Intestinal parasitic infection in children in post-disaster situations years after earthquake

Two earthquakes in the north-west region of Turkey destroyed 80% of the houses and schools in Duzce in 1999. This study was conducted to determine the parasitic infection rate associated with the post-earthquake unhealty living conditions and related epidemiological risk factors.

Two populations living and studying in different socioeconomic conditions as a result of the earthquake were compared: Group 1 (study group) consisted of 326 children living and studying in transitory houses and classes. Group 2 (control) consisted of 127 children living in normal houses and studying in normal school classes. Fecal samples were obtained from both groups and examined for intestinal parasites' eggs and trofozoid forms. In addition, selotype procedure was applied to both populations. Epidemiological data determining the socioeconomic status of the populations were collected by questionnaire.

In group 1, Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) cysts were observed in 10.4% of the fecal samples and Enterobius vermicularis (E. vermicularis) eggs were observed in 13.5% of selotype samples. In group 2, Giardia cysts were observed in 3.1% of the samples and E. vermicularis eggs were observed in 5.5% of selotype samples. The rate of Giardiasis and Enterobiasis was found to be significantly higher in children still living and studying in temporary houses and schools years after the earthquakes (P < 0.05). The following pidemiological and social factors arising after the earthquakes were associated with increased rate of G. lamblia and E. Vermicularis infections: number of communal toilets per child at school, socioeconomic level of the children, dimensions of the classrooms where the children are studying and living and frequency of hand-washing at school. These parameters are significantly different between the groups (P < 0.05).

Giardiasis should be considered as an emerging disease in postdisaster situations and adequate prevention measures should be implemented in these circumstances. It should also be known that the rate of Enterobiasis is increased in populations living in crowded unhealthy conditions.