Intestinal parasitism in schoolchildren in 2005, 2006 and 2007: A real challenge to overcome by the national deworming campaign in Northwestern Mexico

摘要

Introduction: Intestinal parasitism has been a challenge to overcome for the Mexican deworming campaign and this study determined the prevalence of these infections in schoolchildren treated with albendazole in Northwestern Mexico. Methods: Study sites in marginal conditions, with gastrointestinal infections and albendazole intervention were selected. The Faust and Kato Katz techniques were used to identify the parasites spp. and the NCSS software was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 450, 389 and 364 schoolchildren participated in 2005, 2006, and 2007 respectively during this study. The mean age was 7.9 (±1.3). The estimated prevalences were of 42%, 30% and 37% for protozoa infections, and 11%, 12% and 11% for helminth infections in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively. Conclusion: The education strategies should be integrated into the Mexican deworming campaign.