Incidence of Intestinal Microsporidiosis and Coccidiosis in Children Under 12 Years Without Gastrointestinal Symptoms in the Vargas State, Venezuela

Marcel Marcano-Lozada^1,2*, Silvia Molero³ & Eduardo García⁴

¹Department of Microbiology, J. M. Vargas School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas Venezuela
²Medical Microbiology Specialist, Medical Microbiology Unit, Angios Vascular Center & Wound Clinic, Caracas, Venezuela
³Internal Medicine Specialist, Angios Vascular Center & Integral Wound Care, Caracas, Venezuela
⁴Pneumonologist, Atias Clinic, Caracas, Venezuela

Dr. Marcel Marcano Lozada, Department of Microbiology, J. M. Vargas School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas Venezuela.

Keywords: Coccidia; Microsporidia; Non-Diarrheal Disease; Asymptomatic Children; Venezuela

Abstract

Objective
To study the incidence of intestinal microsporidia and coccidia in asymptomatic gastrointestinal children under 12 years old, from two rural communities of the Vargas State, Venezuela.
Material and Methods
Collection of samples in the communities of El Paulino and Media Legua, Carayaca parish,Vargas State, Venezuela, between May and July 2001. We studied 34 children, under 12 yearsold, gastrointestinal asymptomatic, collecting 3 serials stool samples per child in Raily-Henry conservation media, and filling a survey on clinical & sanitary conditions. Samples were processed by: Kato-Katz method, extended colored with Kinyoun, lugol & trichrome stains. Results 17 children from each community represent 43% and 17% respectively of the total of children under 12 years old in each population nucleus. There were no statistically significant differences in the health characteristics of both populations. 100% of the children were parasitized by Microsporidium sp., Concomitantly 29 (85%) by Cryptosporidium parvum and 5(15%) by Cyclospora cayetanensis. Geohelminths averaged approximately 15% overall prevalence.

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