INCIDENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC DISEASE IN AN ACQUIRED-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-SYNDROME DAY-CARE-CENTER

In June, 1986, the Bronx Municipal Hospital Center opened an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome day-care center to provide a quality educational experience for children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. A major concern was the possibility of increasing secondary infections among these immunocompromised children by placing them in a group environment. One particular worry was intestinal parasitic disease, a serious public health problem in day-care centers throughout the United States. To minimize the risk of parasitic infections, scrupulous hygienic and monitoring procedures were instituted at the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome day-care center. This study reports the incidence of intestinal parasitic disease at the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome day-care center during its first 40 months of operation, encompassing 669 child-months of enrollment, with 131 stool specimens examined for ova and parasites. There were 2 cases of parasitic infection: Entamoeba histolytica in an asymptomatic 6-year-old and Giardia intestinalis in a 7-year-old with diarrhea. In neither case was there any secondary spread. None of the 15 children in diapers had a positive specimen, and we found no Cryptosporidium. Our experience suggests that with appropriate precautions human immunodeficiency virus-infected children can participate in a group day-care program without excessive risk for parasitic disease. Strict adherence to hygienic procedures may also decrease the risk of intestinal parasitic disease among healthy children attending day-care centers.