Frequência de protozoários intestinais em mulheres grávidas atendidas nas consultas pré-natais nos Centros de saúde dos Distritos de KaTembe e Moamba, Província de Maputo

Abstract

Background: Intestinal protozoan infections are a public health problem, especially in low- and middle-income countries, and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among pregnant women, since infected pregnant women develop malnutrition, maternal anemia, and increased vulnerability to other infections. It is estimated that approximately 1 million women of reproductive age are at risk of contracting intestinal protozoa. Objective: This study aimed to assess the frequency of intestinal protozoa in pregnant women attending prenatal consultations in the districts of KaTembe and Moamba, Maputo province. Methodology: A prospective hospital-based study was conducted with a quantitative approach among women attending prenatal consultations at health centers in the districts of KaTembe and Moamba. A sociodemographic survey was conducted through a structured interview. For the identification of intestinal protozoa, 200 stool samples were analyzed using the Ritchie and Modified Zielh Neelsen techniques. The data were organized in Microsoft Office Excel 2016 and analyzed in SPSS, version 22, and p-values ​​<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The overall frequency of protozoan infection was 17% (33/200). At the district level, Moamba had a higher frequency of 24% (24/100) compared to KaTembe (9/100). Four species of protozoa were identified: Cryptosporidium spp. (1.5%), E. histolytica/dispar (0.5%), Endolimax nana (0.5%) and E. coli (11.5%). Conclusions: The presence of intestinal protozoa during pregnancy has an impact on the health of pregnant women with repercussions on their children. This study confirms the need for a reassessment and verification of the quality of basic sanitation, better health education programs, as well as a change in the behavior and eating habits of the population evaluated. (TRADUÇAO NOSSA)