Diagnóstico laboratorial das infecções intestinais parasitárias dos pacientes atendidos no Hospital Central de Maputo, nos meses de Junho à Outubro de 2024

Abstract

Intestinal parasitosis constitutes a significant public health problem, especially in low-income populations, and is classified as a neglected disease due to limited investment in research and control. This report presents the activities developed during the curricular internship for the completion of the course, carried out in the Parasitology Laboratory of the HCM, between June and October 2024, with a total workload of 480 hours. The main objective was to develop laboratory skills and practices for diagnosing parasitic intestinal infections performed in the Parasitology Laboratory of the HCM. 483 samples from patients in the wards and outpatient clinics were processed using the Ritchie method (formalin-ether). Of the 483 samples, 250 were from male individuals (51.8%) and 233 from female individuals (48.2%), aged between 3 and 72 years (average of 26.6 years). Thirty-nine positive cases were identified, of infection by Entamoeba coli (41.0%), Entamoeba histolytica (35.9%), Giardia lamblia (10.3%), Ascaris lumbricoides (7.7%) and Trichuris trichiura (5.1%). The results show the predominance of protozoa (87.2%) over helminths (12.8%), reinforcing the relevance of laboratory diagnosis for the monitoring and control of intestinal parasitosis in endemic contexts. The application of good laboratory practices, such as the proper use of PPE, correct handling and preservation of samples, and strict compliance with biosafety protocols, were fundamental to ensuring the quality of the results and the safety of the professionals involved. The field internship experience allowed me to consolidate essential skills, such as the morphological identification of protozoa and helminths, the critical interpretation of results, and an understanding of the importance of early diagnosis for the control of parasitic diseases.(TRADUÇAO NOSSA)