Objective Considering that intestinal protozoans and helminths infect more than half of the world population, with high prevalence in the poorest regions, the objective of this study was to conduct parasitological research among indigenous Terena people established in the state of MatoGrosso do Sul. An inquiry was performed to find the incidence of parasitism in these communities. Methodology 134 aliquots of feces from individuals of the indigenous community were examined. Samples were conserved in Merthiolate-iodine-formol solution (MIF). The laboratory exams were carried out using the techniques of Hoffman, Pons and Janer; Willis and Kinyoun. Results We identified infections of nematode helminths of the species Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostomidae, Enterobius vermicularis, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Trichuris trichiura; and cestodes of the species Hymenolepis nana and Taenia spp. Also found were the protozoan species: Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia lamblia, Endolimax nana, Entamoeba coli, and Entamoeba histolytica. 23.1 % of the samples studied were negative. Of the 76.9 % of samples with parasites, there were nonstatistically significant differences in parasitism between men and women examined between 1 and 33 years-of-age. There were also no significant differences between monospecific parasitism and with concurrent species. In terms of parasitic diversity, seven species of nematode and cestodes helminths were found along with five species of Archamoebae protozoa: flagellates and enterozoans. Conclusions These results were the basis for orientation and appropriate drug intervention and reveal the need for the implementation governmental, social and educational measures to improve the living conditions of that community.

Objetivo Considerando que más de la mitad de la población mundial está infectada por protozoarios y helmintos intestinales, con alta prevalencia en las zonas más pobres, esta investigación tuvo como objetivo identificar la prevalencia de los parasitismos entre indígenas de la etnia Terena, establecidos en el Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Metodología Se examinaron 134 muestras de heces de individuos de la comunidad indígena. Estas se conservaron en solución de Merthiolate-iodo-formol (MIF). Los exámenes de laboratorio fueron realizados por las técnicas de Hoffman, Pons y Janer; Willis y Kinyoun. Resultados Se identificaron infecciones por helmintos nematodos de las especies Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostomidae, Enterobius vermicularis, Strongyloides stercoralis, y Trichuris trichiura; cestodos de la especie Hymenolepis nana, y Taenia spp. También por protozoarios de las especies Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia lamblia, Endolimax nana, Entamoeba coli, y Entamoeba histolytica. De las muestras investigadas, 23,1% fueron negativas; de los 76,9 % parasitados hubo diferencia estadísticamente no significativa para el parasitismo en hombres y mujeres examinados, de unoa 33 años de edad, y sobre parasitismo mono específico, o con simultaneidad de especies. Como diversidad parasitaria fueron encontradas siete especies de helmintos nematodos y cestodos, y cinco de protozoarios Archamoebae, flagelados y enterozoários. Conclusiones Los resultados fueron la base para la orientación e intervención adecuada, revelando la necesidad de la implantación de medidas gubernamentales y socioeducativas para mejorar las condiciones de vida de esta comunidad.