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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children
Published on: August 22, 2012
Helminthic infestation in children of Kupwara district: a prospective study
S A Wani1, F Ahmad, S A Zargar
1PG Department of Zoology, The University of Kashmir, Soura, Srinagar, India. showkat_aish@yahoo.co.in
Insights
High rates of intestinal helminth parasites were found in rural Kashmiri children. Ascaris lumbricoides was most common, highlighting the need for improved sanitation and deworming programs.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Intestinal helminth infections are a significant global health issue, particularly in children.
- Prevalence varies geographically due to factors like sanitation and water access.
- Kashmir, India, faces specific environmental and socioeconomic conditions that may influence parasitic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of intestinal helminth parasites in school-aged children in Kupwara, Kashmir.
- To identify the predominant helminth species affecting this population.
- To provide data supporting public health interventions.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 312 children aged 4-15 years in three rural schools.
- Stool samples were examined for the presence of helminth ova and parasites.
- Data analysis included calculating infection prevalence and identifying specific helminth species.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of intestinal helminths was observed, with 71.15% (222/312) of children infected.
- Ascaris lumbricoides was the most frequent parasite (69.23%), followed by Trichuris trichiura (30.76%).
- Mixed infections were common (37.5%), indicating complex transmission dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal helminthiasis is highly prevalent in rural school-aged children in Kupwara, Kashmir.
- Urgent interventions are needed, including improved sanitation, access to clean water, and targeted chemotherapy.
- Further research on transmission patterns and long-term control strategies is recommended.
Abstract:
The present study deals with the investigation of the frequency of intestinal helminth parasites in children of Kupwara, Kashmir, India. Three hundred and twelve children in the age group of 4-15 years were examined for different intestinal helminths in three schools located in rural areas. Two hundred and twenty two of 312 (71.15%) tested positive for various intestinal helminths. The various helminth parasites included Ascaris lumbricoides , Trichuris trichiura , Enterobius vermicularis and Taenia saginata . By far, the highest frequency of 69.23% (216/312) was noted for Ascaris lumbricoides followed by Trichuris trichiura 30.76% (96/312), Enterobius vermicularis 7.69% (24/312) and Taenia saginata 7.69% (24/312). Single infection was found in 33.65% (105/312) and mixed infection was seen in 37.5% (117/312) children. This study emphasizes the need for improved environmental conditions, i.e., clean water supplies, enhanced sanitation and chemotherapy of school-age children in rural areas.
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