Intestinal parasitism among waste pickers in Mato Grosso do Sul, Midwest Brazil

Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo. 2017 Dec 21:59:e87. doi: 10.1590/S1678-9946201759087.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in both cooperative-affiliated and independent waste pickers operating at the municipal sanitary landfill in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and associate these findings with hemoglobin, eosinophils, vitamin A and C levels and interleukin 5 and 10 (IL-5 and IL-10) production. Biological samples were collected, in addition to clinical, epidemiological, and sociodemographic data. Stool analyzes were based on sedimentation by centrifugation and on spontaneous sedimentation. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine vitamin A and C levels. ELISA was employed to quantify interleukins. Intestinal parasites were found in 29 of the 66 subjects assessed (43.9%). Endolimax nana (22.7%), Entamoeba coli (21.1%), Giardia lamblia (6.1%), Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (4.5%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (4.5%) were the most prevalent species. Pathogenic parasites were detected in 11 individuals (16.7%). Hypovitaminoses A and C were detected in 19.6% (13/66) and 98.4% (65/66) of subjects, respectively. IL-5 and IL-10 production was observed in 21 (31.8%) and 32 (48.4%) subjects, respectively. Infection with pathogenic intestinal parasites was not a cause of vitamin A and C deficiency or IL-5 and IL-10 production among these workers.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Ascorbic Acid / blood
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Eosinophils
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Hemoglobins / analysis
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-10 / blood
  • Interleukin-5 / blood
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / epidemiology*
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / parasitology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Occupational Diseases / parasitology*
  • Prevalence
  • Social Conditions
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Vitamin A / blood
  • Waste Disposal Facilities*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Hemoglobins
  • Interleukin-5
  • Vitamin A
  • Interleukin-10
  • Ascorbic Acid