Prevalence, physiologic effects, and risk factors of soil-transmitted helminth infections among grade school children

Abstract

Background: Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are widespread and are the most common infectious agents in developing countries such as the Philippines. Aims and Objectives: This study was planned (i) to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections, (ii) to identify the predominant helminth parasites and parasite densities, (iii) to measure and compare the effects of helminth infections on the weight of grade school children, and (iv) to identify relevant risk factors for helminth infections. Materials and Methods: Stool samples of 61 nursery and grade school children were examined using Kato-Katz method and Formol-ether concentration technique. Anthropometric, demographic, socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral characteristics of the pupils were obtained using a survey questionnaire and subsequently statistically analyzed. Results: The prevalence of STH infections among children was 74% with a high predominance of Taenia sp. and high density of Ascaris lumbricoides. Of the cases, 39.3% were single infection while 34.4% had mixed infections. Helminth infections, single or mixed, were not associated with sex, but the weight difference between infected and uninfected females is higher compared to males. The prevalence of helminth infections was associated with close contact with livestock or pets in the household. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of intestinal helminths, predominantly of Taenia sp., among grade school children. Helminth infections were either single or mixed type, were not associated with sex but with significant effects on the weights of female children, and were associated with close contact with household pets.