[Incident of intestinal parasitosis in Martinique]

A survey of intestinal parasitosis was conducted in Martinique by INSERM in 1978. The survey used a stratified sample of 823 households from the general population. The most prevalent parasitosis are: schistosomiasis 19%; ancylostomiasis 18%; trichuriasis 37%; ascaridiasis 7%; strongiloidiasis 3%. 70% of the 5 to 15 age group carries at least 1 parasite. The prevalence of trichuriasis, ascaridiasis and giardiasis is greatest in the 5 to 15 age group, Ancylostomiasis concerns mostly the 15 to 30 age group. Schistosomiasis, was most prevalent in adults over 30 years of age. Prevalence of parasitosis in rural regions is double that of urbanised regions. Schistosomiasis mostly occurs in the north. Ascaridiasis in the north-east. Rainfall and housing status, each influence on the rates of infestation.