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Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are major public health problems mostly among children contributed in part by adults in developing countries. Despite the effort of World Health Organization (WHO) to eradicate intestinal parasitic infections, the infection continues to be the most common of tropical diseases in developing countries. Methods: This study adopted a mixed methods design, specifically the convergent parallel mixed methods research design. Data was collected using questionnaires, key informants guide, observation and stool examination for intestinal parasitic infections which were administered to both the experimental groups and the control groups. Data analysis was carried out with the aid of statistical package of the social sciences (SPSS) version 26.0, using descriptive statistics to describe the characteristics of the studied population. Qualitative data was analyzed by thematic content analysis. Results: Washing hands after visiting the toilet (p<0.05), washing hands before eating (p<0.05) and washing hands after playing (p<0.05) were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections in both intervention and control groups. Further, at post intervention, in the intervention group, the overall prevalence of protozoan infections reduced from 28.0% to 14.7% before and after intervention respectively as well the overall prevalence of helminthic infections reduced from 40.3% to 13.7% before and after intervention respectively. Conclusions: Public health interventions influenced the reduction of the prevalence of intestinal parasites. The county government should play a role in interventions to improve sanitation and hygiene in communities. Public health offices should enforce skills training and enhancement at the household level, and multiple targeted interventions focused on intestinal parasite infections should be implemented.
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@#The impact of soil-transmitted helminthiases on the overall health of an individual may lead to significant morbidity related to the number of worms harbored by the person. Light intensity infections usually present no significant effect on the individual except in times of more massive infections, in which complications may lead to impaired growth and physical development. With this, international and local health programs aim to increase the proportion of community households aware of proper helminthiases prevention and control strategies. Access to potable water, and drainage and disposal or reuse of household water, to safe and sanitary facilities, safe human excreta disposal, and proper management of solid waste appropriate information on prevention and treatment of soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH), and dissemination of key messages to promote safe water storage, hand washing, bathing practices, safe food handling, latrine use and wearing of shoes and regular deworming practices are recommended points of intervention to reduce the prevalence of helminthiases in children and other high-risk population groups. Guided with the principles of health promotion and education and the health program framework of the Department of Health (DOH) and World Health Organization (WHO), community health may be achieved equitably by leveraging accurate information, community mobilization, and sustainable health partnerships.
الموضوعات
Health Promotion , Health Education , Communicable Diseases , Public Healthالملخص
@#Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, mainly caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworms, are among the most common intestinal parasites that infect humans. The infections are widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical countries, including Malaysia, particularly in underprivileged communities. Microscopic and culture techniques have been used as a gold standard for diagnostic techniques. However, these methods yield low sensitivity and specificity, laborious and time-consuming. Therefore, simple, rapid, and accurate alternative methods are needed for the simultaneous detection of STH infections. Although advanced technologies such as real-time multiplex PCR have been established, the use of this technique as a routine diagnostic is limited due to the high cost of the instrument. Therefore, a single-round multiplex conventional PCR assay for rapid detection of four STH species in the fecal sample was developed in this study. To perform the single-round multiplex PCR, each pair of species-specific primers was selected from target genes, including Ancylostoma duodenale (Internal Transcribed Spacer 2; accession No. AJ001594; 156 base pair), Necator americanus (ITS 2; accession No. AJ001599; 225 base pair), Ascaris lumbricoides (Internal Transcribed Spacer 1; accession No. AJ000895; 334 base pair) and Trichuris triciura (partial ITS 1, 5.8s rRNA and partial ITS 2; accession No. AM992981; 518 base pair). The results showed that the newly designed primers could detect the DNA of STH at low concentrations (0.001 ng/μl) with no cross-amplification with other species. This assay enables the differentiation of single infections as well as mixed infections. It could be used as an alternative and is a convenient method for the detection of STHs, especially for the differentiation of N. americanus and A. duodenale.
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Objectives@#Since the effectiveness of the Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) program as a scaling-up approach in lowering the rates of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections has not yet been locally explored, this study aimed to (1) describe the association between environmental determinants and STH cumulative prevalence, and (2) to predict the 2020 STH cumulative prevalence. @*Methods@#A generalized linear regression (GLR) model was used to determine the association of 2014–2015 environmental determinants and observed 2015 STH cumulative prevalence, while a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model was used to produce predicted 2020 STH cumulative prevalence. @*Results@#ArcGIS’ GLR tool with R2 of 63% found that statistically significant environmental determinants include distance near to water bodies, forest land use, access to sanitary toilet, level one water source, and ZOD status, while the ArcGIS’ GWR tool found that barangays, Cabangcalan, Matalangtalang, Talabaan, and Talib in Aroroy hypothetically met the national target below 30% for 2020 STH cumulative prevalence. @*Conclusion@#This study showed that barangays with a moderately low percentage of area with freshwater bodies, a moderately high percentage of households with sanitary toilet and level one water source, and a 100% status of ZOD have lower rates of STH cumulative prevalence in preschool-aged children in the selected municipalities in Masbate.
الموضوعات
Mass Drug Administration , Hygiene , Sanitation , Geographic Information Systemsالملخص
Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated factors of soil transmitted helminths (STHs) among Endemata primary school in North West Ethiopia, 2021. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 195 school children was conducted from May to July 2021 at Endemata primary school. The study participants were selected by using systematic random sampling technique. Stool samples were processed via direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Data was entered by Epi-Dara version 3.1 and data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0. Variables were considered to be statistically significant if P<0.05 at 95% confidence level. Results: The overall prevalence of STHs was 10.8% (95% CI 7.1-16.0). The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Trichuris trichiura were 5.6% (95% CI 3.1-9.9), 3.1% (95% CI 1.3- 6.7) and 2.1% (95% CI 0.6-5.3), respectively. Grade 1-4 students were more likely to get infected with STHs as compared to grade 5-8 students (adjusted OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.3-16.6). Students who did not have latrines at their home were at higher risk to develop STHs infection comparing with those who had latrine at their home (adjusted OR 5.0, 95% CI 1.7-15.2). Similarly, the school children who did not wear shoes were more likely to be infected by STH parasite than those who did it (adjusted OR 6.3, 95% CI 1.9-20.7). The odds of being infected by STH parasites in children who did not trim their fingernails were 4.9 as compared to those who did it (adjusted OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.5-15.7). Conclusions: The prevalence of STHs among Endemata primary school children was low. Student grade level, latrine availability, shoes wear and nail status were significantly associated with STHs infection. Therefore, we recommend policy makers and stakeholders to follow the integration of deworming with water, hygiene and sanitation as well as the consistent health education of school children to control and prevent STH infections.
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Aims:The study aimed at determining the prevalence and risk factors for intestinal helminth infection among school-age children in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Study Design:Cross-sectional observational study was conducted in two Local Government Areas (Calabar South and Calabar Municipality) in Calabar. Place and Duration of Study:The study was carried out in Calabar, from May to October, 2018. Methodology:Faecal samples were collected from pupils in sterile dry specimen bottles with the use of applicator sticks and analyzed using sedimentation and floatation techniques. Data obtained was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Results:Overall prevalence of intestinal helminth was 18.5%. Parasites recovered were Ascaris lumbricoides(9.3%), Trichuris trichiura(4.0%), Hookworm(2.6%), Taenia solium(0.9), Enterobius vermicularis (0.9), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.4%) and Schistosoma mansoni (0.4%) (P = 0000). Males (22.1%) were more infected than females (14.0%) in the study area (P = 0.031).Prevalence of intestinal helminths was lowest in age group 11-15 years (14.4%) and highest in age group 6-10 years (23.5%)(P = 0.005). After multivariate analysis, source of water [OR=3.355, 95% CI 1.448 –7.770], type of sewage system [OR=7.547, 95% CI 5.011 –8.358], hand washing before meal [OR=4.069, 95% CI 1.719 –9.631] and hand washing after defecation[OR=2.281, 95% CI 1.059 –4.917] were statistically associated with thedetected intestinal helminthic infections in faecal samples (p = .05). Conclusion:The presence of these intestinal parasites in these schools is a public health problem and there is therefore a need to prevent these infections by improving individual personal hygiene through health education, general sanitation and provision of adequate social amenities.
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Background: Soil transmitted helminth infections are Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) affecting mostly pupils in developing countries. They seem to lose more and more interest due to the fact that resources and research are being justifiably diverted to more recent priorities such as HIV/AIDS, cancers, tuberculosis and malaria. As a result, specific data on STH infections is often lacking. Aims:To evaluate the prevalence and intensities of STH parasites among pupils in Penka-Michel Sub-division, West-Cameroon in order to refresh information for a better management of these parasitic diseases.Original Research Article Settings and Design:A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted from October to December 2018 in Penka-Michel Sub-division.Methods and Materials:To evaluate the prevalence and intensities of STH parasites among pupils, seven hundred and twenty nine (729) stool samples were collected from pupilsaged 4 to 14 years old in 23 randomly selected primary schools.The samples were analysed using the concentration method of Willis and the Mc Master technic.Results:Out of 729 pupils enrolled, 107(14.7%) were infected with one or more STH parasite species. The nematodes species identified were Ascaris lumbricoides(9.9%), Trichuris trichiura(5.3%) and hookworms (2.2%). Pupils aged from 8 to 11 years were the most infected (17.3%). Statistically females were more infected with hookworms (2.2%). These parasites occurred as monospecific (84.11%), bi-specific (13.0%) and tri-specific (2.80%) infections. The mean fecal eggs count was 3652.78±8715.93, 266.67±273.81 and 118.75±72.74 for A. lumbricoides,T. trichiuraand hookwormrespectively.According to faecal concentration of eggs, 88.18% of infections were light.Conclusion:These results show the necessity of sustainable application of regular deworming, health education and improvements in sanitation among pupils in Penka-Michel Sub-division
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Soil transmitted helminths (STH) known as worm infections are more than a technical or biomedical problem. They can be linked directly to specific human behaviour in relation to sanitation and hygiene practices. Although these infections are prevalent in Zambia, There is paucity of data on community perceptions and beliefs with respect to STH infections. Therefore, this study sought to understand this aspect from a peri-urban point of view. Qualitative interviews were conducted on fifty-seven participants from Ngombe compound; a peri-urban area within Lusaka, Zambia. The study was carried out between August and December 2015 using semi-structured interviews and analysed by means of question analysis. Wide spread knowledge about the various types of worms was foundin the community, although most of it was generally folk knowledge. However, this did not mean that the study population recognized STH as serious health problem as some participants considered having worms as normal. While consumption of food was commonly cited as cause of STH, most participants failed to give empirical evidence linking soil or faecal contaminated food items as direct cause of STH. Although the findings cannot be generalized, the study provides informative reference in understanding beliefs and perceptions regarding STH in Zambian peri-urban communities. There is need for concentrated efforts that are bio-medically relevant as well as beneficial to the targeted population
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Objective: To determine the true prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections in the Malaysian aborigines using real-time PCR. Methods: A total of 122 aborigines from seven tribes were recruited from settlements and nearby hospitals which served the communities, located in four states in Peninsular Malaysia. The stool samples were examined for the presence of soil-transmitted helminth using real-time PCR and microscopy. The latter included the direct wet mount and formalin-ether concentration technique (FECT). The infection load in FECT-positive samples was determined by the Kato-Katz method. Rotorgene real-time analyzer detected five helminth species using two sets of assays. Results: The real-time PCR detected soil-transmitted helminth in 98.4% samples (n=122), which were 1.56 times higher than by microscopy. Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura were detected in more than 90% of the samples, while hookworm was detected in 46.7% (Necator americanus) and 13.9% (Ancylostoma sp.) of the samples. Comparison with previous reports on the Malaysian aborigines showed that the real-time PCR markedly improved the detection of Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis. The real-time PCR detected poly-helminths in 92.6% of the samples compared to 28.7% by microscopy. In addition, 27 samples (22.1%) showed amplification of Strongyloides stercoralis DNA. Conclusions: The real-time PCR showed very high prevalence rates of soil-transmitted helminth infections in the aborigines and is the recommended method for epidemiological investigation of soil-transmitted helminth infections in this population.
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To provide baseline data on the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminthiasis egg contamination in the soil among indigenous communities. Methods: A total of 317 soil samples from three barangays of indigenous communities communities in Tigaon, Camarines Sur, Philippines were examined for soil-transmitted helminthiasis egg contamination using optimized sugar flotation method. Results: Of the soil samples examined, 141 (44.48%) were contaminated by Ascaris spp., Toxocara spp., and Trichuris spp. with cumulative prevalence varying across the study sites (P0.01). Ascaris spp. was predominant in all study sites, followed by Toxocara spp. and Trichuris spp. with a prevalence of 41.96%, 7.57%, and 5.36%, respectively. Interestingly, Toxocara pp. has the highest intensity of contamination, followed by Ascaris spp. and Trichuris spp. in term of geometric mean soil-transmitted helminthiasis eggs recovered per one gram soil sample (34.25, 21.45, and 11.85 respectively). Each study site harbors significant amount of soiltransmitted helminthiasis eggs and zoonotic Toxocara eggs, which present high risk of soil-transmitted helminthiasis infection, particularly among children observed to play and cohabitate with animals known to be hosts of these parasites. Conclusions: The alarming rate of soil-transmitted helminthiasis and Toxocara egg contamination reported in this study suggests that additional measures should be undertaken to control soil-transmitted helminthiasis and zoonotic intestinal infections in the country.
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@#Introduction: Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are considered one of the neglected parasitic diseases that cause major health problems and other related complications. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of STHs and anaemia among school children of little-known refugee communities in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 148 refugee school children in the Klang Valley, Malaysia, from 2017 to 2019. Data were collected using a questionnaire, in addition to haemoglobin testing while faecal samples were screened for STHs eggs using the formalin-ether concentration technique. Results: The result showed that the prevalence of STHs in this study was 37.2%. Trichuris trichiura infection was the most prevalent (46.4%) followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (44.9%) and hookworms (8.7%). About 37.8 % of the respondents were found to be anaemic. Binary logistic regression showed significant infection with STHs complicated with anaemia (AOR: 3.67, 95 % CI 1.595-8.5). Conclusion: The evidence from this study suggests proper and strategic interventions to reduce morbidity. An alternative and efficient system is needed to provide the schoolchildren with basic care for sanitation and health provision. It is recommended that voluntary clinics provided by non-government organisations focus on counselling and advice on personal hygiene of the children.
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Objective: To determine the true prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections in the Malaysian aborigines using real-time PCR. Methods: A total of 122 aborigines from seven tribes were recruited from settlements and nearby hospitals which served the communities, located in four states in Peninsular Malaysia. The stool samples were examined for the presence of soil-transmitted helminth using real-time PCR and microscopy. The latter included the direct wet mount and formalin-ether concentration technique (FECT). The infection load in FECT-positive samples was determined by the Kato-Katz method. Rotorgene real-time analyzer detected five helminth species using two sets of assays. Results: The real-time PCR detected soil-transmitted helminth in 98.4% samples (n=122), which were 1.56 times higher than by microscopy. Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura were detected in more than 90% of the samples, while hookworm was detected in 46.7% (Necator americanus) and 13.9% (Ancylostoma sp.) of the samples. Comparison with previous reports on the Malaysian aborigines showed that the real-time PCR markedly improved the detection of Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis. The real-time PCR detected poly-helminths in 92.6% of the samples compared to 28.7% by microscopy. In addition, 27 samples (22.1%) showed amplification of Strongyloides stercoralis DNA. Conclusions: The real-time PCR showed very high prevalence rates of soil-transmitted helminth infections in the aborigines and is the recommended method for epidemiological investigation of soil-transmitted helminth infections in this population.
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To provide baseline data on the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminthiasis egg contamination in the soil among indigenous communities. Methods: A total of 317 soil samples from three barangays of indigenous communities communities in Tigaon, Camarines Sur, Philippines were examined for soil-transmitted helminthiasis egg contamination using optimized sugar flotation method. Results: Of the soil samples examined, 141 (44.48%) were contaminated by Ascaris spp., Toxocara spp., and Trichuris spp. with cumulative prevalence varying across the study sites (P0.01). Ascaris spp. was predominant in all study sites, followed by Toxocara spp. and Trichuris spp. with a prevalence of 41.96%, 7.57%, and 5.36%, respectively. Interestingly, Toxocara pp. has the highest intensity of contamination, followed by Ascaris spp. and Trichuris spp. in term of geometric mean soil-transmitted helminthiasis eggs recovered per one gram soil sample (34.25, 21.45, and 11.85 respectively). Each study site harbors significant amount of soiltransmitted helminthiasis eggs and zoonotic Toxocara eggs, which present high risk of soil-transmitted helminthiasis infection, particularly among children observed to play and cohabitate with animals known to be hosts of these parasites. Conclusions: The alarming rate of soil-transmitted helminthiasis and Toxocara egg contamination reported in this study suggests that additional measures should be undertaken to control soil-transmitted helminthiasis and zoonotic intestinal infections in the country.
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Indonesia and South Korea have become inseparable in various respects since the 2 countries established diplomatic relation in 1973. Indonesia is a tropical region that stretches across the equator, comprised of 5 main islands (Java, Kalimantan, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Papua) and 4 archipelagoes (Riau, Bangka Belitung, Nusa Tenggara, and Maluku). As most population of Eastern Indonesia (Sulawesi, Papua and Nusa Tenggara & Maluku) live in poor areas, it is expected that there will be many parasites. Nevertheless, little is known about the status of parasites in Indonesia. This study examines the prevalences of malaria and lymphatic filaria, which are prevalent in Indonesia, as well as those of soil-transmitted-helminths (STH). As a result, the Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax case loads are almost equal. The current prevalence of P. vivax is uniformly low (<5%) in all age groups and annual parasite incidence (API) showed decreasing tendency as 0.84 per 1,000 population in 2016. However, more than 65 million people still live in malaria epidemic regions. Lymphatic filariasis remains an important public health problem and 236 cities were classified as endemic areas in 514 cities/districts in 2017. It is difficult to ascertain the current prevalence rate of STH in Indonesia, although West Sumba and Southwest Sumba in East Nusa Tenggara reported prevalence rate of more than 20%. The study also considers the (sero) prevalences of other parasites identified in Indonesia. This report should be useful not only to parasitologists but also to travelers and people with business in Indonesia.
الموضوعات
Humans , Commerce , Diplomacy , Elephantiasis, Filarial , Incidence , Indonesia , Islands , Korea , Malaria , Parasites , Plasmodium falciparum , Prevalence , Public Healthالملخص
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections continue to be a major global cause of morbidity, with a large proportion of the burden of STH infections occurring in India. In addition to direct health impacts of these infections, including anaemia and nutritional deficiencies in children, these infections also significantly impact economic development, as a result of delays in early childhood cognitive development and future income earning potential. The current World Health Organization strategy for STH is focused on morbidity control through the application of mass drug administration to all pre-school-aged and school-aged children. In India, the control of STH-related morbidity requires mobilization of significant human and financial resources, placing additional burdens on limited public resources. Infected adults and untreated children in the community act as a reservoir of infection by which treated children get rapidly reinfected. As a result, deworming programmes will need to be sustained indefinitely in the absence of other strategies to reduce reinfection, including water, hygiene and sanitation interventions (WASH). However, WASH interventions require sustained effort by the government or other agencies to build infrastructure and to promote healthy behavioural modifications, and their effectiveness is often limited by deeply entrenched cultural norms and behaviours. Novel strategies must be explored to provide a lasting solution to the problem of STH infections in India other than the indefinite provision of deworming for morbidity control.
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Background: Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is a major public health problem in tropical areas such as the Philippines. A significant portion of the population in the Philippines consists of people located in the provinces as well as hard to reach localities that often cater to fishing and rural communities. Objectives: This study determined the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections, helminth densities, and relevant risk factors associated with helminth infections among grade school children. Materials and Methods: In July 2015, the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths among Kindergarten to Grade 10 pupils in Jaime Hilario Integrated School-La Salle (JHIS-LS) in Bagac, Bataan, Philippines was determined using Kato-Katz technique. Moreover, socio-demographic profile including sex, age, and hygiene and sanitation practices of the pupils were obtained. Results: Of the 110 pupils, a prevalence rate of 6.36% with at least one STH infection was identified. The predominant parasites were Trichuris trichiura (56%), Ascaris lumbricoides (22%) and Enterobius vermicularis (22%). T. trichiura was identified in single infection while A. lumbricoides and E. vermicularis were found in mixed infections. Of the socio-demographic characteristics of the pupils, the use of soap in washing hands is a protective factor against helminth infections (OR=0.15, 95% CI: 0.02-0.97). Conclusion: Further studies using different STH diagnostic procedures must be done and other risk factors associated with STH must be identified.
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Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of tropical infectious diseases of poorest people. Of 17 NTDs managed by WHO, two, guinea worm disease (by 2015) and yaws (by 2020) are targeted for eradication, and four (blinding trachoma, human African trypanosomiasis, leprosy, and lymphatic filariasis) for elimination by 2020. The goals look promising but 11 others are still highly prevalent. Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are one NTD which prevail over the world including temperate zones. They had been highly prevalent in Korea but are mostly disappearing at present through systematic and sustainable control activity. The successful experience of STH control enables Korean experts to develop many programs of NTD control in developing countries. Several programs of both official development aid and non-governmental organizations are now targeting NTDs. Most NTDs are low in health priority compared to their health threats because they are chronic, insidious, and of low mortality. No one, including the victims, raised priority of NTD control with a loud voice in the endemic field of the diseases. After the millennium development goals declared disease control over the world, NTDs are becoming less neglected globally. Even with limited resources, beginning a sustainable national program is the key for the control and elimination of NTDs. No more neglect, especially no more self-neglect, can eliminate diseases and upgrade quality of life of the neglected people.
الموضوعات
Humans , Communicable Disease Control/organization & administration , Developing Countries , Global Health , International Cooperation , Neglected Diseases/diagnosis , Population Surveillance/methods , Republic of Korea , Tropical Medicine/organization & administrationالملخص
Aims: Malaria and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are parasitic diseases afflicting populations that are impoverished and malnourished. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of altitude and urbanisation on Co-infection of malaria and soil-transmitted helminths in Fako Division, South West Cameroon. Study Design/Place and Duration of Study: It was a cross-sectional survey carried out from 2012 to 2014 involving 1138 children aged 4 – 15 years in Fako Division. Methodology: Structured questionnaire was administered to obtain demographic and socioeconomic data. Blood samples were collected by pricking the finger. Malaria parasite prevalence, density and species were determined from Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood smears respectively. Quantitative estimation of helminth eggs was done by Kato-Katz thick smear technique. Based on height above sea level (a.s.l.), the study sites were classified as Lowland (<200 m.a.s.l), Lower middle belt (>200 but ≤ 400 m.a.s.l), Upper middle belt (>400 but ≤600 m.a.s.l.) and Highland (>600 m.a.s.l). The study communities were also classified into rural, semiurban and urban areas. Results: The overall prevalence was 38.1% (433) for malaria, 2.5% (29) for STHs and 0.9% (10) for malaria-STH co-infection. The prevalence of malaria was significantly highest (χ2 = 84.6, P <0.001) in urban areas (52.2%, 263) than in the semi-urban (29.4%, 152) and rural areas (15.4%, 18). Malaria prevalence was significantly highest (χ2 = 123.4, P <0.001) at the lowest altitude (60.5%, 182) and decreased as altitude increased to a minimum of 15.4% (18) at highland (>600 m.a.s.l). Only two species of soil-transmitted STH [Ascaris lumbricoides (1.9%) and Trichuris trichiura (0.6%)] were found. The prevalence of STH was significantly higher (χ2= 33.8, P <0.0001) in rural (13.6%, 16) than urban (0.39%, 2) areas. The prevalence of STH was significantly highest (χ2 = 33.8, P <0.0001) at high altitude (13.6%, 16) than the upper middle-belt (2.0%, 8), lower middle-belt (1.2%, 4) and lowlands (0.7%, 2). The prevalence of co-infection varied significantly (χ2 = 72.2, P <0.0001) with level of urbanisation with the highest level of co-infection occurring in the rural areas (2.6%, 3) and the lowest level in the urban areas (0.2%, 1). Conclusion: Malaria control measures need to be intensified especially in the lowland and urban areas. Deworming campaigns are yielding positive results in Fako Division.
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Con el objetivo de analizar la prevalencia y distribución de las geohelmintiasis en la Argentina e identificar las áreas de mayor riesgo, realizamos una revisión sistemática de los estudios poblacionales publicados entre 1980 y 2011, indexados en las bases MEDLINE/ PUBMED y/o LILACS. También se incluyeron los datos de prevalencia basal del Programa Nacional de Desparasitación Masiva (PNDM, 2005). Se identificaron 310 publicaciones, de las que solo 24 artículos con información sobre 26 relevamientos, realizados en 8 provincias y un total de 5495 individuos evaluados, cumplían los criterios de inclusión. La prevalencia de geohelmintiasis varió ampliamente: Ascaris lumbricoides 0-67%, uncinarias 0-90%, Trichuris trichiura 0-24.5%, Strongyloides stercoralis 0-83%. La prevalencia acumulada estimada de los 4 geohelmintos principales varió entre 0.8 y 88.6%. Los datos basales del PNDM con información de 1943 niños de 12 provincias confirman esta heterogeneidad con rangos de prevalencia acumulada entre 0 y 42.7%. Los estudios incluidos en esta revisión muestran que la distribución de geohelmintiasis en la Argentina es heterogénea, con focos de alta prevalencia (> 20%) en el noreste y noroeste del país, los que podrían beneficiarse de una estrategia de desparasitación masiva. En muchos casos esta alta prevalencia es debida a uncinarias y estrongiloidiosis, lo que debe tenerse en cuenta para definir las estrategias diagnósticas y terapéuticas para su control. Asimismo, se resalta la escasez o ausencia de datos, con información de menos de la mitad de las provincias y menos de 8000 individuos evaluados.
A systematic review of surveys performed between 1980 and 2011 (published in MEDLINE/Pubmed and/or LILACS indexed journals, available in the baseline data from a Mass Deworming National Program (MDNP, 2005) was used to identify the prevalence, distribution and detection of risk areas for soil transmitted helminth infections (STH) in Argentina. We found 310 publications in the database using the pre-defined key-words (medical subject headings) for research purposes. Only 24 articles with 26 surveillance sites in 8 provinces and a total of 5495 surveyed individuals fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Frequency rates for STH had a wide range: Ascaris lumbricoides: 0-67%, hookworms: 0-90%, Trichuris trichiura: 0-24.6 and Strongyloides stercoralis: 0-83%. The estimated combined incidence varied from 0.8% to 88.6%. Baseline surveys from the MDNP reporting on 1943 children from 12 provinces confirmed the heterogeneity, with combined STH frequency rates ranging from 0 to 42.7%. Surveys included in this review showed that the distribution of STH in Argentina is not homogeneous, with areas of high incidence (> 20%) in the northeastern and northwestern provinces where mass deworming activities would be highly beneficial. In several surveys, the high overall incidence was mostly due to hookworms and S. stercoralis, a situation to be considered when selecting diagnostic and therapeutic control strategies. The scarcity or absence of data from various provinces and the availability of less than 8000 surveyed individuals should be considered.
الموضوعات
Adolescent , Adult , Animals , Child , Child, Preschool , Humans , Helminthiasis/epidemiology , Soil/parasitology , Ascaris lumbricoides , Argentina/epidemiology , Ascariasis/epidemiology , Prevalence , Strongyloides stercoralis , Strongyloidiasis/epidemiology , Trichuris , Trichuriasis/epidemiologyالملخص
Background & objectives: Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are a major public health problem in tropical and sub-tropical countries, affecting the physical growth and cognitive development in school-age children. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of STH infection among school children aged 6 -14 yr in Vellore and Thiruvanamalai districts in south India. Methods: Children aged 6-14 yr, going to government and government aided schools (n=33, randomly selected) in Vellore and Thiruvanamalai districts were screened to estimate the prevalence of STH, and a case control study was done on a subset to assess the risk factors for the infection. Results: The prevalence of STH was 7.8 per cent, varying widely in schools from 0 to 20.4 per cent, in 3706 screened children. Hookworm (8.4%) rates were high in rural areas, while Ascaris (3.3%) and Trichuris (2.2%) were more prevalent among urban children. Consumption of deworming tablets (OR=0.25, P<0.01) offered protection, while residing in a field hut (OR=6.73, P=0.02) and unhygienic practices like open air defaecation (OR=5.37, P<0.01), keeping untrimmed nails (OR=2.53, P=0.01) or eating food fallen on the ground (OR=2.52, P=0.01) were important risk factors for STH infection. Interpretation & conclusions: Our study indicated that school children with specific risk factors in the studied area were vulnerable subpopulation with elevated risk of STH infection. Identifying risk factors and dynamics of transmission in vulnerable groups can help to plan for effective prevention strategies.