Socioeconomic Factors Associated with Fasciola hepatica Infection Among Children from 26 Communities of the Cusco Region of Peru

• DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0372
• Publication Date: 2018-09-18T07:01:00Z
• Authors: Miguel M. Cabada; Maria Luisa Morales; Camille M. Webb; Logan Yang; Chelsey A. Bravenec; Martha Lopez; Ruben Bascope; A. Clinton White; Eduardo Gotuzzo
• Keywords: Fasciola

Fasciola hepatica is the most widely distributed trematode-affecting humans. The Andes Mountains are highly endemic for fascioliasis. We report results of a cross-sectional study evaluating epidemiology among children in 26 agricultural communities Cusco region Peru. Children 3 to 16 years old were enrolled preschools and schools. Blood from participants was tested complete blood counts, transaminases, antibodies. Stool samples other parasites. A total 2,515 included analysis mean age 9.6 (±3.6). Ten percent (253) had at least one positive test Fasciola, 6% chronic infection, 0.4% acute infection. rest subjects only antibodies against Fasciola. prevalence infection varied 0% 20% between communities. with evidence exposure older, lived higher altitudes, lower socioeconomic status than without logistic regression showed that Ancahuasi district, older children, measures poverty more likely have exposure. Fascioliasis common associated poverty. However, distribution varies markedly