Prevalence and Epidemiology of Blastocystis Sp. In Two Communties of The Maracaibo Municipality, State of Zulia

• Main Authors: Amelia Panunzio, Belkis Fuentes, Francis Villarroel, Elsa Pirela, Ayari Avila, Tania Molero Zambrano, Milagros Nuñez, Irene Parra Cepeda
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English; Spanish
• Published: Universidad del Zulia,Facultad de Medicina,Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Tropicales 2014
• Subjects: Prevalencia; factores epidemiológicos; Blastocystis sp; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doaj.org/article/ea06005130544c47a8e83da171b35e78

To determine the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and its association with epidemiological characteristics, a cross-sectional study was conducted in two communities of the Maracaibo Municipality, State of Zulia. To collect data, an epidemiological record was used; 406 randomly selected individuals participated; for each one, a direct tological examination with SSF-Lugol was per formed. In dividuals over 18 years (72.1%) and females (51.4%) predominated. The overall prevalence of Blastocystis sp. infection was 38.9%; poly-parasitism predominated (54.4 %), identifying Endolimax nana (36.1%) as the most frequently associated commensal species, followed by Giardia intestinalis (22.1%), among the pathogens. There was significant association (p<0.05) between theprevalence of infection with active occupation status, over crowding, untreated water consumption and lack of adequate conditions to dispose of and eliminate waste. These variables showed OR 95% CI values, which demonstrates their influence as risk fac tors, reporting the greatest risk of infection (OR=3.18) for the active occupation status. No significant association was noted between the presence of Blastocystis sp. and other epidemiological characteristics (p>0.05). Limitations in community and personal hygiene standards are determinants for the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in these communities.