barbic3

  • 1MD, Institute of Emergency Medicine of Međimurje County, 40000 Čakovec, Croatia.

Germs
|November 1, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Parasitic zoonoses are common in European Roma, especially children, due to poor living conditions. Preventive measures targeting sanitation and animal contact are crucial for this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Parasitology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Roma are Europe's largest minority, often living in substandard, overcrowded conditions.
  • These conditions increase susceptibility to zoonotic diseases, particularly parasitic infections.
  • Parasitic zoonoses pose a significant health challenge for the Roma population, especially children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of parasitic zoonoses among European Roma.
  • To identify specific parasitic infections that disproportionately affect the Roma population.
  • To highlight risk factors and inform preventive strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search of PubMed (2000-2020) using keywords 'Roma' and parasite names.
  • Inclusion of studies on parasitic zoonoses prevalence in European Roma.
  • Data extraction and analysis from selected studies.

Main Results:

  • Parasitic zoonoses are prevalent in the Roma population.
  • Cryptosporidium, Toxoplasma gondii, soil-transmitted helminths, and Giardia spp. are more common in Roma children and adults compared to non-Roma populations.
  • Trichinellosis, echinococcosis, and taeniasis prevalence is similar between Roma and the general population.

Conclusions:

  • Roma people, particularly children, exhibit higher susceptibility to parasitic zoonoses.
  • Substandard sanitary conditions and close contact with animals are key risk factors.
  • Targeted preventive measures are essential to mitigate the impact of parasitic zoonoses in this community.
Keywords:
EuropeRoma populationZoonosishelminthsparasitic diseasesprotozoan parasites

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