Abstract

REMIS, José Antonio; GUARNERA, Eduardo Alfredo  and  PARRA, Alberto. Impact of the Hydatidosis: Influence of Environment and Social-Culture Factors. Tucumán - Argentina. Rev. argent. radiol. [online]. 2009, vol.73, n.3, pp.303-312. ISSN 1852-9992.

Objective: To set out experiences of fieldwork on epidemiology and control of endemic hydatidosis in the Tucuman Mountain Range, its social, economic and sanitary impacts. Material and Methods: By means of programmed visits to the region, socio-cultural factors were studied in the population and their contribution to the endemic character of the disease in the Tucuman Mountain Range. The impact of the pathology on humans and the Health System was evaluated on the basis of existing records. Results: The populations have social habits and customs that define their cultural imprint. They present low level of education and little access to health and education services. The assessment of uses, customs, attitudes and beliefs hasshown their lack of knowledge about hydatidic disease andconsequences. Some habits such as feeding dogs with raw meat, live together with dogs, their high number in the house contribute to the persistence of the endemic hydatidosis. Conclusions: The hydatidosis in the region of High Mountain of Tucuman is associated to social and cultural characteristics that have deep consequences in the persistence of the parasitic cycle. The contaminated environment and certain domestic activities are factors of risk that determine the presence of the disease, especially among the children population. In spite of a tight control of the disease, proposals for an integral attention of the community health is required.

Keywords : Hydatidosis; Cystic echinococcosis; Parasite; Host; Education.

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