Intestinal parasites in two indigenous ethnic groups in northwestern Amazonia / Parasitos intestinais em dois grupos indígenas no noroeste da Amazônia

Approximately 90% of the population in the northwestern Amazonia is composed of indigenous people and their healthcare is still a challenge. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of parasites in two indigenous ethnic groups (Baré and Baniwa) in northwestern Amazonia. Stool samples from 270 individuals (199 Baniwa and 71 Baré) were analyzed using Richie's method and the spontaneous sedimentation method. Statistical differences among the proportions of infected individuals based on gender, age, and ethnicity were determined. All individuals were infected by protozoans or helminths. The most frequent parasites in the indigenous people were Ascaris lumbricoides (73%), Entamoeba spp. (53%), and Giardia intestinalis (48%). Protozoan parasites were more common among children aged 0-12 years; however, the frequency of helminths, such as hookworms and A. lumbricoides, was higher in adults. There were no significant differences in parasite frequencies between different genders or ethnic groups. Mixed infections by two or more protozoan and/or helminth species were detected in 96% of individuals. One individual was infected by 14 species. A high frequency of intestinal parasites was found in Baré and Baniwa ethnic groups. Improvements to infrastructure and health education programs are required to reduce risk of infection by intestinal parasites.

Aproximadamente 90% da população no noroeste da Amazônia é composta de grupos indígenas e o acesso deles aos serviços de saúde ainda é um desafio. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a frequência de parasitos em dois grupos indígenas (Baré e Baniwa) no noroeste da Amazônia. Amostras de fezes de 270 indivíduos (199 Baniwa e 71 Baré) foram analisadas pelos métodos de Richie e sedimentação espontânea. Foram determinadas diferenças estatísticas entre as proporções de indivíduos infectados com base no sexo, idade e etnia. Todos os indivíduos estavam infectados por protozoários ou helmintos. Os parasitos mais frequentes nos índios foram Ascaris lumbricoides (73%), Entamoeba spp. (53%), e Giardia intestinalis (48%). Protozoários parasitos foram mais comuns entre as crianças com idade entre 0-12 anos; no entanto, a frequência de ancilostomídeos e A. lumbricoides foi maior em adultos. Não houve diferenças significativas nas frequências de parasitos entre os diferentes sexos ou grupos étnicos. Infecções mistas por duas ou mais espécies de protozoários e/ou helmintos foram detectadas em 96% dos indivíduos. Um indivíduo estava infectado por 14 espécies. Uma alta frequência de parasitos intestinais foi encontrada em indígenas dos grupos Baré e Baniwa. Melhorias dos programas de infra-estrutura e educação em saúde são necessárias para reduzir o risco de infecção por parasitos intestinais.

Evaluación de servicios pecuarios en el resguardo de Guachucal (Nariño) / Assessment of delivery veterinary services in the resguardo of Guachucal (Nariño)

La tenencia de animales representa una de las principales fuentes de ingresos para la mayoría de poblaciones rurales de países en desarrollo. Además, coadyuva a la generación y fortalecimiento del capital financiero, social y natural. En Colombia, el sector pecuario contribuye con buena parte del producto interno bruto (PIB) y es uno de los principales medios de vida para las comunidades rurales. Las comunidades indígenas tradicionalmente han mantenido animales como medio de subsistencia y atendiendo a las determinantes culturales que las caracterizan y diferencian entre sí. Sin embargo, existen serias limitantes de salud y producción animal que influencian negativamente los sistemas productivos tradicionales y, por lo tanto, reducen su eficiencia y la calidad de vida de las familias. Este trabajo se adelantó con una comunidad indígena del resguardo de Guachucal (Nariño),perteneciente al pueblo de los Pastos; se utilizaron metodologías de investigación cuantitativa y cualitativa, involucrando los diversos actores en la producción animal (productores y proveedores de servicios de los sectores público y privado). Los resultados del trabajo permitieron identificar los factores que determinan la demanda de servicios pecuarios por los pequeños productores indígenas, sobre la base de identificar y priorizar sus necesidades y problemáticas productivas. De la misma manera, se plantean algunas pautas de mejora mientodel sistema de suministro de servicios pecuarios.

The possession of animals represents one of the main sources of income for the majority of rural populations of developing countries. In addition, contribute to the generation and strengthening of financial capital, social and natural. In Colombia, the livestock sector contributes with good part of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is one of the main livelihoods for rural communities. The indigenous communities have traditionally had animals as a means of livelihood and in cultural determinants that characterize and differentiate between if. However, there are serious limitations of health and animal production, which influence negatively the traditional productive systems, reducing the efficiency of them and the quality of life of families. This work was developed with an indigenous community of Guachucal (Nariño), in which it use quantitative research methodologies and qualitative,involving various actors in animal production (producers and providers of services of public and private sectors). The results of work, allowed identify the factors that determine the demand for livestock services on the part of small indigenous producers, as well as identifying and prioritizing the needs and problems facing them, to keep their animals healthy and productive. In the same way, it was possible to identify and raise some patterns of improvement of the system of supply of services livestock.