Parasitic infections in young Jamaicans in different ecological Zones in the Island - abstract

ABSTRACT

A gastrointestinal tract parasitological study was done on 2,947 young Jamaicans drawn from all ecological zones and from all parochial divisions of the island where pica was practised by 6.9 percent. Generally, the prevalence was Trichuris 12.3 percent, Ascaris 9.5 percent, Hookworm 2.2 percent, Strongyloides 0.3 percent, Giardia 6.3 percent and E. coli 7.7 percent. Several other spp. of protozoans were recorded. Prevalence of Ascaris, Trichuris and Necator was significantly greater in upland than in lowland areas, both urban and rural, while the situation was reversed for Giardia infections. Greatest variations in prevalence were age-related. Ascaris and Trichuris reached peak prevalences of 15.3 percent and 20.5 percent, respectively, in 5-9 year olds, while Hookworm peaked later at 15-19 years of age. Suggestions are made for a national, even a regional, antihelminthic programme for the mass treatment of pre- and primary school age children. This would aim at the eventual eradication of helminthiasis in the region (AU)