title: Characteristics and geographical profile of strongyloidiasis in healthcare area 11 of the Valencian community (Spain).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study describes the epidemiological characteristics of all cases of strongyloidiasis diagnosed in the period 1995-1999 (both years included) in Area 11 of the Valencian Community (Spain) and their possible correlation to certain geographical and environmental conditions.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a retrospective, descriptive study. Information was collected using a telephone survey.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 473 cases of strongyloidiasis were diagnosed. Of the total patients, 282 (60%) answered to the survey. There were 342 males (72%) and 131 females (28%). Ninety-four percent of the patients were in the 51-91 years age interval. Only three patients had been born abroad, while 15 had been on brief holidays to countries where the disease is endemic. The largest concentration of cases was found in zones 1 (0.49%) and 6 (0.9%), both having similar geomorphic characteristics. The professional activity of patients was recorded in 215 cases. The most frequent occupation was agriculture, with 124 cases (58%). Risk activities were recorded in 184 cases, the growing of rice in 145 patients (79%) being the most important.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Strongyloides stercoralis infestation is endemic and possibly related to agricultural activities performed in previous years, and to the geographical characteristics of some parts of the area.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, 'Verge dels Lliris' Hospital, Alcoi, Spain.
authors.forename: Carles Oltra
authors.initials: CO
authors.lastname: Alcaraz
authors.forename: Rafael Igual
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Adell
authors.forename: Pilar Sánchez
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Sánchez
authors.forename: Maria José Viñals
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Blasco
authors.forename: Oscar Andreu
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Sánchez
authors.forename: Antonio Sarrión
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Auñón
authors.forename: David Rodríguez
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Calabuig
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D017171:Strongyloides stercoralis; D013322:Strongyloidiasis / Q000453:epidemiology*