Prevalencia de protozoarios intestinales en niños menores de 5 años en la zona de la sierra del departamento de Piura.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of intestinal protozoa in children under 5 years of age in the Piura highlands. Methods and materials: A cross-sectional study (August-October 2025) was conducted with a sample of 50 children from Malacasi. Direct stool examination was used to determine the presence of protozoa. Surveys were used to examine environmental and sociodemographic variables. Results: 48% of the overall population had parasitic infections. The predominant pathogen was Giardia lamblia (22%). Commensal organisms indicative of fecal contamination were detected: Iodamoeba bütschlii (6%) and Entamoeba coli (16%). A higher prevalence was significantly associated with both the consumption of untreated water (aPR=1.78) and rural residence (aPR=1.75). Conclusions: Protozoal infections, particularly giardiasis, are a public health problem in the children studied, largely determined by modifiable environmental factors. Joint actions are needed, including basic sanitation and access to safe drinking water.