Prevalence of intestinal parasites in a rural community in north-central Puerto Rico
Hillyer, G.V.; Soler de Galanes, M.; Lawrence, S.
Boletin de la Asociacion Medica de Puerto Rico 82(3): 111-114
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-4849 PMID: 2322350 Document Number: 700028
A haematological and parasitological survey was conducted in Bayaney, Hatillo, a rural community in Puerto Rico. A surprising finding was the comparatively high proportion of eosinophilia observed (43 of 83 individuals: 52%). Of these 83 individuals, 16 were found positive for intestinal helminth eggs by a faecal concentration method. When eosinophilia was in the 5-10% range, 35% were also infected with a helminth species and when eosinophilia was in the > 10% range, 75% were also infected with a helminth. The helminth eggs or larvae found were: hookworm (in 8), Strongyloides stercoralis (in 2), Trichuris trichiura (in 5) and combined hookworm and Trichuris (in 1). Fifteen of the 16 individuals with intestinal helminth infections had eosinophilia ranging from 5 to 40%. Of a subgroup of thirty-five 5th-grade schoolchildren, 11 had eosinophilia ranging from 5 to 17%, but only 2 of these also had helminth eggs (Trichuris). No intestinal protozoa were found. Although all infected individuals were apparently asymptomatic, they were contacted for additional medical examination and treatment. An ELISA for anti-S. mansoni egg antibodies was performed on serum from 44 individuals, of which 20 were a high risk group because of frequent water contact. Only one was found positive and this individual was negative for S. mansoni eggs by coproscopy. Additional studies are needed to elucidate the aetiology of eosinophilia in the absence of helminth infection.
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