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Parasitic Infection Surveillance in Mississippi Delta Children
Richard S Bradbury1,2, Irene Arguello3, Meredith Lane1
11Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Parasitic Diseases Branch, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
Insights
Parasitic infections were scarce in Mississippi children, with no evidence of Necator americanus, Ascaris lumbricoides, or Strongyloides stercoralis detected. Antibody testing revealed low seroprevalence for Toxocara and Cryptosporidium, suggesting limited exposure in this population.
Area of Science:
- Neglected Tropical Diseases
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Parasitology
Background:
- Parasitic disease transmission is suspected in the American South.
- Limited data exists on parasitic infections in Mississippi children.
- Understanding prevalence is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of specific parasitic infections in children from the Mississippi Delta.
- To investigate exposure to common soil-transmitted helminths and protozoa.
- To establish a baseline for future epidemiological studies.
Main Methods:
- 166 children from the Mississippi Delta were enrolled.
- Stool samples were analyzed using multi-parallel real-time PCR for key parasites.
- Dried blood spots were used for multiplex serology to detect antibodies.
Main Results:
- PCR analysis of stool samples showed no detection of Necator americanus, Ascaris lumbricoides, or Strongyloides stercoralis.
- Seroprevalence of IgG antibodies was 3.6% for Toxocara spp. and 2.4% for Cryptosporidium.
- No antibodies were detected for Strongyloides stercoralis, Fasciola hepatica, or Giardia duodenalis.
Conclusions:
- Parasitic infections and exposure appear scarce among the studied Mississippi children.
- Further research with larger, at-risk populations is recommended to confirm findings.
- The study highlights the need for ongoing surveillance of parasitic diseases in the region.
Abstract:
Some recent studies suggest ongoing transmission of parasitic diseases in the American South; however, surveys in Mississippi children are lacking. We enrolled 166 children (median age 8 years, range 4-13 years) from the Mississippi Delta region and carried out multi-parallel real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Necator americanus, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Strongyloides stercoralis on their stool samples. Dried blood spots were obtained for multiplex serology antibody detection. Of 166 children, all reported having flushable toilets, 11% had soil exposure, and 34% had a pet dog or cat. None had prior diagnosis or treatment of parasitic disease. Multi-parallel real-time PCRs were negative on the 89 stool DNA extracts available for testing. Dried blood spot testing of all 166 children determined the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies to Toxocara spp. (3.6%), Cryptosporidium (2.4%), S. stercoralis, Fasciola hepatica, and Giardia duodenalis (all 0%). In conclusion, parasitic infections and exposure were scarce in this population. Larger studies of at-risk populations are needed.
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