[Intestinal parasitoses in preschool children of the slum communities of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]. / Enteroparasitoses em pré-escolares de comunidades favelizadas da cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites was investigated in 1381 low-income children under five years of age from March 1990 to October 1991 in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Stool tests were run using the Blagg et al. method. Observed prevalence of infection was 54.5%. The most frequent parasites were Giardia lamblia and Ascaris lumbricoides (25.0% of the children). A significant statistical difference (p<0.05) was demonstrated between age and infection according to the species of parasite studied. Infection rates demonstrated the need for control of parasites in these child.

Ascaris lumbricoides in neonate: evidence of congenital transmission of intestinal nematodes.

Clinical and epidemiological study of a forty-days-old infant with a diarrheic condition and insufficient development led to the coprological diagnosis of ascariasis and possible congenital infection. Specific treatment with levamisole, resulted in clinical and parasitological cure, in addition to gain of weight up to normal levels. Maternal parasitism had been diagnosed two months before labor and proved beyond doubt during the ensuing epidemiological inquiry.