Abstract

LURA, MARIA C. et al. Underground water and intestinal protozoa. Rev. bol. ped. [online]. 2002, vol.41, n.2, pp.95-102. ISSN 1024-0675.

Objective. To investigate if an association exists among the consumption of water obtained from underground sources, only chlorinated, and the presence of intestinal protozoa in a pediatric population. Population. Four groups of children were studied. They were from four months to twelve years old and shared similar socio-economic and sanitary conditions. Three of the groups A (n= 34), B (n= 36) and C (n= 45), drunk underground water, only chlorinated before its distribution. The fourth group D (n= 34), control group, drunk water from a superficial source with complete potabilization treatment. Material & methods. For each group the drinking water was analyzed, from the physicochemical, bacteriological and parasitological point of view, and microscopic examination of the stools, searching for protozoan cysts, were done on selected children. It was also carried out a survey to the parents. Results. Bacteria and protozoan cysts were found in some of the perforations and tanks that supplied groups A, B and C. The percentages of positive stools from children residing in each group were: A, 47%; B, 41%; C, 67% and D, 12%. Significant differences were obtained between A-D (p= 0.0039; OR 5.16 [1.43-19.65]), B-D (p= 0.012; OR 4.14 [1.16-15.62]), and C-D (p<10^-5; OR 11.60 [3.35-42.88]). According to the results of the survey, the four groups shared similar socioeconomic-sanitary conditions. Conclusions. It could be inferred that a high risk of infection with intestinal protozoa exists when people drink contaminated water from underground sources, only chlorinated before its distribution.

Keywords : protozoa in waters; intestinal parasitosis; epidemiology.

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