Gastrointestinal disorders in Guatemala and their relation to parasite infections

• Published in: Anales de medicina interna (Madrid, Spain : 1984) Vol. 19; no. 1; pp. 3 - 6
• Main Authors: Bujanda, L, Gutierrez-Stampa, MA, Caballeros, CH, Alkiza, ME
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: 01.01.2002
• ISSN: 0212-7199

Background: To determine the frequency of symptoms suggestive of functional gastrointestinal disorders and their relation to parasite infections in a developing nation. Material and methods: 174 consecutive patients was seen in a gastroenterology clinic in Solola (Guatemala). Results: Symptoms suggestive of irritable bowel syndrome was diagnosed in 37 patients (21%), irritable bowel syndrome with dyspeptic syndrome in 26 (15%) and dyspeptic syndrome in 24 (14%). Forty-two patients (24%) had been diagnosed of parasitation in the past. Such patients had a higher risk of suffering symptoms suggestives with functional gastrointestinal disorder (OR 6,335 CI 95% 2,72-14-75). Fifty-nine patients (34%) were subjected to parasite examination in stools; of these, 13 proved positive. In this same group of patients the risk of functional gastrointestinal problems was likewise higher among the subjects with parasite infection (p<0.05). In turn, 41 patients (49%) with symptoms suggestives of gastrointestinal functional disorders were or had previously been diagnosed of parasite infection. Conclusions: Symptoms suggestives of functional gastrointestinal disorders are frequent in developing regions and its was in relation to intestinal parasites.