[Taenia sp and other intestinal cestode infections in individuals from public outpatient clinics and hospitals from the northern section of Santiago, Chile (1985-1994)].

Abstract During 1985-1994 period, 70,642 parasitological stool examinations were performed. The exam was made to each patient which presenting gastrointestinal symptoms or nutritional problems, specially in children. 59,960 out of the 70,642 examinations corresponded to 1 month--15 years old children, 4,280 to 16-30 years old individuals and 6.402 to up to 30 years old adults. The infection rates (x 100,000) were: Taenia sp., 86; Hymenolepis nana, 1,165; Diphyllobotrium sp., 4 and Hymenolepis diminuta, 1. In this period, 11 cases of infection by Taenia saginata were detected, and none Taenia sodium infection. Although infections rates by intestinal cesdodes were higher in males than females, in the Taenia sp. infection the difference was not statistical significative. Medico-veterinary control of animals slaughtered in abbatoirs and the improvement of sanitary conditions in the last two decades have contributed to the control of most of human intestinal cestodiases.