Cross-Sectional Study of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases in Black Belt Region of Alabama, USA.
Emerg Infect Dis
; 29(12): 2461-2470, 2023 Dec.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37987581
ABSTRACT
We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) in areas of rural Alabama, USA, that have sanitation deficits. We enrolled 777 children; 704 submitted stool specimens and 227 a dried blood spot sample. We microscopically examined stool specimens from all 704 children by using Mini-FLOTAC for helminth eggs. We tested a subset by using molecular techniques real-time PCR analysis for 5 STH species, TaqMan Array Cards for enteric helminths, and digital PCR for Necator americanus hookworm. We analyzed dried blood spots for Strongyloides stercoralis and Toxocara spp. roundworms by using serologic testing. Despite 12% of our cohort reporting living in homes that directly discharge untreated domestic wastewater, stool testing for STH was negative; however, 5% of dried blood spots were positive for Toxocara spp. roundworms. Survey data suggests substantial numbers of children in this region may be exposed to raw sewage, which is itself a major public health concern.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Helminthiasis
/
Helminths
Limits:
Animals
/
Child
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
America do norte
Language:
En
Journal:
Emerg Infect Dis
Journal subject:
DOENCAS TRANSMISSIVEIS
Year:
2023
Document type:
Article