Intestinal parasites in children from native communities of Salta, Argentina

Introduction: Intestinal parasites particularly affect vulnerable populations, making their management crucial in endemic areas. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between intestinal parasites, socioeconomic characteristics, and anthropometric nutritional status. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional study conducted on children aged 1 to 15 years in Tartagal, Argentina, for a year. Intestinal parasitic infections were determined through fecal analysis using sedimentation techniques (Teleman), Kato-Katz, and the Baerman method. Demographic and socioeconomic data were collected using a standardized survey. Height, weight, and mid-upper arm and head circumference were measured in the participants. Results: Of the 588 participants who provided fecal samples, 55.4% had intestinal parasites, with G. lamblia and H. nana being the most prevalent species. Additionally, 31.9% of participants were found to have malnutrition due to excess weight. Risk factors for intestinal parasite presence included age, overcrowding, and walking barefoot, while owning a refrigerator, having an animal corral, adequate water storage, and belonging to the Guaraní ethnic group were protective factors. High vulnerability areas were observed regarding housing conditions and access to public services. Conclusions: An association between socioeconomic conditions and the risk of intestinal parasite presence was observed. However, no association was found between anthropometric nutritional status and the presence of intestinal parasites.