Intestinal parasites in Central American immigrants in the United States.
We describe the results of ova and parasite examinations of 216 Central Americans who were seen at a Los Angeles, Calif, clinic during an 8-month period. Among the 125 immigrants from Central America, intestinal parasitic prevalence was 53%. Pathogens were found in 45% and multiple pathogens in 21%. Of the 91 US born Central American children, parasite prevalence was 14%. Pathogens were found in 12%. The most common pathogens were Trichuris trichiura, Giardia lamblia, and Ascaris lumbricoides. Giardia lamblia was more prevalent in the younger than 5-year-old age group, and helminths were more prevalent in the 6- to 10-year-old age group. No helminths were found in immigrants who had been in the US for more than 3 years. Gastrointestinal symptoms did not correlate with prevalence of parasites. The high prevalence of intestinal parasites supports previous recommendations for screening; decisions for screening should be based on morbidity (probably low), efficacy and safety of treatment (good), and costs.
Salas
S D
SD
Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of California School of Medicine-San Diego, La Jolla 92093.
Heifetz
R
R
Barrett-Connor
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002489:Central America / Q000208:ethnology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004641:Emigration and Immigration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000635:transmission; D015141:Los Angeles / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence