Prevalence of intestinal helminths, anemia, and malnutrition in Paucartambo, Peru.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections, anemia, and malnutrition among children in the Paucartambo province of Cusco region, Peru, in light of demographic, socio-economic, and epidemiologic contextual factors.


METHODS
Children from three to twelve years old from six communities in Huancarani district in the highlands of Peru were evaluated for helminth infections, anemia, and nutritional status. Data collected included demographic variables, socioeconomic status, exposures, complete blood counts, and direct and sedimentation stool tests.


RESULTS
Of 240 children analyzed, 113 (47%) were infected with one or more parasites. Giardia (27.5%) and Fasciola (9.6%) were the most commonly identified organisms. Eosinophilia was encountered in 21% of the children. Anemia (48.8%) was associated with age (3-4 vs 5-12 years old; odds ratio (OR): 5.86; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.81-12.21). Underweight (10%) was associated with male sex (OR: 5.97; CI: 1.12-31.72), higher eosinophil count (OR: 4.67; CI: 1.31-16.68) and education of the mother (OR: 0.6; CI: 0.4-0.9). Stunting (31.3%) was associated with education of the mother (OR: 0.83; CI: 0.72-0.95); wasting (2.7%) was associated with higher eosinophil count (OR: 2.75; CI: 1.04-7.25).


CONCLUSIONS
Anemia and malnutrition remain significant problems in the Peruvian highlands. These findings suggest that demographic factors, socio-economic status, and possibly parasitic infections intertwine to cause these health problems.
UPCH-UTMB Collaborative Research Center, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Cusco, Peru.
Miguel M
MM
Cabada
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Texas, United States of America.
Mary R
MR
Goodrich
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Texas, United States of America.
Brittany
B
Graham
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Texas, United States of America.
Pablo G
PG
Villanueva-Meyer
United States Naval Medical Research Unit Six, Lima, Callao, Peru.
Emily L
EL
Deichsel
UPCH-UTMB Collaborative Research Center, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Cusco, Peru.
Martha
M
Lopez
UPCH-UTMB Collaborative Research Center, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Cusco, Peru.
Eulogia
E
Arque
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Texas, United States of America.
A
A
Clinton White
D015766:Albendazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000740:Anemia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D019353:Endemic Diseases; D004802:Eosinophilia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D006373:Helminthiasis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010568:Peru / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012424:Rural Population; D064890:Social Determinants of Health; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D012987:Soil / Q000469:parasitology; D014881:Water Supply
D000871:Anthelmintics; D012987:Soil; D015766:Albendazole