[Diffusion of intestinal parasitic diseases in some Milanese kindergartens]

During the months of October and November 1977, 560 children aged between three and five attending some kindergartens of Milan were studied to evaluate the diffusion of intestinal parasitic infections. Among a first group of 274 children, examination of the stool only with Ritchie's method was positive in 14.96% of subjects. When Scotch tape swab test for enterobiasis was also carried out, the diffusion of parasitic infections resulted higher (54.54% in a second group of 286 cases). These data were correlated to the same parameters (age and sex, place of origin and social status of the family, density of inhabitants, hygienic situation), obtaining almost corresponding values in the two groups. In particular, an increase of the incidence of parasitic infections with advancing age and a higher diffusion among members of immigrated italian families (especially if living in overcrowded houses at low hygienic conditions) were observed.