[Amebiasis and amebic liver abscess in Mexico: a present-day public health problem].
BACKGROUND
Amebiasis still remains as a major public health problem in the world. It is one of the most common reasons for medical consult. There are more than half a million cases of amebiasis just at the Mexican Institute of the Social Security. There is still a lack of epidemiologic information on amebiasis in Mexico.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the secular trend fro amebiasis and for amebic liver abscess in the Mexican population, as well as in those covered by IMSS Solidaridad.


METHODS
An ecologic trend study was carried on. Incidence rate of amebiasis in all of its forms of presentation, and of amebic liver abscess, were plotted against each year for the 1986-1994 period.


RESULTS
Amebiasis incidence in all of its forms of presentation showed a stable trend in this period, as it was seen with amebic liver abscess. Amebiasis is more common in the first years of life. On the contrary, amebic liver abscess showed an inverted 'J' pattern; its occurrence is higher in the extreme years of life. Fatality rates have shown a descendent trend.


CONCLUSIONS
Amebiasis reflects socioeconomic conditions in Mexico and the fact that Mexican is still an endless culture. There is a need to promote health education, better diagnostic procedures and detection of asymptomatic carriers. Health policies for mothers that are asymptomatic carriers should be reviewed, due to the high rates of amebiasis and amebic liver abscess in children under one year of age.
Escandón Romero
C
C
García Manzo
N T
NT
Escobedo de la Peña
J
J
Hernández Ramos
J M
JM
Olvera Alvarez
J
J
Cabral Soto
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000562:Amebiasis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002353:Carrier State / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008101:Liver Abscess, Amebic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011634:Public Health; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
La amibiasis y el absceso hepático amibiano en México, un problema de salud pública de actualidad.