Incidence of intestinal parasitic disease in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome day-care center.

Abstract

In June, 1986, the Bronx Municipal Hospital Center opened an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome day-care center to provide a quality educational experience for children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. A major concern was the possibility of increasing secondary infections among these immunocompromised children by placing them in a group environment. One particular worry was intestinal parasitic disease, a serious public health problem in day-care centers throughout the United States. To minimize the risk of parasitic infections, scrupulous hygienic and monitoring procedures were instituted at the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome day-care center. This study reports the incidence of intestinal parasitic disease at the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome day-care center during its first 40 months of operation, encompassing 669 child-months of enrollment, with 131 stool specimens examined for ova and parasites. There were 2 cases of parasitic infection: Entamoeba histolytica in an asymptomatic 6-year-old and Giardia intestinalis in a 7-year-old with diarrhea. In neither case was there any secondary spread. None of the 15 children in diapers had a positive specimen, and we found no Cryptosporidium. Our experience suggests that with appropriate precautions human immunodeficiency virus-infected children can participate in a group day-care program without excessive risk for parasitic disease. Strict adherence to hygienic procedures may also decrease the risk of intestinal parasitic disease among healthy children attending day-care centers.

• Authors: J S Stoller, H M Adam, B Weiss, M Wittner
• Journal: The Pediatric infectious disease journal (Pediatr Infect Dis J) Vol. 10 Issue 9 Pg. 654-8 (Sep 1991) ISSN: 0891-3668 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1923677 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (complications)
• Child Day Care Centers
• Child, Preschool
• Feces (parasitology)
• Humans
• Incidence
• Infant
• Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic (diagnosis, epidemiology, etiology)
• New York City