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Ascariasis, hookworm infection and serum retinol amongst children in Nepal
1International Course for PHC Managers, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy.
Insights
Children with Ascaris lumbricoides infections had lower serum retinol levels. Mebendazole treatment was linked to higher vitamin A levels in children, suggesting a potential link between helminths and nutrient status.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional epidemiology
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Public health
Background:
- Intestinal helminth infections are common in children globally.
- Vitamin A deficiency is a significant public health problem, especially in low-income countries.
- Helminth infections may impact host nutritional status, including vitamin A levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum retinol levels and the prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm infections in children.
- To explore the potential impact of mebendazole treatment on serum retinol levels.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 592 children aged 6-120 months.
- Faecal samples analyzed using the Kato thick-smear technique for helminth eggs.
- Serum retinol levels measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Main Results:
- Ascaris lumbricoides infection was associated with significantly lower serum retinol levels in children under 60 months (p < 0.05).
- No significant association was found between hookworm infection and serum retinol levels.
- Children receiving mebendazole treatment showed higher serum retinol levels compared to untreated children (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Ascaris lumbricoides infection may contribute to lower vitamin A status in young children.
- Mebendazole treatment appears to be associated with improved vitamin A levels, warranting further investigation.
- These findings highlight the complex interplay between helminthiasis, nutrition, and deworming interventions in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
The study reports on the association between serum retinol levels and prevalence of two intestinal helminths in a random sample of 592 children, 6-120 months of age. Faecal analyses were performed by Kato thick-smear technique, recording the presence of hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides eggs. Serum retinol levels were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and expressed in micrograms/dl. The presence of Ascaris lumbricoides eggs was associated with lower levels of serum retinol in children below 60 months of age (p < 0.05). The presence of hookworm eggs was not associated with lower levels of serum retinol in any age group. In addition children who received at least one course of mebendazole during the past 12 months recorded higher serum retinol levels than children who did not receive it (p < 0.01).