Intestinal Parasites in Children in Brazil: Systematic Review

Abstract

The present study aimed to identify the main parasites that affect children in Brazil, as well as to verify the regions where studies were conducted and the diagnostic techniques through a systematic review. Thus, original articles and short communications were researched in different databases. Studies published between 2010 and 2019 were included, whereas studies related to blood and extra intestinal parasites were excluded. A total of 27 papers were eligible and then, analyzed. Most studies were conducted in Southern and South regions. The protozoan Giardia lamblia and the helminth Ascaris lumbricoides were the most prevalent parasites found in the samples. Considering the diagnostic techniques, the Hoffman, Pons & Janer was the most used. Therefore, the investigation of parasites in children should be encouraged mainly in regions where there are poor basic sanitation conditions. Given that the transmission of most parasites occurs through the ingestion of contaminated water and food, the improvement of hygiene habits is essential in order to prevent intestinal parasitosis.