To analyze the presence of intestinal parasites, there has been developed a study with a 95% of confidence level at the urban-marginal community of Los Cuadros, Goicoechea, San José, Costa Rica, during the years 2003 and 2004, using a sample random of 350 children up to 5 years of age, from whom faecal samples were collected by visits home by home. The stool samples were analyzed to detect intestinal parasites through a direct exam (saline and iodine solutions), sedimentation of formalin-ether (Ritchie) and Zielh Neelsen modified. From the 350 stool samples, 210 (60%) were positive showing at least one parasite, protozoa and helminths, which represented a 60% prevalence. The results showed the presence of Giardia intestinalis (18.2%); Entamoeba histolytica/E dispar (15.7%); Ascaris lumbricoides (15.4%); Entamoeba coli (9.7%) and Trichuris (0.8%). The present study clearly showes that intestinal parasites represent a serious problem in this community. Therefore, sanitary education, prevention and treatment strategies are necessary to improve people health condition in this community.

protozoans; helminthes; intestinal parasites; urban-marginal community; Costa Rica