BORDERS AND HEALTH: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTESTINAL PARASITES, SOCIAL CONDITIONS AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Abstract

Intestinal parasitic infections are favored by inadequate basic sanitation practices, consumption of contaminated water, poor personal hygiene, and cultural habits, such as direct contact with the soil without protection. In addition, socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and difficult access to health services, contribute to the spread of these diseases in border regions. This paper analyzes the prevalence and impacts of enteroparasites such as Ascaris lumbricoides, Giardia lamblia,  and Entamoeba histolytica, highlighting their forms of transmission and health consequences related to malnutrition, delayed child development, and socioeconomic losses. Population mobility, poor basic sanitation and cultural practices are identified as factors that aggravate the vulnerability of these communities. It also differentiates between zoonotic parasites, such as Toxocara spp. and Fasciola hepatica, and those exclusively human, emphasizing the need for specific control strategies. It is concluded that investments in sanitation, health education and access to health services are essential to reduce the burden of intestinal parasitosis and improve the quality of life of border populations.