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. 2024 Dec 17;16(12):e75862.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.75862. eCollection 2024 Dec.

Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Children: A 10-Year Retrospective Study

Rita R Martins  1 , Filipa Paixão  1 , Inês Mendes  1 , Sandra Schäfer  2 , Isabel Monge  2 , Francisca Costa  1 , Paula Correia  1
Affiliations

Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Children: A 10-Year Retrospective Study

Rita R Martins et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background and objective Intestinal parasitic infections are a major public health concern, especially in low-income regions with poor sanitation. Our hospital caters to a large migrant population, but data on these infections in Portugal is limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of intestinal parasitic infections in pediatric patients from epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological perspectives. Methods A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted involving symptomatic or opportunistically screened children and adolescents, with positive stool examination for eggs, cysts, and parasites (O&P) or positive serologies for Strongyloides/Schistosoma, at a level II hospital in Portugal, between January 2012 and June 2022. Results Seventy-seven patients were included in the study, of whom 56% were migrants. The median age was six years. A total of 79 intestinal parasitic infections were diagnosed, corresponding to a positivity rate of 2.5%. Among these, 7.8% occurred in children aged under one year, a particularly vulnerable group. The most frequently identified parasite was Giardia lamblia, followed by Strongyloides stercoralis. The rate of diagnoses increased over the study period, linked to the growing migrant population. Clinically, most children and adolescents were asymptomatic. Additionally, there was a significant rate of loss to medical follow-up, which could contribute to transmission. Conclusions This study is unique in its focus on characterizing intestinal parasitic infections in the pediatric population, addressing a gap in existing research. It highlights the need for further research among children living in Europe, especially given the rising migrant population. Multicenter studies are crucial to better understand infection patterns and improve diagnostic and treatment protocols.

Keywords: child; giardia lamblia; intestinal parasitic infections; portugal; public health.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Health Ethics Committee, Hospital Prof. Dr. Fernando Fonseca issued approval 110/2022. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Parasites identified in the study
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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