Occurrence of intestinal parasites in riverine communities in the City of Igarapé Miri, Pará State, Brazil

Abstract

In the Northern Region of Brazil, there is high occurrence of intestinal parasites among the riverine population, especially in areas with sanitation deficit. This study aimed to determine intestinal parasites prevalence among the riverine population in five communities located in the City of Igarapé Miri, Pará State, the study was conducted during an education and health extension activity in July, 2011 which was coordinated by Universidade Federal do Pará. A total of 91 stool samples were analyzed by direct examination for parasitic agents. The results showed positivity in 94.5%, highlighting that 57.17% of the positive cases had two or more parasites. Helminthes were the most common, especially Ascaris lumbricoides (57.14%) and Trichuris trichiura (41.76%). Among the most frequent protozoa were Entamoeba spp. (36.26%), Giardia intestinalis (24.17%) and Iodamoeba butschlii (23.08%). The obtained results revealed the necessity of implementing public policies directed to govern programs that aim to improve and health sanitation among the riverine communities.