Abstract

FRANCO SALAZAR, NEREIDA et al. TUNGIASIS IN CAÑIFLE RESIDENTS, SUCE MUNICIPALITY, SUCRE STATE, VENEZUELA . Saber [online]. 2016, vol.28, n.1, pp.90-98. ISSN 2343-6468.

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of tungiasis (jigger) in Cañifle residents, Sucre Municipality, Sucre State, Venezuela, and socio-epidemiological factors associated with it. A sample of 131 persons in 32 houses was evaluated, using surveys and physically inspecting all individuals to find characteristic lesions caused by Tunga penetrans and get samples surgically. The samples were fixed in formalin, processed and identified using taxonomic keys. Of the 32 houses, 28 (87.50%) showed people with tungiasis, resulting in an overall prevalence of 44.27% (58/131 cases). It was found that gender, the wear of shoes and the presence of dogs in the house were not associated with tungiasis, but age was being most prevalent (78.26%; p < 0.01) in children (0-10 years). In addition, the tungiasis was found to be dependent on the type of floor of the house, with the highest prevalence (68.75%; p < 0.05) in individuals who lived in houses with dirt floors. The occupation of the individuals was also determinant of the disease, so farmers and housewives had higher prevalences (71.43% and 64.29%, respectively; p < 0.01). Similarly, there was a higher prevalence of tungiasis in individuals with little education (77.77%; p < 0.01) and in those who disposed the trash around their homes (55.93%; p < 0.05). The high prevalence of tungiasis (44.27%) found in the inhabitants of Cañifle, deserves a plan of surveillance, treatment and health education by the competent authorities to control the disease.  

Keywords : Tunga penetrans; socio-epidemiological factors; prevalence.

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