Kasmera (Aug 2014)

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

  • Amelia Panunzio,
  • Belkis Fuentes,
  • Francis Villarroel,
  • Elsa Pirela,
  • Ayari Avila,
  • Tania Molero Zambrano,
  • Milagros Nuñez,
  • Irene Parra Cepeda

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 42, no. 1
pp. 9 – 21

Abstract

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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 (p0.05). Limitations in community and personal hygiene standards are determinants for the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in these communities.

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