PARASITOSIS INTESTINAL Y SU RELACIÓN CON PARÁMETROS HEMATOLÓGICOS EN PERSONAS QUE CRÍAN ANIMALES PARA EL CONSUMO HUMANO CUENCA. AGOSTO - DICIEMBRE 2025

Abstract

Background: Intestinal parasitosis is a public health problem affecting rural populations with poor sanitation and contact with animals raised for human consumption. This causes alterations in hematological parameters as a response to inflammatory processes. Objective: To determine the relationship between intestinal parasitosis and hematological parameters in people who raise animals for human consumption in the rural parishes of Santa Ana and Victoria del Portete, Cuenca canton, from August to December 2025. Methodology: A descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted. The study population consisted of 350 people, with a sample of 183 individuals engaged in raising animals for human consumption. Parasite detection was performed using coproparasitological examination and concentration techniques. Hematological parameters were evaluated with an automated complete blood count, supplemented with blood smears to confirm alterations. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS v23, employing descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations. Results: The frequency of intestinal parasitosis was 46.4%. Animal husbandry was most prevalent in poultry (82.0%), with children playing a predominant role in these activities (38.0%); animal deworming was also the most common practice (80.9%). Hematological values were normal, with a decrease in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and MCV (3.3% each), and an increase in lymphocytes (9.8%) and eosinophils (7.1%), without a statistically significant association. Conclusions: Intestinal parasitosis affected approximately half of the population, with minimal hematological alterations, highlighting the need to strengthen prevention and control in rural areas.