Intestinal parasites in immigrant children from Central America

To begin to characterize the health needs of the growing number of refugees from Central America, we compiled the results of examinations for ova and parasites of a single stool specimen of each of 128 children of Central American and Mexican background who entered our health center during a four-month period. Among the 96 children who were born in Central America or Mexico, there was a 65% prevalence of parasitic infestation. Pathogens were found in 46% and multiple pathogens in 14%. Among the 32 American-born children there was a 13% prevalence of parasitic infection, but no pathogens were found. There was no correlation between symptoms and the presence of parasites. Screening Central American immigrant children for intestinal parasites is a high-yield procedure and should be part of their routine health care.