Nutritional status, intestinal parasitic infections, and socio‐environmental conditions in Mbyá‐guaraní children: The current situation in communities in central Misiones, Argentina

• Published in: American journal of human biology Vol. 34; no. 7; pp. e23749 - n/a
• Main Authors: Zonta, María Lorena, Servián, Andrea, Panisse, Guillermo, Oyhenart, Evelia E., Navone, Graciela T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01-07-2022; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Body height; Body weight; Children; Coexistence; Drinking water; Environmental conditions; Feces; Infections; Intestinal parasites; Intestine; Malnutrition; Nutritional status; Overweight; Parasites; Parasitic diseases; Population studies; Species; Undernutrition; Well water
• ISSN: 1042-0533; 1520-6300
• DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23749

Objectives
Our previous research in Mbyá‐guaraní communities of central Misiones showed high levels of growth stunting and intestinal parasites in children, as well as associations between these variables and deficient sanitary conditions. New studies were necessary to update the present health status of the previously studied Mbyá populations after around two decades. Therefore, we evaluated the current nutritional status, intestinal parasites, and socio‐environmental conditions among Mbyá‐guaraní children from these communities.
Methods
Body weight and height of 102 individuals (aged 2–14) were measured and nutritional status was estimated according to the World Health Organization criteria. Serial fecal samples and anal swabs were analyzed from 75 children (aged 1–14). Socio‐environmental data were obtained from questionnaires.
Results
The prevalence of undernutrition was 31.4% and excess of weight was 10.8%. The prevalence of stunting and of overweight reached 30.4% and 8.8%, respectively. About 85% of the children were infected with at least one of the 14 species identified, and around 44% had multiple parasite infections. The most prevalent species were Enterobius vermicularis and hookworms. Among undernourished children, 88.2% were parasitized by at least one of the potentially pathogenic species detected. Most of the families lived in overcrowded conditions in precarious houses, defecated in latrines, and consumed well water. A higher risk of parasitosis was associated with the source of drinking water.
Conclusions
Although the prevalence of undernutrition and intestinal parasites decreased compared with our previous studies, we still observed the coexistence of stunting, excess weight, and parasitic infections, in a context of socio‐environmental vulnerability.