Presence of Intestinal Parasites in Patients with Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases in Masaya (Nicaragua)

Aims: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Masaya (Nicaragua) to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasite (IP) infections in patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and to determine the associations between the types of NCDs and patients´ epidemiological characteristics of infection. Methods: A total of 157 preserved faecal samples were examined (direct wet mount, formalin/ethyl acetate concentration and modified Ziehl–Neelsen technique). Microscopically positive faecal sample identification was completed by conducting a molecular study. Results: The total prevalence of IP was 52% in NCD patients. Diabetic patients presented an IP prevalence of 42%. Blastocystis presented the highest prevalence (42%). A molecular analysis of Giardia intestinalis (prevalence of 1.3%) revealed 100% of sub-assemblage BIII and the Entamoeba complex (5%) was identified as E. dispar. Blastocystis ST1 appeared in 44% of those suffering from diabetes and ST3 in 66% of those suffering from hypertension, while ST2 only appeared in those suffering with several NCDs simultaneously. In diabetic patients, the risk of infection is associated with having pets (p = 0.021) and land-floor houses. The risk of infection appears to be statistically related (p = 0.019) in those with several NCDs having received a previous helminthic deworming treatment. Conclusions: Coordinated public health activities for IP and NCD screening and diagnosis are crucial to their successful control programmes.