Hymenolepis nana infection in an indigenous community from Bol铆var State, Venezuela

[摘要] Introduction: hymenolepiasis is an intestinal parasitic disease caused by the genus Hymenolepis. Of the two species affecting humans, H. nana is the most common. Its distribution is cosmopolitan, but more frequent in tropical regions.Objectives: a cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2014 to determine the prevalence of hymenolepiasis among dwellers from the indigenous community of Itopoicon, Bolívar State, Venezuela.Methods: evaluation was performed of 136 stool samples from an equal number of persons using the techniques known as direct examination, Kato, Willis and spontaneous sedimentation. A control card was filled in for each participant, containing identification details and data of clinical and epidemiological interest.Results: a total 118 inhabitants (86.8 %) were positive for parasites. Of these, 26 (19.1 %) had intestinal helminth infection, Hymenolepis nana being the most commonly diagnosed helminth with 19 cases (14 %). Of the 19 cases of hymenolepiasis, 17 were children and 2 were adults, the difference being statistically significant (2= 14.26 g.l. = 7 p< 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found with respect to gender (p> 0.05). A wide range of clinical manifestations (general, toxic and allergic or intestinal) were found among people with H. nana.Conclusions: ahigh prevalence (14 %) of H. nana infection was found in an indigenous community from Bolívar State in Venezuela. Both sexes are equally affected, but there is a predominance of children under 10 years of age. Most cases were symptomatic.

[学科分类] 传染病学

[关键词] Hymenolepis nana;intestinal parasitic disease;indigenous people;epidemiology;Venezuela