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Parasitic infections in a pediatric population
Insights
Intestinal parasitic infections, including Dientamoeba fragilis and Giardia lamblia, are common in children, especially those in daycare or with travel history. These infections often present with vague gastrointestinal symptoms, necessitating consideration by physicians.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Clinical parasitology
Background:
- Intestinal parasitic infections are a significant global health concern, particularly in pediatric populations.
- Vague gastrointestinal symptoms in children can be challenging to diagnose, with parasitic causes often overlooked.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of intestinal parasitic infections in children attending UCLA pediatric and dental clinics.
- To identify clinical symptoms associated with specific parasitic infections in children.
- To assess the role of factors like age, travel, and daycare in parasitic infection prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Stool specimens were collected and analyzed from children attending pediatric and dental clinics.
- Parasites were identified using standard diagnostic methods.
- Clinical symptoms and patient history (age, travel, daycare) were recorded and analyzed.
Main Results:
- 38% of children studied had detectable intestinal parasites, primarily protozoa.
- Dientamoeba fragilis (21%) and Giardia lamblia (17%) were the most common parasites found.
- Parasitic infections were more prevalent in younger children, those with immigration or travel history, and daycare attendees.
- Children with parasites frequently exhibited vague gastrointestinal complaints, anorexia, irritability, and gas, which were often not attributed to infection by parents or physicians.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal parasitic infections should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children presenting with vague gastrointestinal complaints.
- Risk factors such as foreign travel, immigration, and daycare attendance increase the likelihood of parasitic infection.
- Stool examination is recommended for siblings of infected children, even if asymptomatic, to prevent further transmission.
Abstract:
We studied the frequency of parasitic infection and associated clinical symptoms in children who attended general pediatric and dental clinics at UCLA. Parasites were detected in stool specimens of 40 (38%) of the 1-4 children completing the study. Protozoan parasites were recovered in 39 (38%); one child had whipworm eggs. Parasites included Dientamoeba fragilis in 22 (21%) children and Giardia lamblia in 18 (17%) children; commensals were observed in 15 (14%) children. Parasitic infection was more frequent in younger children, those with a history of immigration or foreign travel and those attending a day care center. A significant proportion of children with parasites had vague gastrointestinal complaints; however, parasites had not been considered as the etiologic agent by the parent or child's physician. Anorexia, irritability and gas were frequent in children with G. lamblia; abdominal pain was more frequent in those with D fragilis. Intestinal parasitic infection should be considered in children with vague gastrointestional complaints, particularly those in endemic areas, with a history of foreign travel or immigration or attending a day care center. Siblings of infected children should have stool examination even if asymptomatic.