High Frequency of Enteroparasitoses in the Municipality of Oiapoque, Amapá State, Brazil, on the Border With French Guiana

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionEnteroparasites represent a considerable proportion of infectious parasitic diseases worldwide. This study evaluated the frequency of enteroparasites and the correlation of enteroparasites with hemoglobin levels. This study evaluated the frequency of enteroparasites and the correlation of themwith hemoglobin levels.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed in the municipality of Oiapoque in the state of Amapá in northern Brazil, which is located at the western border of the Amazon region. Fecal samples collected over a one-year period (2014/2015) were analyzed using direct methods and spontaneous sedimentation.ResultsThe study included 446 individuals ranging in age from 7 to 61 years. Among the investigated individuals, 58.6% (261/446) were infected with some type of enteroparasites. Of these infected individuals, 45.2% (118/261) were infected only by helminth, 40.9% (107/261) were infected with protozoa, and 13.8% (36/261) had combined infections. Ascaris lumbricoides (19.9%, 52/261) was the most commonly detected helminth, followed by Entamoeba coli and Endolimax nana that were the most frequent protozoan (17.2%, 45/261). The study showed an inversely proportional correlation between the hemoglobin level and the presence of detected parasites. Conclusions: In Oiapoque, enteroparasitosis diseases may be one of the causes of anemia in the population. The high frequency of enteroparasites is a clear reflection of the lack of sanitation in the studied region, indicating an epidemiological state of concern.