Burden and diagnostic capacity of intestinal parasitic infections in Argentina: Analysis of national surveillance and laboratory data

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain an important public health concern in many low- and middle-income countries. In Argentina, these infections persist in rural and peri-urban areas, with marked regional and age-related disparities. This study describes the national epidemiological situation since IPIs were included among notifiable diseases, and assesses diagnostic capacity based on routine surveillance and laboratory network data. We conducted an analysis of aggregated records from the National Health Surveillance System (SNVS 2.0) for epidemiological weeks (EW) 1-2023 to 11-2025, complemented by an online survey of laboratories in the National Laboratory Network for Intestinal Parasites (RENLEP). A total of 73320 individuals were tested, with 14885 confirmed positive (mean weekly positivity 20%). Pathogenic protozoa predominated (62.2%), mainly Blastocystis (32%) and Giardia duodenalis (21%), followed by helminths (13.5%), mainly Enterobius vermicularis (18%). Children aged 2-9 years showed the highest positivity rates (25-29%). Regional variation was marked, with the Central region recording the highest positivity (24%) and the Northwestern region the largest number of cases. Diagnostic capacity was heterogeneous. IPIs remain endemic in Argentina, with a heavy burden in children and socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. These findings highlight the need for integrated control strategies, interventions in water, sanitation and hygiene, school-based health education, standardization of diagnostic protocols, and incorporation of molecular tools into RENLEP. A strengthened national surveillance system is essential to reduce this preventable disease burden.