Abordagem integrada na vigilância parasitológica: o uso de eDNA no monitoramento de enteroparasitos em área endêmica

Abstract

The One Health approach promotes the integration of multiple sectors and is essential for addressing Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), which primarily affect vulnerable populations in low-income regions with limited access to basic healthcare services. Among these, diseases caused by intestinal parasites are particularly noteworthy due to their strong association with poor sanitation conditions, which facilitate the maintenance of biological cycles and the spread through contaminated soil, water, and food. Soil, in particular, acts as a crucial reservoir for parasitic stages. Although light microscopy is the traditional method for identifying these parasites, it is less efficient than molecular methods, which offer higher sensitivity and specificity. In this context, the present study proposes the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) as an auxiliary tool to investigate the presence of intestinal parasites in soil samples collected from the communities of Pé da Serra, Tocantins, and Santana, located in the district of Brejo do Amparo, Januária (MG), using the Multi-parallel qPCR technique. A total of 298 soil samples were analyzed, collected during two distinct climatic seasons (dry and rainy), and helminths and protozoa of public health importance were identified. Nine parasitic species were detected, with Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Blastocystis sp., and Entamoeba histolytica present in all communities. Parasite frequency was higher in the dry season (36%) compared to the rainy season (14.9%), with a three times higher detection risk and increased polyparasitism during the dry period. Bathrooms had more parasites in the dry season and backyards in the rainy season, though without statistical association. The investigation also included the analysis of human feces and the application of a household questionnaire, allowing characterization of the population and confirming a scenario of poverty and vulnerability. The detection of intestinal parasites in both soil and feces suggests the existence of an environment conducive to the persistence and circulation of these organisms. This situation, coupled with the lack of infrastructure such as sanitation, waste collection, and paving, contributes to the continuous exposure of the resident population. These findings highlight the urgent need for public policies focused on prevention, diagnosis, and control, as well as the promotion of health education programs.