Tuberculosis and intestinal parasitism among indigenous people in the Brazilian Amazon region

Rev Saude Publica. 2009 Feb;43(1):176-8. doi: 10.1590/s0034-89102009000100023.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

The objective of the survey was to estimate the frequencies of tuberculosis and intestinal parasitosis in indigenous communities at the locality of Iauareté, Northern Brazil, in 2001. This was a cross-sectional survey (n=333) aimed at obtaining demographic data and biological samples for sputum and feces examinations. Among the 43 individuals with respiratory symptoms, six presented alcohol/acid-fast bacilli in sputum. Intestinal parasitosis was significantly more frequent among the Hüpda population than among the Indians living in other districts (37.5% vs. 19.3% for Ascaris lumbricoides, 32.4% vs. 16.3% for Trichuris trichiura, 75% vs. 19.3% for hookworms, 75% vs. 35.4% for Entamoeba histolyticaD dispar and 33.3% vs. 10.7% for Giardia lamblia). It is concluded that tuberculosis and intestinal parasitism are frequent in these communities, thus requiring control measures and better medical care.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Epidemiologic Methods
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Humans
  • Indians, South American / statistics & numerical data*
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / epidemiology*
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / parasitology
  • Sputum / microbiology
  • Tuberculosis / epidemiology*
  • Tuberculosis / microbiology
  • Young Adult