[Prevalence and intensity of geohelminths infection characterizing the socio-cultural and environmental factors that affect the infection of school children, Paraguay, 2015]

INTRODUCTION

Currently, Paraguay has no data on the prevalence of soil-transmitted geohelminth infection in schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 years.

AIM

To determine the prevalence and intensity of infection by Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworms and the socio-cultural-environmental characteristics of the affected population.

METHODS

Descriptive, cross-sectional study, in three semi-tropical climatic zones: continental, semi steppe and humid. A total of 1,404 schoolchildren from 20 schools in eight departments were selected from the country's three climate zones. Copro-parasitological exams were analyzed in situ with the Kato-Katz method.

RESULTS

The national prevalence for geohelminthiasis was 3.73% (95% CI = 2.8-4.8). The risk factors found were consumption of well water OR: 2.88 (95% CI = 1.64-2.07), ground floor in housing OR: 2.56 (95% CI = 1.45-4.50) and lack of flushing water baths in households OR: 2.29 (95% CI = 1.23-4.28).

CONCLUSION

Although the national prevalence of geohelminthiasis was low, it is recommended to promote good hygienic practices, use of footwear, and safe water consumption, as well as designing interventions with all relevant sectors to improve access to safe water and improved basic sanitation facilities.

[Seroprevalence of leptospirosis and associated factors in workers of the urban cleaning service of the Municipality of Asuncion, Paraguay]

INTRODUCTION

Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that has been linked to occupational activities such as farmers, sewer workers, garbage collectors, butchers and veterinarians. It is acquired through contact with major reservoirs like rodents, pets, or the environment contaminated by their urine. In Paraguay, there are no published reports on the seroprevalence of leptospirosis related to work activity.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the seroprevalence and factors associated with transmission of leptospirosis in urban sanitation workers.

METHODOLOGY

Descriptive transversal study. The study included workers from the Department of Urban Cleanliness of the City of Asuncion, who had completed at least one month on the job and who agreed to particípate in the study. Sampling was stratified and proportional to the number of workers. After informed consent was obtained, participants were surveyed and a blood sample was taken for detection of Leptospira IgG antibodies by ELISA.

RESULTS

Leptospirosis seroprevalence was 8.6% (29/339), all positive cases were male and prevalence was statistically higher in workers of the collection area than in those of other work areas.

CONCLUSION

We found a lower than expected seroprevalence. However, conditions observed at work and at home are conducive to transmission of infection. We recommend the improvement of prevention strategies and health promotion in this population.