BackgroundThe backbone of Kenya’s soil-transmitted helminthiasis control program is the periodic distribution of anti-helminthic preventive chemotherapy (PC). PC distribution has been conducted since 2012 through the National School-Based Deworming Programme, which deworms school-age children (SAC, 5–14 years) living in areas at high risk for soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections. After nearly a decade of deworming, the Ministry of Health sought to generate evidence for program monitoring by estimating the prevalence and intensity of STH infection in Narok and Bomet counties among at-risk groups: preschool-aged children (PSAC, 2–4 years), SAC, and women of reproductive age (WRA, 15–49 years), of which only SAC are covered by the deworming program.MethodsDuring August and December of 2021, we conducted cross-sectional, population-based household surveys in Narok and Bomet counties, using multi-stage, cluster random sampling among resident PSAC, SAC, and WRA. Individual and household questionnaires were administered using an electronic mobile platform. Stool samples were collected and tested for roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides), hookworms (Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale), and whipworms (Trichuris trichura) using the Kato-Katz method.ResultsStool samples were provided by 1,062 PSAC, 1,922 SAC, and 364 WRA. Results indicated that the prevalence of any STH infection in Bomet county was similar among SAC (16.2% [upper 95% design-corrected confidence interval [U95% CI]: 23.1%]) and PSAC (15.8% [U95% CI: 21.7%]). In Narok county, STH prevalence was marginally higher among PSAC (12.8% [U95% CI: 18.2%]) compared to SAC (11.3% [U95% CI: 16.2%]). Moderate-to-high intensity infection prevalence among PSAC and SAC exceeded the morbidity elimination threshold of 2% in both counties. A. lumbricoides and T. trichura were most identified; few hookworm infections were detected.ConclusionsSTH infections remain a public health problem in Narok and Bomet counties. There may be a need to expand PC distribution to include risk groups beyond SAC during deworming exercises, as envisioned in the Breaking Transmission Strategy, to hasten progress toward the achievement of STH as a public health problem.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common form of anemia worldwide and remains a significant health concern in tropical countries where parasitic infections are endemic. Hookworm infestation is a leading but frequently overlooked etiology due to its subtle clinical manifestations and limited routine parasitological testing. We describe two contrasting cases of severe hookworm-related IDA from North Sulawesi, Indonesia: a 72-year-old woman and a 1-year-old infant. Both patients presented with profound microcytic hypochromic anemia but without overt gastrointestinal bleeding. Laboratory evaluation confirmed severe iron deficiency, while stool microscopy revealed hookworm eggs at early cleavage stages, establishing the diagnosis. Despite similar causes, their clinical courses diverged. The infant, whose anemia was compounded by inadequate weaning nutrition, responded rapidly to transfusion, iron supplementation, and single-dose albendazole. The elderly patient, with chronic cumulative exposure from barefoot walking in rural areas, improved more slowly following transfusion, prolonged iron therapy, and a short course of albendazole. These cases highlight the need for routine stool examination in all patients with unexplained IDA in endemic areas, regardless of age. They further emphasize gaps in deworming programs, which often exclude high-risk groups such as infants and older adults. Expanding preventive measures is essential to reduce morbidity and long-term complications.

Background & objectives: Hookworm infection is one of the important causes of iron deficiency anaemia in children. Sensitive diagnostic methods are important for accurate assessment among the different species of hookworm infection. Microscopy is still gold standared however microscopy alone cannot differentiate between hookworm species and other similar Strongyloid. Objective: The objective of this study is to identify the hookworm eggs from the stool sample by microscopy and further subjected for species specific identification targeting mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene. Methods: A total methods of 300 samples were collected from the children with gastrointestinal symptoms during February 2018 to February 2019.All samples were examined using saline and iodine mount preparation and further subjected to different culture techniques and conventional PCR.Stoll dilution eggs counts technique was used to identify the intensity of the hookworm positive samples Results: Stool samples with intestinal parasites detected in this study were 70/300;out of which 20 samples was hookworm positive by microscopy. Sixteen out of 20 were identified as Necator americanus and 2 samples each were identified as Anylostoma duodenale and Strongyloides stercoralis. There were no mixed infections in this study. Stoll’s dilution egg count showed moderate infection in 66.6%, light and heavy infection in 16.7%. Diarrhea accompanied with dehydration, weakness, fever, bloating was the most common complained associated (6.6%) among the hookworm positive children. Interpretation & Conclusion: The highest infection was seen in 6-10 years and more common in males (p=0.7648).Species identification of hookworm targeting COX I gene is rapid and sensitive for accurate identification for the hookworm species in the limited resource setting area like Sikkim.

Hookworm-induced nephrotic syndrome (NS) is relatively rare. Hookworm infections have diverse manifestations. Mild cases may be asymptomatic, while severe ones can cause severe anemia, coagulation disorders, and protein deficiency. Both late-stage NS and hookworm infection present with similar clinical manifestations, such as anemia and hypoproteinemia. Hypoproteinemia can easily cause edema, posing a potential diagnostic challenge in clinical settings. Hookworm infection may significantly impact kidney function through complex immunopathological mechanisms. Specifically, hookworm infection can trigger abnormal immune responses, leading to kidney damage and inflammation. Prolonged infection may also lead to the deposition of immune complexes in the kidney, potentially causing severe kidney impairment. This report introduces a case of a healthy female in her fifties who developed NS after a hookworm infection. After receiving anti-hookworm and integrated traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine treatment, the patient's bilateral lower limb edema gradually resolved, and she was discharged from the hospital. A retrospective analysis of 9 hookworm-induced NS patients showed 5 complete remissions, 2 partial remissions, and 2 relapses after comprehensive treatment.No recurrence occurred in remaining patients during 3-24 months follow-up.The study found that hookworm infection may be an important trigger for NS, especially in endemic areas. For patients with unexplained NS, screening for hookworm infection should be considered. Timely diagnosis and treatment of hookworm infection may significantly improve the prognosis of NS.

The backbone of Kenya's soil-transmitted helminthiasis control program is the periodic distribution of anti-helminthic preventive chemotherapy (PC). PC distribution has been conducted since 2012 through the National School-Based Deworming Programme, which deworms school-age children (SAC, 5-14 years) living in areas at high risk for soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections. After nearly a decade of deworming, the Ministry of Health sought to generate evidence for program monitoring by estimating the prevalence and intensity of STH infection in Narok and Bomet counties among at-risk groups: preschool-aged children (PSAC, 2-4 years), SAC, and women of reproductive age (WRA, 15-49 years), of which only SAC are covered by the deworming program. During August and December of 2021, we conducted cross-sectional, population-based household surveys in Narok and Bomet counties, using multi-stage, cluster random sampling among resident PSAC, SAC, and WRA. Individual and household questionnaires were administered using an electronic mobile platform. Stool samples were collected and tested for roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides), hookworms (Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale), and whipworms (Trichuris trichura) using the Kato-Katz method. Stool samples were provided by 1,062 PSAC, 1,922 SAC, and 364 WRA. Results indicated that the prevalence of any STH infection in Bomet county was similar among SAC (16.2% [upper 95% design-corrected confidence interval [U95% CI]: 23.1%]) and PSAC (15.8% [U95% CI: 21.7%]). In Narok county, STH prevalence was marginally higher among PSAC (12.8% [U95% CI: 18.2%]) compared to SAC (11.3% [U95% CI: 16.2%]). Moderate-to-high intensity infection prevalence among PSAC and SAC exceeded the morbidity elimination threshold of 2% in both counties. A. lumbricoides and T. trichura were most identified; few hookworm infections were detected. STH infections remain a public health problem in Narok and Bomet counties. There may be a need to expand PC distribution to include risk groups beyond SAC during deworming exercises, as envisioned in the Breaking Transmission Strategy, to hasten progress toward the achievement of STH as a public health problem.

Severe iron-deficiency anaemia due to hookworm infection in Europe.

In silico approach for a multi-epitope, multi-stage vaccine construct against human hookworm infection

The systematic review analysed anaemia prevalence together with its determinants throughout pregnancy in countries categorised as low and middle income. The PRISMA guidelines guided the selection of ten cross-sectional studies which demonstrated wide-ranging anaemia prevalence rates from 20.9% in Ethiopia to 95.1% in Nigeria. The review revealed various linked factors which produce anaemia during pregnancy throughout these regions. The main factors underlying anaemia risk during pregnancy were socioeconomic variables since lower income levels combined with less education and rural locations created increased susceptibility to anaemia. The limited consumption of iron-rich foods together with restricted access to supplements made pregnant women more susceptible to anaemia. Health-related factors such as hookworm infections and malaria history together with excessive menstrual blood loss significantly impacted the development of anaemia in pregnant women. The connexion between anaemia prevalence and geographic location produced conflicting results because researchers discovered higher prevalence in both urban and rural areas. The research demonstrates how multiple factors from different settings in LMICs influence pregnancy-related anaemia and shows why specific intervention approaches are needed. The author recommend implementing maternal nutrition programmes with supplementation and developing healthcare detection services alongside socioeconomic empowerment programmes for mothers.

Background and ObjectivesMunicipal solid waste workers (MSWWs) are important in the city’s waste management. With these vital contributions, they face unique occupational hazards and health risks. This study aims to determine the prevalence of occupational infections, such as soil-transmitted helminth infections (STHI) and hepatitis A virus (HAV), as well as the occurrence of Helicobacter pylori infection among the MSWWs of Baguio City.MethodsThis cross-sectional analytic study collected data from volunteer MSWWs using a questionnaire to gather information on age, duration of employment, use of gloves in the workplace, and hand hygiene practices. Stool samples were obtained from participants and were analyzed for STHI using the Formalin Ether Concentration Technique (FECT). H. pylori infection was detected using the SD Bioline rapid antigen test kit on stool samples while blood samples were collected and tested for HAV antibodies using the Aria IgG/IgM rapid test kit.ResultsOf the 44 volunteer MSWWs tested, 25 were infected with hazardous pathogens. Specifically, six workers (13.6%) were infected with STHI, four (9.1%) were infected with HAV and 15 (34.1%) were infected with H. pylori. Among those infected with STHI, Ascaris lumbricoides and Endolimax nana were the predominant species, each with a prevalence rate of 33.3%. In contrast, Blastocystis hominis and hookworm infections each had a prevalence rate of 16.7%. A significant association was found between STHI prevalence and the preference for alcohol hand rubs over hand washing, with a p-value of 0.008.ConclusionThe analysis revealed a significant association between the prevalence of STHI and the preference for alcohol hand rubs over hand washing, suggesting that MSWWs may have a false sense of security regarding their hygiene practices. The findings revealed the critical importance of proper hand washing in preventing STHI. Future research should expand data collection to encompass a broader range of socio-demographic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that may influence infection rates. Additionally, including a control group of individuals not exposed to waste management could help differentiate between factors specific to waste handling and those related to other occupations. This study emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts among researchers, public health authorities, and waste management agencies to enhance the health and safety of MSWWs while addressing broader public health concerns related to waste management practices.

Objective: The study was designed to investigate association between anaemia and hookworm infection among patients accessing medicare at a tertiary health facility in Kaduna State, northwest, Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 250 stool and blood samples were collected from various age groups and both sexes. Wet prep and kato-katz qualitative thick smear technique were used for the analysis of faecal samples for hookworm ova while cyanmethaemoglobin method was used for haemoglobin estimation. Results: Sixty-six (26.4%) were infected with hookworm while 26 (39.4%) of those infected were anaemic and 40(60.6%) had hookworm infection without anaemia. Among the anaemic patients, 21 (31.8%) were males, while 5(7.6) were females. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean haemoglobin of non-infected and infected males (p<0.05), whereas there was no statistically significant difference between those of non-infected and infected females (p>0.05). in males with hookworm infection, the haemoglobin values decreased with increased with increased egg load whereas in females, haemoglobin levels did not show any consistent decrease with increasing egg load. Descriptive and inferential analyses were carried on the data generated with the aid of statistical software SPSS. Association between categorical variables were considered significant at P < 0.05. Conclusion and Suggestion: This study shows that there is a direct proportionality between hookworm infection and anaemia, meaning the heavier the infection, greater the anaemia. Put differently, it means, a person with very heavy hookworm infection will have a lower haemoglobin level and invariably have iron deficiency anaemia. It is advisable for relevant policy-makers in the state- particularly government and public health managers- step up efforts to enlighten the public on the need to practice hand and toilet hygiene at all times. Also, it may be helpful to conduct mass-deworming exercise in the state, especially in public and private primary schools.

Inflammation is a critical defense against pathogens but can impair iron metabolism and erythropoiesis, potentially causing or exacerbating anemia during infection. However, the ecological and evolutionary relevance of this trade-off remains poorly understood. Naturally co-evolved host–parasite systems offer a unique opportunity to explore how inflammatory responses balance the benefits of pathogen control against potential physiological costs. We examined how systemic inflammation affects recovery from hookworm-associated anemia in South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) pups, aiming to determine whether inflammation facilitates recovery or imposes hematological constraints. We longitudinally monitored 83 pups over approximately 3 months on Guafo Island, Northern Chilean Patagonia, measuring hookworm burden, hematological parameters, iron concentration, and blood cytokines. Seventy-two percent of the pups developed clinical hookworm infection, and 47% of these became anemic. Among anemic pups, 54% recovered from anemia 2 months after infection. Changes in inflammatory markers, but not hookworm burden, iron concentration, or body condition, predicted recovery outcome. Sustained increases in IFN-γ and neutrophils reduced the likelihood of recovery, while increased IL-10 concentration favored recovery. These effects were independent of plasma iron concentration, although IL-6 was negatively correlated with lower plasma iron. Our findings show that prolonged systemic inflammation impairs recovery from anemia in a wild marine mammal, highlighting a physiological cost of inflammation in early life as a key ecological trade-off between immune defense and hematological resilience in natural host–parasite systems.

An individual may be predisposed to infection with hookworms through various activities that bring them into contact with filariform larvae in soil. Parasite control programs that rely on mass drug administration (MDA) over prolonged periods using the same antihelmintic drugs would exert selection pressure on hookworm populations and favour the development of drug resistance. This cross-sectional study was conducted to detect benzimidazole resistance genes and assess risk factors of hookworm infection among HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients in Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of 526 stool samples were collected and analysed for hookworm eggs using wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Specimens confirmed to be hookworm-positive by microscopy were further subjected to molecular analyses on Real-Time qPCR. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to each participant to obtain information on risk factors. The result showed an overall prevalence of 6.46%; with 3.62% and 10.36% for HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients, respectively. Subjects who arrived at their farms before sunrise recorded higher hookworm prevalence (9.63%) compared to those who arrived at their farms after sunrise (2.30%). Also, subjects who conduct farm activities barefoot had a higher hookworm prevalence (7.99%), while those who wear footwear had a lower prevalence (3.07%). Again, subjects who had never been dewormed had a higher hookworm prevalence (20.93%); while those who were dewormed less than 6 months ago had a lower prevalence (1.85%). A statistically significant association was found to exist between hookworm infection and these risk factors at P ≤ 0.05. Out of the 34 samples positive by microscopy for hookworms, 16 were confirmed to be Necator americanus on qPCR. However, 5 out of the 16 samples were from HIV-positive patients, while 11 were from HIV-negative patients. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected in 2 samples on codons 167 and 200. The occurrence of these SNPs was found only among HIV-negative patients. In conclusion, the detection of SNPs suggests that mutant genes associated with benzimidazole resistance are circulating in hookworms in Plateau State, Nigeria.

BackgroundHelminth infections are widespread in resource-limited settings, and modulate host immune responses, with potential implications for viral coinfections. Intestinal helminths can alter susceptibility to respiratory viruses, but the mechanisms influencing SARS-CoV-2 infection outcomes remain poorly understood.MethodsUsing the Syrian hamster model, we investigated the impact of prior infection with the human hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum on host responses to SARS-CoV-2. Tissue-specific transcriptional responses were compared among four groups: naive, hookworm-only, SARS-CoV-2-only, and coinfected with both pathogens, 3 and 6 days post-viral infection. Viral titers and weight loss were assessed, and RNA-seq transcriptome profiles from lung and intestinal tissues were interrogated to identify differentially expressed genes and cellular pathways.ResultsPrior hookworm infection did not significantly alter viral titers or weight loss compared to SARS-CoV-2 infection alone, but distinct transcriptional signatures compared were identified compared to either single infection. Coinfection uniquely differentially regulated hematopoiesis and B cell-associated genes (e.g., ATF5, IGHM, JCHAIN) in the lungs, and immune and stress response pathways and inflammation-associated genes (e.g. FOLR2, PLA2GF, FABP3) in the intestine. Genes and pathways differentially regulated by SARS-CoV-2 alone, but with attenuated transcriptional responses in the lungs of coinfected hamsters were observed, including the loss of upregulation of toll-like receptor signaling and previously proposed host biomarkers for COVID-19 severity (CHI3L1, HMOX1), Long COVID (FCG4/FCGR3A and FST) and mortality (FST). In the intestine, hookworm-associated suppression of type I interferon-related genes (TAP1, IRF7) was reversed with SARS-CoV-2 coinfection, highlighting pathogen-specific modulation of innate antiviral signaling. Genes and pathways consistently differentially regulated by with SARS-CoV-2 were consistent with expectations, and many hemoglobin pathways were differentially regulated with hookworm in the intestine. CIBERSORT analysis was estimated relative leukocyte abundances in each sample cohort.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that A. ceylanicum infection reshapes host transcriptional responses to SARS-CoV-2 in a tissue-specific manner, enhancing B cell immunity in the lung while driving intestinal inflammation. Hookworm-induced immune modulation attenuated key SARS-CoV-2-responsive genes and pathways, suggesting potential mechanisms for reduced disease severity observed in helminth-endemic regions. These findings establish a molecular framework to better understand helminth, SARS-CoV-2 and host immune interactions, with relevance for other respiratory viral infections.

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, including ascariasis, trichuriasis, and hookworm disease, are among the most common neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) globally. This study evaluates the disease burden of STH in China from 1990 to 2021 and projects trends to 2035. Data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 database were utilized to analyze the prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of STH infections in China from 1990 to 2021. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated to assess trends over time, and a Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to project the disease burden up to 2035. From 1990 to 2021, the prevalence and DALYs of STH infections decreased significantly by 85.08% and 98.01% in China, respectively. The age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) of STH infections dropped from 34,073.24/105 to 4981.01/105 with an EAPC of -6.62% [95% confidence interval (CI): -7.40%, -5.83%], and the age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) decreased from 1.77/105 to 0.18/105, with an EAPC of -14.05% (95% CI: -15.04%, -13.06%). Trichuriasis contributed to 78.85% of the total ASPR for STH, whereas hookworm disease accounted for 51.14% of STH's ASDR. The highest disease burden due to STH peaked in the 5-9 years age group, with prevalence of 8030.05/105 [95% uncertainty interval (UI): 5356.86/105-11,662.62/105] and DALYs rate of 2.99/105 (95% UI: 1.56/105-4.87/105). The projected ASDR and ASPR of trichuriasis rose to 0.55/105 and 5362.50/105 by 2035. China has achieved remarkable reductions in the burden of STH infections over the past three decades. However, the predominance between the species has changed. The projected rebound in trichuriasis underscores the importance of sustained control efforts. To achieve the 2030 elimination target outlined in the WHO NTDs roadmap, it is crucial to integrate precision epidemiology with ongoing water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives, targeted chemotherapy and health education.

BackgroundSoil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection is a widespread problem globally, particularly in rural areas. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of STH infection is high. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm infections has not diminished in spite of the nation's strict STH prevention and control measures for decants. Additionally, variables linked to the high prevalence of A. lumbricoides and hookworm infections are not adequately addressed.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of STHs among students in the Fogera district, northwest Ethiopia.MethodA cross-sectional study design was employed in two primary schools in the Fogera district in February–March 2023. The stool samples were collected from the students and examined using saline wet mount and double Kato–Katz technique. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS Version 25. Descriptive statistics was used to compute the prevalence of STHs. Factors associated with hookworm and A. lumbricoides infections were analyzed by logistic regression. Variables with p < 0.05 in the multivariate logistic regression were considered significant.ResultsAmong 463 schoolchildren, totally, the prevalence of STHs was 25.3%. The prevalence of A. lumbricoides and hookworm infections was 55 (11.9%) and 62 (13.4%), respectively. Mothers' lack of education (AOR = 24.99; 95% CI = 7.05–88.67; p < 0.001), fathers' lack of education (AOR = 3.03; 95% CI = 1.18–7.7; p = 0.021), school latrine nonusage at school (AOR = 4.53; 95% CI = 1.89–10.95; p < 0.001), untrimmed fingernails (AOR = 7.31; 95% CI = 2.57–20.81; p < 0.001), no handwashing after toilet use (AOR = 14.87; 95% CI = 3.97–55.75; p < 0.001), no handwashing before eating (AOR = 30.05; 95% CI = 11.05–81.74; p < 0.001), the absence of handwashing facility at home (AOR = 5.86; 95% CI = 2.19–15- 64; p < 0.001), and irregular wearing of shoes (AOR = 18.59; 95% CI = 6.89–50.13; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with STH infection.ConclusionThe prevalence of A. lumbricoides was significant. Poor implementation of water, sanitation, and hygiene was a risk factor for A. lumbricoides and hookworm infection. Hence, health education on the transmission of STHs should be advocated to parents and schoolchildren.

ABSTRACTBackground and AimAnemia is marked by a reduction in red blood cells or hemoglobin levels, leading to impaired oxygen transport. It presents a significant global public health issue, associated with elevated morbidity and mortality, especially among pregnant women and children. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the determinants of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at selected public health hospitals in Southwest Ethiopia.MethodsA case‐control study, conducted from January 1 to February 30, 2023, included 374 pregnant women (91 with anemia and 283 without). Data were collected through interviewer‐administered structured questionnaires. SPSS Version 21 was used for data analysis, employing binary logistic regression to identify factors associated with anemia. The significance level was set at 0.05.ResultsAfter adjusting for confounding variables, the determinants of anemia among pregnant women were identified as lack of iron supplementation [AOR = 2.86, 95% CI (1.45, 3.85)], consumption of hot drinks after a meal [AOR = 1.63, 95% CI (1.03, 2.76)], history of malaria infection [AOR = 4.34, 95% CI (2.35, 7.72)], hookworm infection [AOR = 2.57, 95% CI (1.48, 4.46)], and short birth interval [AOR = 8.64, 95% CI (4.98, 17.6)].ConclusionThe main factors contributing to anemia among pregnant women include insufficient iron supplementation, consumption of hot drinks after meals, a history of malaria, hookworm infection, and short birth intervals. To reduce anemia prevalence, it is essential to ensure adequate iron supplementation, educate women on the impact of hot drinks after meals, implement malaria prevention and treatment, address hookworm infections through sanitation and deworming, and promote optimal birth spacing through family planning education.

Background: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections—caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworms—affect over 1.5 billion people worldwide. These infections exacerbate undernutrition through blood loss, nutrient malabsorption, and impaired appetite. Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between STH infections and nutritional deficits, including anaemia, micronutrient deficiencies, growth impairments, and cognitive outcomes, and assess the effectiveness of deworming interventions. Methods: Literature search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE (2007–2023). Data synthesized narratively; a meta-analysis performed for haemoglobin outcomes. Results: 19 studies included. Hookworm infection strongly associated with iron-deficiency anaemia (pooled mean difference: −0.78 g/dL). Other helminths contributed to reduced micronutrient levels, stunting, and poor cognitive outcomes. Nutritional recovery observed when deworming combined with supplementation and sanitation. Conclusion: STH infections significantly contribute to nutritional deficits, particularly among children. Sustainable control requires integrated deworming, nutrition, sanitation, and education.

Emergence of Ancylostoma braziliense infection in southern Indian dogs: Evidence from molecular sequencing.

Hookworm infection, a neglected tropical disease (NTD) causing iron-deficiency anaemia and malnutrition in low-income populations with poor sanitation, poses a considerable public health challenge in China and worldwide. National surveillance across 31 provincial-level administrative divisions (PLADs) from 2016 to 2021 assessed regional and population-specific hookworm prevalence. Geospatial methods, such as global and local autocorrelation, hotspot detection, spatiotemporal clustering detection and standard deviation ellipse (SDE) analysis characterized distribution patterns. Machine learning identified key determinants and their associations with infection rates, revealing primary influence factors based on 7,929 township records and 40 environmental, climatic and anthropogenic variables. Significant geographic disparities emerged, with the highest infection rates in south-western regions and the lowest in the Northeast. Spatial analyses demonstrated significant clustering, with persistent south-western hotspots and north-eastern coldspots (P < 0.001). Spatiotemporal scanning identified three significant clusters, while SDE analysis indicated stable northeast-southwest orientation with minimal centroid variation. Females and individuals ≥60 years showed elevated susceptibility. Machine learning demonstrated strong predictive capacity, with key risk factors identified as the frequency of barefoot farming, land cover, average relative humidity in the third quarter and average monthly sunshine duration in the third quarter. Hookworm disease clusters in south-western China, disproportionately affecting women and the elderly. Barefoot farming emerged as the primary risk factor, with infection rates positively associated with temperature, humidity and negatively with sunlight duration. The results support recommendations to target intervention zones in endemic areas, implement population-specific prevention programs and intensify health education to advance transmission control.

Hookworm infection has been recognized as one of the leading causes of child morbidity in the developing countries of the tropics and sub-tropics. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of hookworm infection in patients attending Hajiya Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Zaria. A total of ninety (90) faecal samples were collected and examined microscopically for ova and/or larvae of the hookworm parasite. A questionnaire was used to obtain data on socio-demographic and risk factors that associate with hookworm infection. The generated data were statistically analyzed using Chi-square. 16.67% of the patients were found to be infected with hookworm, among whom 10% were males and 6.667% females, 2.22% young and 14.44% adults. There was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) between males and females with respect to the infection prevalence. There was a significant (p&lt;0.05) relationship between age and hookworm infection were the lowest prevalence (2.22%) was recorded among the young age. Educational level, wearing of footwear and toilet type used by the patients had no statistical significance (p&gt;0.05) to the infection prevalence while occupation and source of water of the patients had a statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) relationship with the infection prevalence. The findings from this study could serve as an important information to government organization and other stakeholders interested in disease prevention and control.