Frequency of intestinal parasites in food outlet located in the precincts of the UNAN-León

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted among food vendors located on the premises of UNAN-León to determine the frequency of intestinal parasites. Between May and July, a total of 40 individuals were studied. Each participant provided a stool sample and completed a survey to assess their level of knowledge regarding the transmission mechanisms of intestinal parasites. The samples were analyzed at the laboratory of the Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, UNAN-León, using the saline and Lugol's iodine method, as well as the Ritchie concentration technique. The results showed an overall prevalence rate of intestinal parasites of 38%. Entamoeba coli was the most prevalent parasite, found in 39% of cases, followed by Endolimax nana (22%), Giardia lamblia (17%), Entamoeba histolytica (11%), Entamoeba hartmanni (5%), and Iodamoeba bütschlii (5%).The population's level of knowledge about the transmission of Amebas and Ascaris lumbricoides was relatively satisfactory, in contrast to G. lamblia, where participants demonstrated very limited understanding of the different ways the infection can be acquired.