The prevalence of intestinal parasitism in certain areas of Puerto Rico-a 3-year study
Maldonado, J.F.; Oliver-Gonzalez, J.
Boletin de la Asociacion Medica de Puerto Rico 51(4): 109-124
1959
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-4849 Document Number: 700069
Examination of 23, 262 faecal samples collected between 1953 and 955 from six localities in Puerto Rico, representing three different physiographical areas of the island, revealed over-all infections of approximately 80% with Trichuris, 31% with Ascaris, 27% with hookworm and 5% with Strongyloides stercoralis. The prevalence of each infection in each area for the three years and the over-all prevalence by age and sex of each infection is given in tabular form. The worm burden of Trichuris measured during the last year was usually from six to 31 worms, although 12% had more than 600 worms; that of Ascaris varied from two to 25 with 14-5% of cases harbouring more than 20 worms. Several aspects of the epidemiology of the parasites are discussed. The greater prevalence of Trichuris compared with Ascaris in areas of high soil moisture reported in surveys elsewhere was not seen here. Hookworm infection, once an occupational hazard, is now becoming a door-yard problem. J.w.s.