Diagnosis of Parasitic Infection by Surrogate Methods in Rural Communities of Guatemala
Grant Winners
- Dr. Camille Bentley – College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Dr. Joel Spalter – College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Dr. Kerry Earlywine – College of Pharmacy
- Dr. Harold Laubach – College of Medical Sciences
Deans
- Anthony Silvagni – College of Osteopathic Medicine
- William Hardigan – College of Pharmacy
- Harold Laubach – College of Medical Sciences
Abstract
This project is the first part of a series of related studies to be performed during repeated NSU DOCARE Student Chapter Missions to Guatemala. It was suggested by observations made on the Mission of January 2000. These included the apparent high prevalence Ascariasis, Giardiasis, and Entammeba histolytica cyst passage and the apparent utility of complaints of chronic abdominal pain, anorexia and weight loss among patients treated. Study One will address the question whether, in an environment in which these infections are endemic, these symptoms can be used as an appropriate surrogate for stool examination in the diagnosis of the protozoan and nematode infections. Study Two will be the development of growth charts for pediatric patients in the visited Guatemalan communities. These growth charts can then be used in further studies.