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Soil transmitted nematodes in children in Buea Health District of Cameroon

L Ndenecho1, K J N Ndamukong, M M Matute

  • 1University of Buea, South West Province, Cameroon.

East African Medical Journal
|March 18, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Soil-transmitted nematode infections are common in Buea District primary pupils, with rural areas most affected. Health education alongside Mebendazole treatment improves control of Ascaris and Trichuris infections.

Area of Science:

  • * Parasitology
  • * Public Health
  • * Pediatric Medicine

Background:

  • * Soil-transmitted nematodes pose a significant health burden, particularly in school-aged children.
  • * Understanding prevalence and intensity across different geographic settings is crucial for effective control strategies.
  • * Previous interventions have focused on chemotherapy, but integration with health education requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To determine the prevalence, intensity, and geographical distribution of soil-transmitted nematodes in primary school children.
  • * To evaluate the efficacy of Mebendazole treatment and the added benefit of health education in controlling these infections.

Main Methods:

  • * A cross-sectional experimental study was conducted in the Buea Health District.
  • * Three hundred and forty primary school children participated in the study.
  • * Interventions included Mebendazole treatment and health education.

Main Results:

  • * The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted nematodes was 59.1%, with significantly higher rates in rural areas (P<0.01).
  • * Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent parasite; Mebendazole effectively reduced Ascaris and Trichuris infections but not hookworm.
  • * Health education, combined with Mebendazole, significantly slowed re-infection rates for Ascaris and Trichuris compared to anthelmintic treatment alone.

Conclusions:

  • * Soil-transmitted nematodes, including Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworms, are highly prevalent in the study area.
  • * Mebendazole is effective against some nematodes but not hookworms.
  • * Health education is a valuable adjunct to chemotherapy for sustained control of soil-transmitted nematode infections in children.
Abstract

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