Descriptive study of intestinal parasites in a municipality of the western Brazilian Amazon

Intestinal parasites are among the most prevalent infections in humans. A cross-sectional survey was performed in a Canutama, Amazonas state, Brazil, in order to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites. The detection of parasites in the feces was performed using the Lutz method. Demographic data and the characteristics of the households were collected using a questionnaire. The prevalence of parasites was 36.9%. Ascaris lumbricoides (7.14%) was the most prevalent. The absence of a sewage network, consumption of raw vegetables and raw meat are risk factors for contracting intestinal parasitosis. We reported a prevalence of intestinal parasites and determined some of the risk factors.