Intestinal protozoan infection in a semicommunal group

A survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of protozoan parasites in a large semicommunal group in Los Angeles. Protozoan parasites were observed in 151 (69%) of the 220 group members in the study. Parasites were observed in stool specimens from 105 (76%) of the 138 children and 46 (56%) of the 82 adults. Dientamoeba fragilis was observed in 115 (52%), Giardia lamblia in 50 (23%), Entamoeba histolytica in 9 (4%), and commensals in 61 (28%). Parasitic infection was infrequent in infants less than 1 year old, was demonstrated in 33 (89%) of the 2- to 4-year-olds, 69 (78%) of the 89 school age children 8-15 years of age, and in 46 (56%) of the 82 adults. G. lamblia was most prevalent in children younger than 6 years; whereas D. fragilis was common in all age groups. The fecal-oral route was the most likely means for parasite transmission. Since the group at times serves meals to the public, spread of parasites outside the community is a potential public health problems. Diagnosis of parasitic infection is dependent on optimal stool collection, proper laboratory techniques and trained personnel.