Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica and other intestinal parasites in a community from Maracaibo, Venezuela.

The prevalences of Entamoeba histolytica and other intestinal parasites were assessed in a suburban community of Maracaibo, Venezuela, by examination of a stool specimen from each of 342 individuals, using iron-haematoxylin stained faecal smears and formalin-ether concentration. The overall parasitic infection rate was 80.4%, and 65.8% of the population had multiple infections. The overall amoebic infection rate, which was highest in female adults, averaged 39.7%. The E. histolytica infection rate was 8.7% and most of those infected were passing cysts. Entamoeba polecki was observed in two samples. Amongst the protozoa, Entamoeba coli was observed most frequently (24.8%) and Giardia lamblia was the predominant pathogen (13.0%). Trichuris trichiura (71.9%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (54%) were the most common parasites, particularly in school-children. The high rates of parasitic and multiple infections reflect the low socio-economic status of the community studied.