Prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in children of Ecuador

Abstract

Intestinal parasitosis is prevalent in underdeveloped countries such as Ecuador and affects mostly children due to their immunological immaturity and poor hygiene habits. The aim of the research was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in the child population of Ecuador through a literature review. Methodology: A retrospective descriptive observational study was carried out using databases such as SciELO, PubMed, Dialnet and Google Scholar. Ten articles published between 2018-2023 were included, following the PRISMA statement guidelines. Results: prevalence was 45.31% of 2,642 children. The most frequent parasites correspond to protozoa such as Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli, Blastocystis spp, Giardia lamblia and helminths such as Ascaris lumbricoides and Enterobius vermicularis. The most commonly used diagnostic methods were direct and serial coproparasitic, Kato-Katz technique, Ritchie technique and Willis Molloy flotation method. The risk factors were inadequate hand and food washing, consumption of poor quality water and work involving direct contact with contaminated soil. Prevention and health promotion measures are: consumption of drinking or boiled water, adequate hand and food washing and deworming every 6 months. Conclusion: in the last six years in the Coast, Andean and Amazon regions of Ecuador there is the presence of intestinal parasite infections associated with the socioeconomic and environmental level.