INTESTINAL PARASITISM PREVALENCE IN PUBLI C LABORATORIES OF MARTINIQUE - EVOLUTION FROM 1988 TO 1995

This survey drew up the epidemiological situation of intestinal parasi tism in Martinique in 1994-1995. 13978 stool specimens collected in 19 94-1995 were tested by parasitologic examination. Stool specimens were from patients hospitalised in the 3 principal hospitals of Martinique or coming to the Laboratoire departemental d'hygiene. The parasitism rate was 8,73 %. This study showed a significant reduction of intestin al parasitism between results of 1988 and results of 1994-1995. The or o-faecal parasitism was not very important that reflected the good eco nomic and sanitation level of Martinique. On the other hand, regarding the important prevalence of parasitism with Strongyloides stercoralis and hookworm, it would be good to improve detection, sanitary educati on and know better local contamination factors to decrease the prevale nce of this parasitism.