High Prevalence and Territorial Heterogeneity of Intestinal Parasite Detection in Ecuador: A Large Registry-Based...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Parasitology

Background:

• Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a major public health concern in Ecuador.
• Existing data on IPIs are limited, often focusing on specific populations or regions.
• This study provides a national overview of IPI prevalence and characteristics using routine laboratory data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and coproparasitological profile of IPIs in Ecuador.
• To analyze IPI patterns across the country's three natural regions.
• To identify associations between IPIs and demographic factors.

Main Methods:

• An observational, analytical cross-sectional study using secondary data from a national private laboratory.
• Analysis of routine stool ova-and-parasite examinations from January 2020 to December 2024.
• Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and multiple correspondence analysis on 101,967 unique patients.

Main Results:

• Overall IPI detection rate was 41.6%, with Blastocystis spp. being the most common (28.3% of all patients).
• Pathogenic protozoa were found in 5.2% of patients, while helminths were rare (0.02%).
• Detection varied significantly by age, sex, and geographic region, indicating distinct exposure profiles.

Conclusions:

• Routine stool microscopy reveals high IPI detection rates in Ecuador, particularly Blastocystis spp., affecting adults.
• A significant portion of detected parasites are commensal or of uncertain pathogenicity, necessitating careful interpretation.
• Enhanced surveillance and diagnostic methods are crucial to differentiate colonization from clinical infection and guide interventions.