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Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children
Published on: August 22, 2012
Soil transmitted helminthiasis in Kathmandu, Nepal
Arina Shrestha1, Shiba Kumar Rai, Sheetal Raj Basnyat
1Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur.
Nepal Medical College Journal : NMCJ
|December 21, 2007
Summary
Soil contamination with parasitic eggs is prevalent in Kathmandu Valley. School children show high parasitic infection rates (42.5%), particularly Trichuris, while patients have lower rates (2.8%), with Ascaris being common.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Parasitology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Parasitic infections pose a significant public health concern, especially in densely populated areas.
- Soil contamination serves as a major transmission route for various geohelminths.
- Understanding local prevalence is crucial for targeted intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of parasitic contamination in soil samples.
- To determine the infection rates of soil-transmitted helminths in school children and patients in Kathmandu Valley.
- To identify common parasitic species and analyze risk factors associated with infection.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 200 soil samples using the sucrose flotation technique for parasitic eggs and larvae.
- Examination of 1,504 stool samples from school children and patients via formal-ether concentration and direct smear methods.
- Statistical analysis to compare infection rates between different groups and identify significant associations.
Main Results:
- Soil contamination rate with parasitic eggs and larvae was 28.5%.
- Overall parasitic infection rates were 42.5% in school children and 2.8% in patients.
- Ascaris was the most prevalent parasite in soil and in patients, while Trichuris was most common in school children. Females exhibited higher infection rates.
Conclusions:
- Significant soil contamination with parasites necessitates public health interventions in Kathmandu Valley.
- School children represent a vulnerable group with high parasitic infection rates, requiring focused deworming programs.
- The study highlights the importance of environmental sanitation and personal hygiene in controlling parasitic diseases.
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