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[Egg detection rates of Enterobius vermicularis in children]
Won Young Choi1, Jae Eul Yoo, Ho Woo Nam
1Catholic Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Catholic University Medical College, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) infections were studied in Korean schoolchildren. Rural and Nanjido children showed higher infection rates than Seoul children, with rates decreasing with age and differing by sex.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) is a common human parasite.
- Prevalence can vary geographically and demographically.
- Understanding infection rates in school-aged children is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infection among primary school children in different regions of South Korea.
- To investigate the influence of geographic location, sex, and age on infection rates.
Main Methods:
- Cello-tape anal swab specimens were collected from 1336 primary school children (936 in Seoul, 308 in a rural area, 92 in Nanjido).
- Specimens were microscopically examined for the presence of Enterobius vermicularis eggs.
- Data on location, sex, and age were recorded and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Overall egg detection rates were 12.2% in Seoul, 25.0% in a rural area, and 28.3% in Nanjido.
- Infection rates were significantly higher in rural and Nanjido children compared to Seoul children.
- Egg detection rates were lower in boys than girls and decreased with increasing age.
Conclusions:
- Geographic location significantly impacts Enterobius vermicularis prevalence in Korean schoolchildren.
- Age and sex are also associated with infection rates, with younger children and girls being more affected.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted public health strategies in high-prevalence areas.
Abstract:
The cello-tape anal swab specimens from 936 primary school children in Seoul, 308 primary school children in a rural area and 92 children in Nanjido, were examined for Enterobius vermicularis eggs. Out of 936 specimens from a primary school in Seoul, E. vermicularis eggs were detected in 114 specimens, the egg detection rate being 12.2 percent. In 308 specimens from a primary school in a rural area, 77 (25.0 percent) were positive for E. vermicularis eggs. Among 92 specimens from Nanjido children in Seoul, egg positive rate of E. vermicularis was 28.3 percent. The egg detection rate of primary school children in Seoul was significantly lower than that of primary school children in a rural area and of Nanjido children. The egg detection rate in boys was lower than that of girls. As the age of children increased, the egg detection rate decreased.