Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Public Health and Surveillance
Date Submitted: Jul 31, 2022
Date Accepted: Sep 19, 2023
Cross-sectional study to determine the relationship between soil-transmitted helminth infections and environmental factors in Puerto Iguazú, Misiones (Argentina)
ABSTRACT
Background:
Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are widely distributed throughout the world. Different factors, including environmental and socioeconomic ones, play an important role in the spread and persistence of these parasites. Studies in northern provinces of Argentina have shown variable prevalence of STH, but the factors associated with their presence has not been completely elucidated.
Objective:
We conducted a cross-sectional study in indigenous villages from Puerto Iguazú (Misiones) to determine the main factors related to STH infection.
Methods:
Stool samples collected during 2018 and 2019 were analyzed following standard parasitological methods. Habits, customs and household characteristics were obtained through a questionnaire while environmental variables were collected through satellite images and remote sensing. Statistical models were used to determine any association.
Results:
A total of 342 individuals from the three villages participated. The STH prevalence was 68.5% in Fortín Mbororé, 80.8% in Yriapú and 89.6% in Mini-Marangatú. The most prevalent STH was hookworm and statistically different prevalences were observed between villages (P<.02). The multivariate analysis showed that the that the Vegetation Heterogeneity Index (VHI) and Enhanced Normalized Difference Impervious Surfaces Index (ENDISI) influenced the spatial distribution of hookworm, while walking barefoot, overcrowding and the type of floor inside the house, were related to infection intensity.
Conclusions:
In general, the different villages share similar living conditions and environmental characteristics that contribute to the high infection rates observed. The study shows that living conditions play a role in the intensity of hookworm infection while environmental variables were significantly associated with its presence.
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