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Intestinal parasites among North Carolina migrant farmworkers.

S D Ciesielski, J R Seed, J C Ortiz and J Metts

Department of Parasitology and Laboratory Practice, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599.

OBJECTIVES. The public health significance of intestinal parasitism among migrant farmworkers has been poorly defined. We report a three-part study in which we attempted to provide population-based estimates and identify risk factors for infection. METHODS. Parasite prevalence and incidence were estimated from two cross-sectional studies and a longitudinal study. We used questionnaires and clinical measurements such as hematocrits to examine risk factors and health effects. RESULTS. In the 1987 convenience sample (n = 265), parasite prevalence ranged from 28% among the US born to 86% among the Central American born, with no significant difference between the prevalence of pathogens among US-born (14%) and Mexican-born (24%) subjects (P = .12, chi 2 test). High prevalences were also found in the 1988 random sample. An annual incidence of 9.5% (n = 74) was demonstrated in 1988. Symptoms such as abdominal pain were associated with infection, and lower hematocrits were associated with hookworm infection (P = .02, t test). CONCLUSIONS. Infection with intestinal parasites appears to be an occupational hazard of farmwork, necessitating improved working and living conditions and greater clinical awareness.

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