Abstract
BackgroundSoil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections with Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Trichuris trichiura affect large parts of the world’s population. For the implementation of national STH control programs, e.g. preventive chemotherapy (treatment with albendazole and mebendazole), the spatial distribution and prevalence of STH infections must be known. However, for Lesotho only little data were available and the STH distribution remains largely unknown.MethodsIn early 2016, a cross-sectional parasitological STH survey was conducted including six different primary schools in the Butha-Buthe district of Lesotho. In each school stool samples were collected from 50 children (age 8–14 years) and analysed with a duplicate Kato-Katz thick smear for the presence of A. lumbricoides, hookworm and T. trichiura.ResultsA total of 301 children provided a stool sample. All children were negative for A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura. Only two children from one primary school showed a light hookworm infection.ConclusionOur data indicate a low prevalence of STH infections in the Butha-Buthe district of Lesotho. Additional parasitological surveys on the prevalence and the spatial distributions of STH infections across the entire country of Lesotho are needed.
Highlights
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections with Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Trichuris trichiura affect large parts of the world’s population
Soil-transmitted helminthiasis is an important Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) caused by infections with the nematodes Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale) and Trichuris trichiura
STH infections are responsible for an estimated burden of 3.4 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) [7]
Summary
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections with Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Trichuris trichiura affect large parts of the world’s population. For the implementation of national STH control programs, e.g. preventive chemotherapy (treatment with albendazole and mebendazole), the spatial distribution and prevalence of STH infections must be known. Soil-transmitted helminthiasis is an important NTD caused by infections with the nematodes Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale) and Trichuris trichiura. A chronic STH infection causes numerous health conditions including dietary deficiency, physical delayed cognitive development and iron deficiency [3,4,5,6]. Preventive chemotherapy with repeated administration of albendazole and mebendazole is the current strategy of choice to reduce moderate and heavy STH infections in pre-and school-aged children [8, 9].
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