Laboratory diagnosis of intestinal parasites in a public hospital in Ecuador

Abstract

Intestinal parasitosis represents a public health problem in Ecuador, primarily affecting vulnerable populations. This study evaluated the laboratory diagnosis of these infections at the Andrés de Vera Maternal and Child Center (Portoviejo, Ecuador) during 2021, using an observational, retrospective, descriptive, and cross-sectional design. During 2021, 2121 stool tests were performed, of which 67.1% (1424) were positive, with a predominance of protozoa (99.7%) over helminths (0.3%). Entamoeba histolytica was the most frequent parasite (70.6%), followed by Entamoeba coli (30.8%) and Blastocystis hominis (13.1%). Monoparasitism (77.5%) was more common than polyparasitism (22.5%), especially in adults (27–64 years) and women, with no significant differences by age or sex. The diagnosis was based solely on direct saline examination, without the use of Lugol's solution; additionally, recommended complementary techniques such as fecal concentrate and other procedures were not employed, which limits the sensitivity of the parasitological diagnosis. Errors were evident in the reporting of results, such as the reporting of E. histolytica rather than the Entamoeba complex or Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii. The results reflect the high endemicity of intestinal parasitosis and the need to improve diagnostic strategies in public hospitals.