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Intestinal parasitic infections among pre-school children in Sangkhlaburi, Thailand

Boonchai Wongstitwilairoong1, Apichai Srijan, Oralak Serichantalergs

  • 1Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Enteric Diseases, Bangkok, Thailand. boonchaiw@afrims.org

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|February 14, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Intestinal parasites like Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium species were common in Thai pre-school children, affecting 22.7% of those studied. Infections were most prevalent during the rainy season, highlighting a need for targeted public health interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Parasitology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Intestinal parasitic infections are a significant global health concern, particularly in developing regions.
  • Pre-school children are a vulnerable population susceptible to parasitic infections, impacting growth and development.
  • Sangkhlaburi, Thailand, a border district, presents unique epidemiological factors for infectious diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and types of intestinal parasites in pre-school children in Sangkhlaburi, Thailand.
  • To identify risk factors and seasonal patterns associated with parasitic infections in this population.
  • To compare infection rates between children with and without diarrhea.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 472 pre-school children (3 months to 5 years) in Sangkhlaburi.
  • Stool specimen collection and examination using direct wet smear, acid-fast stain, formalin-ethylacetate concentration, and trichrome stain.
  • Specific detection of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium species using ProSpecT Microplate assays.

Main Results:

  • Overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 22.7% (107/472 children).
  • Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium species were the most frequently identified parasites.
  • Infections were more common during the rainy season (June-October); 3.8% of specimens showed mixed infections.

Conclusions:

  • Intestinal parasitic infections are prevalent among pre-school children in this rural Thai border region.
  • Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium species are key pathogens requiring attention.
  • Seasonal variations indicate potential transmission dynamics influenced by environmental factors.

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