Open AccessFrequency of intestinal protozoan infections diagnosed in patients from a clinical analysis laboratory
Author(s) -
Tarciane Lilia dos Santos,
A. P. M. Carvalho Neto,
José Rodrigo da Silva Ferreira,
P. V. M. Azevedo,
Karwhory Wallas Lins da Silva,
C. Nascimento,
Cláudia Maria Lins Calheiros,
Flaviana Santos Wanderley,
Maria Taciana Holanda Cavalcanti,
Mabel Alencar do Nascimento Rocha,
Thiago José Matos Rocha
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
bioscience journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.199
H-Index - 19
eISSN - 1981-3163
pISSN - 1516-3725
DOI - 10.14393/bj-v38n0a2022-42370
Subject(s) - entamoeba coli , protozoan infection , epidemiology , feces , veterinary medicine , population , biology , medicine , helminths , environmental health , immunology , microbiology and biotechnology , ascaris lumbricoides
This study aimed to determine the frequency of infection by intestinal protozoa diagnosed in patients from a clinical analysis laboratory in Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil. This was a retrospective descriptive study, using a database of stool examination results from July to December 2015. The study population consisted of males and females of all ages, from the greater area of Alagoas. Data on epidemiological variables such as age and gender were obtained using a collection instrument. Protozoan species were identified from stool examinations. Results on the prevalence of intestinal parasites are described as simple and relative frequencies. We examined a total of 1277 stool samples, of which 12.69% were positive for one or more protozoa. 43.83% were from men and 56.17% were from women. Endolimax nana was the most prevalent (59.22%) protozoan species followed by Entamoeba coli (23.45%). Although non-pathogenic, they indicate fecal contamination of drinking water. The highest number (23.46%) of infected individuals was observed among children in the 0 to 11 years age group. A high prevalence (93.83%) of monoparasitism was noted. We concluded that there was a high frequency of infection and a high prevalence of E. nana. Infections were more common in women than in men. Our results emphasize the need for preventive measures to control intestinal parasitic infections.