Estimating and mapping the incidence of giardiasis in Colombia, 2009–2013

• Giardiasis is one of the most common intestinal infections in the world.
• The giardiasis incidence in Colombia for the period 2009–2013 was estimated using case data extracted from one national health information system.
• Using geographical information systems (GIS), the first epidemiological maps of giardiasis for the country (and also the first in Latin America) were developed.
• This study is the first attempt to provide estimates of national giardiasis incidence with consistent findings regarding affected age groups and geographical distribution.

SummaryBackgroundGiardiasis is one of the most common intestinal infections in the world. There have been no national studies on the morbidity of giardiasis in Colombia. In this study, incidence rates of giardiasis were estimated for the years 2009–2013.MethodsAn observational, retrospective study of the giardiasis incidence in Colombia, 2009–2013, was performed using data extracted from the personal health records system (Registro Individual de Prestación de Servicios, RIPS). Official population estimates from the National Department of Statistics (DANE) were used for the estimation of crude and adjusted incidence rates (cases/100 000 population).ResultsDuring the period studied, 15 851 cases were reported (median 3233/year; 5-year cumulated crude national rate of 33.97 cases/100 000 population). Of these, 50.3% were female; 58.4% were <10 years old and 14.8% were 10–19 years old. By region, 17.7% were from Bogotá (10.07 cases/100 000 population, 2009), 10.9% from Antioquia (9.42, 2009), 8.6% from Atlántico (15.67, 2009), and 6.5% from Risaralda (33.38, 2009). Cases were reported in all departments (even insular areas).ConclusionsAs giardiasis is neglected in many countries, surveillance is not regularly undertaken. Despite its limitations, this study is the first attempt to provide estimates of national giardiasis incidence with consistent findings regarding affected age groups and geographical distribution.