Fascioliasis in relatives of patients with Fasciola hepatica infection in Peru
Marcos, L.; Maco, V.; Terashima, Aélica.; Samalvides, F.; Espinoza, Jé.R.; Gotuzzo, E.
Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de Sao Paulo 47(4): 219-222
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-4665 PMID: 16138205 Document Number: 590316
The high prevalence rate of human fascioliasis has been described in several regions of Peru. We surveyed 20 families in an endemic area of Peru to determine F. hepatica infection among relatives of diagnosed subjects, and to identify associated risk factors. Faecal and blood samples from 93 subjects (aged one to 53 years (mean=18.6; SD=14.2)) were examined. The overall prevalence of fascioliasis by faecal examination was 33.3% (n=83), and by serology, 51.9% (n=86). The prevalence in the age group of <=19 years by coprological and serological tests was 61.4% and 75.9%, respectively; in those aged >19 years, 15.4% and 37.5%, respectively. The main risk factor for fascioliasis was eating salads (odds ratio=3.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-9.0, p=0.02). In conclusion, human fascioliasis is highly prevalent in the relatives of index cases, and the most significant risk factor for acquiring fascioliasis in the family is eating salads in endemic areas.