Avaliação dos casos positivos de Giardia lamblia e Entamoeba spp. no laboratório municipal de Barra do Garças – MT

Abstract

Diseases caused by intestinal parasites are considered a serious public health problem, especially in underdeveloped countries. They can be caused by protozoa and/or helminths and are associated with poor basic sanitation conditions, socioeconomic status, level of education, age, drinking water supply and health education. Intestinal parasites are commonly transmitted via the oral-fecal route through the ingestion of protozoan cysts or helminth eggs present in the feces of infected individuals or animals. Contamination of water, food, or surfaces can facilitate this transmission. The tropical and semi-humid climate in the state of Mato Grosso provides an optimal environment for parasite proliferation. The study aimed to assess cases of enteroparasitosis via a retrospective analysis of parasitological stool tests conducted at a laboratory centre located in the Barra do Garças-MT municipality, and to create a patient profile for those seen from January 2018 to July 2023. An observational, descriptive study was conducted with a cross-sectional design, analyzing clinical data and dispensing reports stored at the Doutor Arnulfo da Cunha Coutinho Municipal Laboratory. The variables examined included gender, age, and place of residence. A total of 4,225 parasitological stool tests were performed, with 190 producing positive results. The prevalent parasites amid the protozoa encompassed Entamoeba coli (41%), Giardia lamblia (39%), and Entamoeba histolytica (7%). The female gender demonstrated greater susceptibility (56%) and those aged 0-10 years old exhibited the highest infection rates (39%). Incidents showed a concentration in neighborhoods on the fringes of the city centre, like Santo Antônio (28%) and Jardim Pitaluga (23%). Although significant public health efforts have been made to combat intestinal parasites, they remain a significant issue in the present day. Collaborative work such as this is beneficial to health authorities, as it alerts them to the necessary measures required to address the health needs of each population. These efforts also reinforce the importance of enhancing sanitary conditions to prevent enteroparasitosis.