Interactions Between Sanitation, Socio-Environmental Conditions, and Childhood Parasitic Infections in High Andean Rural Ecosystems: The Case of the Pachanlica River, Ecuador.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55204/trc.v5i2.e559Keywords:
Parasitismo intestinal, Salud infantil, Factores socioambientales, Saneamiento, Zonas rurales altoandinasAbstract
Abstract
Background: Childhood parasitosis persists as a public health problem in high Andean rural communities, where environmental conditions and sanitation limitations favor fecal–oral transmission. This study addresses the issue in the Pachanlíca River micro–basin in Ecuador.
Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children and identify socioenvironmental factors associated with childhood health risks.
Methods: Fecal samples from 112 children were analyzed using direct coproparasitological methods and concentration techniques, complemented by an assessment of hygienic–sanitary conditions in the surrounding environment.
Results: Parasitic infection was identified in 84 children (75%). Entamoeba coli (57.14%) and Giardia lamblia (21.43%) were the most frequent species, followed by Entamoeba histolytica (27.38%) and other commensal species. The most affected age groups were 4 and 5 years old. The findings indicate active fecal–oral transmission related to deficiencies in sanitation, household hygiene, and structural and educational factors
Conclusions: Childhood parasitosis in high Andean rural areas is driven by interacting environmental, social, and sanitary conditions. Comprehensive strategies that include community education, improvements in basic sanitation, and strengthened epidemiological surveillance are required.
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