To begin to characterize the health needs of the growing number of refugees from Central America, we complied the results of examinations for ova and parasites of a single stoolspecimen of each of 128 children of Central American and Mexican background who entered our health center during a four-month period. Among the 96 children who were born in Central America or Mexico, there was a 65% prevalence of parasitic infestation. Pathogens were found in 46% and multiple pathogens in 14%. Among the 32 American born children there was a 13% prevalence of parasitic infection, but no pathogens were found. There was no correlation between symptoms and the presence of parasites. Screening Central American immigrant children for intestinal parasites is a high-yield procedure and should be part of their routine health care.

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cestode protozoon immigrant mass screening Giardia human epidemiology Refugees amoeba Central America Mexico digestive system Adolescent California male Ascaris female Infant Child, Preschool clinical article nematode diagnosis Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Feces Trichuris Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic ethnic or racial aspects intestine parasite Child