INTRODUCTION: Intestinal parasitoses are a serious public health problem of worldwide nature. These disorders are correlated with poor basic sanitation conditions coupled with lack of basic hygiene notions, and are observed especially among children. Among these parasites, the nematode Ascaris lumbricoides stands out, with high incidence in Brazil and worldwide. The prevalence and intensity of infection by this pathogen were analyzed by means of a cross-sectional study among children living in the municipality of Tutóia, State of Maranhão, between July and December 2008. METHODS: The study population consisted of children between one and twelve years of age, totaling 220 individuals. Fecal samples were collected in households in vials containing MIF preserving solution and were processed using the spontaneous sedimentation technique. A standard questionnaire was applied to each parent or guardian, and the results were used for descriptive analysis on the study sample. RESULTS: The prevalence of A. lumbricoides was 53.6%. Analysis on the questionnaires revealed alarming results regarding the degree of unhealthy condition to which the population is subjected, in addition to its poor hygiene habits. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence rate found in this study is a clear reflection of the lack of basic sanitation in the region studied. Thus, a public policy for raising awareness and combating this disease is needed.
Intestinal parasites; Ascaris lumbricoides; Epidemiology; Children