A Prevalence Study of Intestinal Parasites in Southern Belize
Abstract
A biomedical survey of stool specimens from 82% of the population (n=672) of S villages in Toledo District, Belize were examined by the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique for the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections. Seventy-six percent of the population was infected. The most common infection was hookworm (55%), followed by Ascari's lumbricoides (30%), Entamoeba coli (21%), Trichuris trichiura (19%), Giardia lamblia (12%), and Entamoeba histolytica (6%). The mean age of infected persons was 19 years. The frequency of infections was higher in younger age groups. Eemales had higher prevalence of hookworm infection than males. The living conditions of 111 surveyed households were characterized as 60% with dirt floor, 43% without toilets, 35% in overcrowded living condition, 10% using stream water and 16% drinking untreated water. A cross-tabulation and logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk and protective factors of the parasites. The risk factors for intestinal parasites were Mayan Ketchi [1.6(1,2.4)], houseworker [2.4(1.2,4.6)], and use of stream water [2.3(l.2,4.S)]. The protective factors were drinking treated water [0.4(0.2,0.9)], and wearing shoes [0.6(0.4,1)]. Prevention and control programs focusing on significant factors associated with parasite infections could save time and money by targeting populations by risk characteristics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 15, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA444178
Entities
People
- Pote Aimpun
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences