Infection In School-aged Children Research Articles

A randomized assessors-blind clinical trial to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of albendazole alone and in combination with mebendazole or pyrantel for the treatment of Trichuris trichiura infection in school-aged children in Lambaréné and surroundings.

Helminthiasis remains a public health issue in endemic areas. Various drugs have been proposed to improve efficacy against helminths. The study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of three different anthelmintic combinations to treat Trichuris trichiura infections. We conducted a randomized assessors-blind clinical trial involving children aged 2-17 years with T. trichiura. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three treatment arms. On the first and third days, all participants got albendazole 400 mg, and on the second day, albendazole (arm A), mebendazole 500 mg (arm B), or pyrantel 125 mg/kg (arm C). We assessed treatment efficacy using the cure rate (CR) and egg reduction rate (ERR) at 3 and 6 weeks post-treatment. At 3 weeks post-treatment, ERR and CR were highest in study arm A [ERR = 94%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 92-95; CR = 71%; 95% CI: 58-81] compared to the B and C arms. Decrease in ERR was significant only for arm B versus arm A (P-value <0.001); decrease in ERR was significant for arms B and C (P-value <0.001). No statistical difference was observed in CR when comparing arms A and B (P-value =1.00) and C (P-value =0.27). At 6 weeks, a decrease in ERR was observed in three arms, significant only for arm C, 81% (95% CI: 78-83). A significant increase in egg counts was observed between 3 and 6 weeks post-treatment. All treatments were safe with mild adverse events. Albendazole 400 mg/day (arm A) showed the highest efficacy against trichuriasis. Nonetheless, this treatment regimen was able to cure half of the treated individuals highlighting concerns about controlling the transmission of T. trichiura.CLINICAL TRIALRegistered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04326868).

Acute and persistent symptoms of COVID-19 infection in school-aged children: a retrospective study from China

BackgroundThe long-term sequelae of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children are unclear. We investigated COVID-19 symptoms in school-aged children to determine their impact on patients and their families.MethodsThis cross-sectional study, conducted on February 25–28, 2023, selected a representative kindergarten and 9-year school from Shenzhen, China. There were randomly two classes each for the 12 grades from kindergarten to junior high school. The school-aged children were aged 3–16 years. Literate parents completed an online questionnaire related to their children’s COVID-19 symptoms since December 1, 2022. Descriptive statistics were computed as necessary. Univariate and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed, and variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered to have a significant association with the subjective feeling scores for COVID-19 infection.ResultsWe included 936 school-aged children, with a COVID-19 infection rate of 68.5%. The prevalence of LC 28 (illness with symptoms lasting for 28 days) was 3.4%. During acute infection, the median number of the 641 children’s symptoms was 3.0 (IQR: 1.0–5.0) and the median score of subjective feelings was 15.0 (IQR: 11.0–24.5). The top three symptoms were fever, cough/expectoration, and rhinobyon. Age of 13–16 years (adjusted beta: 3.60, 95% CI: 0.32–6.88) and comorbidities (adjusted beta: 3.47, 95% CI: 1.20–5.73) were independently associated with higher subjective feelings (p < 0.05). The top three characteristics associated with LC 28 were alopecia (33.3%, 5/15), cognitive dysfunction (29.2%, 7/24), and emotional problem (28.6%, 6/21).ConclusionsChildren with COVID-19 have a short duration of symptoms and milder symptoms, so they can self-medicate to minimize hospital crowding. Children with basic diseases require prompt attention. Although LC 28 is uncommon in children, mental and psychological problems after COVID-19 recovery should not be ignored.

Acute and long-term outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in school-aged children in England: Study protocol for the joint analysis of the COVID-19 schools infection survey (SIS) and the COVID-19 mapping and mitigation in schools (CoMMinS) study.

The symptom profiles of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and long-COVID in children and young people (CYP), risk factors, and associated healthcare needs, are poorly defined. The Schools Infection Survey 1 (SIS-1) was a nationwide study of SARS-CoV-2 infection in primary and secondary schools in England during the 2020/21 school year. The Covid-19 Mapping and Mitigation in Schools (CoMMinS) study was conducted in schools in the Bristol area over a similar period. Both studies conducted testing to identify current and previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recorded symptoms and school attendance. These research data have been linked to routine electronic health record (EHR) data. To better understand the short- and long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and their risk factors, in CYP. Retrospective cohort and nested case-control analyses will be conducted for SIS-1 and CoMMinS data linked to EHR data for the association between (1) acute symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and risk factors; (2) SARS-CoV-2 infection and long-term effects on health: (a) persistent symptoms; (b) any new diagnosis; (c) a new prescription in primary care; (d) health service attendance; (e) a high rate of school absence. Our study will improve understanding of long-COVID in CYP by characterising the trajectory of long-COVID in CYP in terms of things like symptoms and diagnoses of conditions. The research will inform which groups of CYP are more likely to get acute- and long-term outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and patterns of related healthcare-seeking behaviour, relevant for healthcare service planning. Digested information will be produced for affected families, doctors, schools, and the public, as appropriate. Linked SIS-1 and CoMMinS data represent a unique and rich resource for understanding the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on children's health, benefiting from enhanced SARS-CoV-2 testing and ability to assess a wide range of outcomes.

High prevalence of asymptomatic Anaplasma spp. infection in school-aged children in southeastern Gabon

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the detection rates of asymptomatic Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. infections in children in southeastern Gabon. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among school-aged children in southeastern Gabon between May and June 2021. Blood samples were collected. Anaplasmataceae, Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia spp. were detected by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction. ResultsOf the 452 blood samples collected, 57.5% (n/N=260/452) of the samples were positive for Anaplasma spp. and/or Ehrlichia spp. by microscopy, 86.9% (n/N=393/452) of the samples were positive for both Anaplasmataceae and Anaplasma spp., and none of the samples were found positive for Ehrlichia spp. PCR was more sensitive and specific than microscopy for detection of Anaplasma spp.. ConclusionsIn our study, a significant number of positive blood samples for Anaplasma spp. were found in school-aged children in southeastern Gabon. Further studies are needed to determine the prevalence of different species of Anaplasma, their pathogenicity, and their transmission patterns.

Prediction of Hemoglobin Levels and Eosinophil Counts Due to Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) Infection in Elementary School Students in the River Banks Area, South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Introduction: Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infections in School-Age Children still exist as a public health problem in the River Banks Area. Elementary school students are one of the vulnerable populations to STH infection. This research purposed to determine the prediction of hemoglobin levels and eosinophil counts due to STH infection in elementary school students in the River Banks Area, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Methods: One hundred thirty-three kato katz stool preparation of three elementary school students in the river banks area, 68 were male and 65 were female, aged between 7 and 12 years old, were conducted for egg per gram (EPG) STHs eggs count Kato Katz method microscopic examination, and hematology analyzer blood examination to determine hemoglobin levels and eosinophil counts. Result: Linear regression analysis revealed that EPG of STHs was associated with a hemoglobin level of 13.937 with a -0.031 fold decrease in risk and with an eosinophil count of 140.204 with a 4.156 fold increase in risk, (95% confidence interval; p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Although EPG of STHs can be used to predict the risk of decreased hemoglobin levels and increased eosinophil counts, EPG is not the only factor to predict both of them in elementary school children.

Distribution and treatment needs of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Bangladesh: A Bayesian geostatistical analysis of 2017-2020 national survey data.

In Bangladesh, preventive chemotherapy targeting soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections in school-age children has been implemented since 2008. To evaluate the success of this strategy, surveys were conducted between 2017 and 2020 in 10 out of 64 districts. We estimate the geographic distribution of STH infections by species at high spatial resolution, identify risk factors, and estimate treatment needs at different population subgroups. Bayesian geostatistical models were fitted to prevalence data of each STH species. Climatic, environmental, and socioeconomic predictors were extracted from satellite images, open-access, model-based databases, and demographic household surveys, and used to predict the prevalence of infection over a gridded surface at 1 x 1 km spatial resolution across the country, via Bayesian kriging. These estimates were combined with gridded population data to estimate the number of required treatments for different risk groups. The population-adjusted prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm across all ages is estimated at 9.9% (95% Bayesian credible interval: 8.0-13.0%), 4.3% (3.0-7.3%), and 0.6% (0.4-0.9%), respectively. There were 24 out of 64 districts with an estimated population-adjusted STH infection prevalence above 20%. The proportion of households with improved sanitation showed a statistically important, protective association for both, A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura prevalence. Precipitation in the driest month of the year was negatively associated with A. lumbricoides prevalence. High organic carbon concentration in the soil's fine earth fraction was related to a high hookworm prevalence. Furthermore, we estimated that 30.5 (27.2; 36.0) million dosages of anthelmintic treatments for school-age children were required per year in Bangladesh. For each of the STH species, the prevalence was reduced by at least 80% since treatment was scaled up more than a decade ago. The current number of deworming dosages could be reduced by up to 61% if the treatment strategy was adapted to the local prevalence.

Exploring activities and behaviours potentially increases school-age children’s vulnerability to malaria infections in south-eastern Tanzania

BackgroundStrengthening malaria control activities in Tanzania has dramatically declined human malaria infections. However, there is an increasing epidemiological shift in the burden on school-age children. The underlying causes for such an epidemiological shift remain unknown in this context. This study explored activities and behaviours that could increase the vulnerability of school-age children to transmission risk to provide insight into protection gap with existing interventions and opportunities for supplementary interventions.MethodsThis cross-sectional study conducted twenty-four focus group discussions (FGDs) in three districts of Rufiji, Kibiti and Kilwa in south-eastern Tanzania. Sixteen FGDs worked with school-age children (13 to 18 years) separating girls and boys and eight FGDs with their parents in mixed-gender groups. A total of 205 community members participated in FGDs across the study area. Of them, 72 participants were parents, while 133 were school-age children (65 boys and 68 girls).ResultsRoutine domestic activities such as fetching water, washing kitchen utensils, cooking, and recreational activities such as playing and watching television and studying were the reported activities that kept school-age children outdoors early evening to night hours (between 18:00 and 23:00). Likewise, the social and cultural events including initiation ceremonies and livelihood activities also kept this age group outdoors from late evening to early night and sometimes past midnight hours. Parents migrating to farms from December to June, leaving behind school-age children unsupervised affecting their net use behaviour plus spending more time outdoors at night, and the behaviour of children sprawling legs and hands while sleeping inside treated bed nets were identified as potential risks to infectious mosquito bites.ConclusionThe risky activities, behaviours, and social events mostly occurring outdoors might increase school-age children’s vulnerability to malaria infections. The findings provide preliminary insight on potential risk factors for persisting transmission. Further studies to quantify the risk behaviour and activities are recommended to establish the magnitude and anticipated impact on supplementary control strategies to control infection in school-age children.

Community and School-Based Surveys of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections on Samosir Island, Indonesia

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are common in tropical and sub-tropical regions where they can have substantial local public health impacts. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of STH infection in the community and children aged 6 to 11 years attending government-run schools in the Simanindo sub-district of Samosir Island. In total, 314 individuals in the community and 187 children aged 6 to 11 years attending government schools were invited to provide a fecal sample. All fecal samples were examined microscopically using the Kato-Katz technique. The prevalence of STH infection in the community was 46.8% (147/314). Infections were caused by Ascaris lumbricoides (n=52), followed by Trichuris trichiura (n=48), and hookworms (n=26). The prevalence of STH infection in school-age children was 4.8% in 2023. All infections in this cohort were due to T. trichiura. Even though the MDA program effectively controls A. lumbricoides and hookworm infections in school children, the problem of controlling T. trichiura infection remains. Therefore, selective treatment after fecal sample examination is needed to prevent T. trichiura infection and the potential for infection-associated anemia. Health education focusing on personal hygiene and environmental sanitation is still important for preventing STH infections. The suggestion is a new community-based survey with random sampling is necessary to ensure the present prevalence of STH in the community.

The Prevalence of Trichuriasis in School-age Children in Asia: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Trichuris trichiura, hookworms, and Ascaris lumbricoides are known as soil-transmitted helminths that commonly infect humans. Transmission is more common in areas with poor personal hygiene and environmental sanitation. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine available information on the prevalence of T. trichiura infection in school-age children in Asia. This information can be used for additional studies to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for T. trichiura infection locally that can inform regional control programs and look at laboratory examination techniques to diagnose this parasite disease. Methods: Multiple databases (Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched for literature on the trichuriasis prevalence published from 2011 to January 2021. Results: A total of 13,836 studies were identified through database searches. The included studies represent 16 countries, with the highest number of study conducted in Yemen. Conclusions: The prevalence of trichuriasis in school-age children was found to vary widely by country. The Kato-Katz technique was commonly used to detect T. trichiura eggs in school-age children in Asia. Health sector should implement surveillance programs, particularly in countries with high infection prevalence. Educational programs aimed at improving personal hygiene and environmental sanitation to decrease trichuriasis transmission.

Confirmation of Soil-Transmitted-Helminths Infection Prevalence by Kato-Katz Kit Diagnostic in Elementary School Children in West Martapura River Banks, South Kalimantan Indonesia

Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) infections are the most widespread neglected tropical diseases, primarily affecting morbidity in School Age Children (SAC). STH infection in SAC remains a public health problem in Martapura River Banks. Early and accurate STH detection is essential to determine an effective treatment for reducing morbidity. The Health Department recommends detecting STH infection by Kato Katz (KK) but in public health centers only by the direct method. This research objective is to confirm STH infection prevalence by Kato-Katz (KK) in elementary school children in West Martapura River Banks, South Kalimantan, Indonesia, against the direct method. The modified KK templates were developed from acrylic material. A total number of 253 children 7-12 years old in four West Martapura elementary schools were examined for STHs eggs using both microscopies modified KK against direct method by two trained laboratory technicians. STHs infection prevalence was 50 (19.76%), interpreted as low prevalence by direct and 78 (30.83%), moderate by KK. The concordance between both methods was significantly based on Cohen’s kappa (?=0.682). Even though the concordance of both methods was strong, the prevalence of STHs by modified KK was 30.08% higher than by Direct, which was only 20.33% positive. This study recommended using the KK for STHs diagnostic for prevalence measurement in low STHs infection.

Malaria rapid diagnostic tests reliably detect asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infections in school-aged children that are infectious to mosquitoes

BackgroundAsymptomatic malaria infections (Plasmodium falciparum) are common in school-aged children and represent a disease transmission reservoir as they are potentially infectious to mosquitoes. To detect and treat such infections, convenient, rapid and reliable diagnostic tools are needed. In this study, malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDT), light microscopy (LM) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to evaluate their performance detecting asymptomatic malaria infections that are infectious to mosquitoes.MethodsOne hundred seventy asymptomatic school-aged children (6–14 years old) from the Bagamoyo district in Tanzania were screened for Plasmodium spp. infections using mRDT (SD BIOLINE), LM and qPCR. In addition, gametocytes were detected using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for all qPCR-positive children. Venous blood from all P. falciparum positive children was fed to female Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto mosquitoes via direct membrane feeding assays (DMFAs) after serum replacement. Mosquitoes were dissected for oocyst infections on day 8 post-infection.ResultsThe P. falciparum prevalence in study participants was 31.7% by qPCR, 18.2% by mRDT and 9.4% by LM. Approximately one-third (31.2%) of asymptomatic malaria infections were infectious to mosquitoes in DMFAs. In total, 297 infected mosquitoes were recorded after dissections, from which 94.9% (282/297) were derived from infections detected by mRDT and 5.1% (15/297) from subpatent mRDT infections.ConclusionThe mRDT can be used reliably to detect children carrying gametocyte densities sufficient to infect high numbers of mosquitoes. Subpatent mRDT infections contributed marginally to the pool of oocyts-infected mosquitoes.Graphical

The Impact of Targeted Treatment and Mass Drug Administration Delivery Strategies on the Prevalence and Intensity of Schistosomiasis in School Aged Children in Africa: A Systematic Review.

Schistosomiasis is a public health problem in more than 78 countries in the world. The disease is most prevalent among children than adults due to their high exposure to infectious water sources. Various interventions such as mass drug administration (MDA), snail control, safe water provision and health education have been implemented independently or jointly to control, reduce and ultimately eliminate Schistosomiasis. This scoping review focused on studies reporting the impact of different delivery strategies of targeted treatment and MDA on the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis infection in school aged children in Africa. The review focused on Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni species. A systematic search for eligible literature from peer-reviewed articles was done from Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed and EBSCO host databases. The search yielded twenty-seven peer-reviewed articles. All articles found reported a decrease in the prevalence of schistosomiasis infection. Five studies (18.5%) reported a prevalence change below 40%, eighteen studies (66.7%) reported a change between 40% and 80%, and four studies (14.8%) reported a change above 80%. The infection intensity post-treatment was varied: twenty-four studies reported a decrease, while two studies reported an increase. The review showed that the impact of targeted treatment on the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis depended on the frequency at which it was offered, complementary interventions, and its uptake by the target population. Targeted treatment can significantly control the infection burden, but cannot eliminate the disease. Constant MDA programs coupled with preventative and health promotional programs are required to reach the elimination stage.

Environmental contamination by soil-transmitted helminths ova and subsequent infection in school-age children in Calabar, Nigeria

The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) is linked to poverty, poor environmental hygiene, and poor sanitation. A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2021 targeting school-age children (7–15 years) in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. Two hundred and forty-four (244) school-age children participated in the study and 240 soil samples were collected from the selected schools. Faecal and soil samples collected were analysed following standard methods. One hundred and thirty-two [132/244; 54.1%] of 244 faecal samples analysed were positive for STHs. Three STHs were present in faecal samples examined; Ascaris lumbricoides (31.6%), Trichuris trichiura (11.9%) and hookworm (8.2%). The prevalence of STHs was highest amongst the 13–15 years age-group (57.4%) and least in the 7–9 years age group (40.7%) (p = 0.319). Females had the highest prevalence rate (55.6%) while 52.3% was recorded in males (p = 0.164). The overall intensity of Ascaris lumbricoides (68.82±3.605 epg) infection was higher than that recorded for hookworm (58.80±7.279 epg) and T. trichiura (55.71±4.460 epg). There was no significant gender and age-related difference in infection intensities (P>0.05). Out of 240 soil samples examined, 156 (65%) were positive for STHs which included Ascaris lumbricoides (23.3%), hookworm (17.5%), Trichuris trichiura (16.3%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (15.8%). Dumpsites recorded the highest prevalence of STHs (72.5%). Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest mean parasite intensity in soil (148.78±12.28). Overall intensity of STHs in soil was significantly higher in dumpsites areas (164.32±20.58) compared to playground and toilet areas (p = 0.030). Our findings reveal that soil-transmitted helminthiases remains a burden amongst school-age children. Furthermore, the high level of contamination of soil with ova/larvae of parasites is a serious public health concern pointing to the need for proper sanitation and health education within the study area. Data present will aid policy makers in establishing measures to reduce the burden of soil-transmitted helminthiases in children as well as the level of contamination in the environment.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Vitamin D3 Concentration among School Children 7-18 Years Old in Bojnurd City

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite with relatively high prevalence in human societies. Due to the lack of information on toxoplasmosis infection in school-aged children in Bojnord, the present study aimed to assess the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in school-age students and the level of vitamin D3 deficiency in them in Bojnurd, Northeast of Iran. Method: In this cross-sectional study, the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies and their correlation with vitamin D3 deficiency were analyzed with ELISA among 361 school-aged children living in the urban areas of Bojnord. Results: Of the 361 recruited subjects, 175 (48.5%) cases were male, and 186 (51.5%) subjects were female. They were within the age range of 7-18 years. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii among school children was 6% (22/361), that were positive for T. gondii IgG, and none of the children were positive for T. gondii IgM. No significant difference was found between males and females. Seropositivity to toxoplasmosis was not significantly associated with age, gender, residential area, and having contact with cats (P&gt;0.05). Vitamin D3 deficiency was observed only in eight students with anti-toxoplasma antibodies. Conclusion: As evidenced by the results of this study, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis among school-aged children in Bojnord is relatively low; nonetheless, vitamin D3 deficiency was observed in people with toxoplasmosis; therefore, control programs and health education are necessary to prevent toxoplasmosis in children

Visual detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae by the recombinase polymerase amplification assay coupled with lateral flow dipstick

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) is a common cause of respiratory infections in school-age children. In the present study, a recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay combined with lateral flow dipstick (LFD) was developed for diagnosis of Mp. Specific primers and a probe were designed for the Mp p1 gene. The optimal reaction conditions of the RPA-LFD assay were 37 °C and 25 min. The minimal detection limit of the RPA assay was 10 DNA molecules. The RPA method had no cross-reaction with the other 14 common pathogens tested. The practicability of the assay for detecting Mp in clinical samples from the patients suspected to be Mp infection was also determined. The nucleic acids of the clinical samples were extracted by the DNA Rapid extraction reagent which took about 10 min. The clinical specimens were detected by the RPA method, and the result showed high agreement with that of the qPCR commercial kit. The RPA-LFD method with high sensitivity and specificity is easy to perform and is an alternative method for field detection in resources-limited settings.

Incidence of Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) Infection in School-Age Children in the Archipelago of North Sulawesi

Archipelagic areas are areas that are still lacking in the application of good sanitation life. One of the infectious diseases related to sanitation is worm infection. This study aims to identify the presence or absence of Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) intestinal parasitic infection in children in the archipelago. This research was carried out at the Bethel Alo Christian Education Foundation Elementary School, Talaud Regency. This research is a descriptive research. The sampling technique is Porposive sampling, the sample of this research is 35 samples. After microscopic examination using faecal samples, it was found that 5 samples were positive for helminthiasis while 30 other samples were negative. Of the 5 samples, 2 positive samples of Ascaris lumbricoides worm eggs, 2 samples of Trichuris trichiura, and 1 sample of mixed infection of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura. The results showed as many as 5 positive samples or 14.29% of the 35 samples consisting of 2 samples or 5.71% of Ascaris lumbricoides, 5.71% of Trichuris trichiura, and 1 sample of Mix infection or 2.85%.

Personal Hygiene Skills are Not Related to Infections in School-Age Children

Introduction: The incidence of infection in school-age children can be caused by the negligence of children in carrying out personal hygiene, namely washing hands and due to contact with individuals who have been infected with pathogens. Infectious diseases that often suffer are upper respiratory infection, diarrhea, and intestinal worms with symptoms of fever. Preventive efforts that can be done by children are personal hygiene (washing hands). Prevention of infection in children is done by teaching school-age children to wash their hands properly. The objective of this study was to analyze personal hygiene skills (hand washing) with the incidence of infection in children.&#x0D; Methods: The method in this study was a pre-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design. The samples were 20 respondents of school-age children. Differences in pretest-posttest personal hygiene skills (hand washing).&#x0D; Results: The results are based on data collected from 20 subjects, the results of the pretest-posttest personal hygiene skills (hand washing) in the Wilcoxon test, there was a significant difference, namely (p = 0.541).&#x0D; Conclusion: There was no correlation between personal hygiene (hand washing) and the incidence of infection.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in children and adolescents: Can immunization prevent hospitalization?

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants of concern can infect people of all ages and can cause severe diseases in children, such as encephalitis, which require intensive care. Therefore, vaccines are urgently required to prevent severe disease in all age groups. We reviewed the safety and efficacy profiles of mRNA vaccines-BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273-demonstrated by clinical trials or observed in the real world. mRNA-1273 is effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in preschool children (6 months-6 years old). Both BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 are effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in school-aged children and adolescents, thereby preventing post-coronavirus disease (COVID) conditions. The common side effects of vaccination are pain at the injection site, fatigue, and headache. Myocarditis and pericarditis are uncommon. Monitoring post-vaccination troponin levels may help prevent severe cardiac events. The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus mutates its genome to overcome the herd immunity provided by mass vaccinations; therefore, we may need to develop new generations of vaccines, such as those using viral nucleocapsid proteins as antigens. In conclusion, the mRNA vaccines are generally safe and effective in preventing severe diseases and hospitalization among children and adolescents.

Incidence and Socioeconomic Impact of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among School Going Children of Private and Public Sectors Schools

Background: Parasitic infection is one of the most common infections in school age children because of poor quality of water, deprived sanitation system and lack of enough health care facilities in underdeveloped countries. Parasitic infections lead to anemia, growth retardation, weight loss, and other physical and mental health problems in children. Current study is designed to evaluate frequency of different intestinal parasitic infections and possible associated risk factors among school students in of District Buner Pakistan. Material and method: This Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Riaz Clinical Laboratory District Buner. All asymptomatic school going children between 5 to 15 years’ age of both genders were included in the study. Those students who had present with symptoms of gastrointestinal infection were excluded from the study. A total of 440 samples were collected from different public and private school’s children. Out of total 240 samples were collected from public sector schools and 200 samples from private sector school’s children. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to gather data on socio-demographic and associated risk factors. The adequate stool specimens were collected in sterile, screw caped disposable plastic container. All samples were examined under microscope using a direct wet mount and formal ether concentration technique. Data was analyzed through SPSS-22 and presented in the form of tables, Pie chart and bar graphs. Results: Out of 440 samples, 23.63% (104/440) were positive for an ova and cysts of different parasites. The parasite positivity ratio is greater in public sector school children (30%) compare to private sector school children (16%). Taenia saginata were most common parasite (8.4%) in school age children followed by Hymenolepis nana (5.68%), Ascaris lumbricoides (5.45%), Enterobius vermicularis 1.13%, and Strongyloides stecoralis (0.68%) were least common parasite in District Buner, Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa. Conclusion: Major contributor for the high prevalence of parasitic infections in public school children were found to be poor personal and environmental hygiene, lack of proper sanitation, contaminated food and water supply, personal habits of the children like nail biting and finger sucking, illiterate mother and low socio-economic status of the individuals. Keywords: Intestinal parasites, Worm infestation, School going children, Socioeconomic impact

Dry season prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum in asymptomatic Gambian children, with a comparative evaluation of diagnostic methods

BackgroundSubclinical infection with Plasmodium falciparum remains highly prevalent, yet diagnosing these often low-density infections remains a challenge. Infections can be subpatent, falling below the limit of detection for conventional thick-film microscopy and rapid diagnostic testing (RDT). In this study, the prevalence of subclinical P. falciparum infections in school-aged children was characterised at the start of the dry season in the Upper River Region of The Gambia in 2017/2018, with a goal to also compare the utility of different diagnostic tools.MethodsIn a cross-sectional survey of children living in 29 villages on the south bank of the Gambia river (median age of 10 years), matched microscopy, rapid diagnostic test (RDT, detecting histidine-rich protein 2) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR, targeting either 18S rRNA or var gene acidic terminal sequence) were used to determine the prevalence of patent and subpatent infections and to compare the performance of the different diagnostic methods.ResultsThe prevalence of var gene acidic terminal sequence (varATS) qPCR-detectable infections was 10.2% (141/1381) with a median density of 3.12 parasites/µL. Malaria prevalence was highly heterogeneous across the region, ranging from < 1% to ~ 40% prevalence in different village clusters. Compared to varATS, 18S rRNA PCR detected fewer low-density infections, with an assay sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 98.8%. Parasite prevalence in the cohort was 2.9% by microscopy and 1.5% by RDT. Compared to varATS qPCR, microscopy and RDT had sensitivities of 11.5% and 9.2%, respectively, although both methods were highly specific (> 98%). Samples that were positive by all three tests (varATS qPCR, RDT and microscopy) had significantly higher parasite densities (median = 1705 parasites/µL) than samples that were positive by varATS qPCR only (median = 2.4 parasites/µL).ConclusionsThe majority of subclinical malaria infections in school-aged children were of extremely low parasite density and detectable only by ultra-sensitive PCR analysis. Understanding the duration of these low density infections, their physiological impact and their contribution to sustained parasite transmission is necessary to inform malaria elimination strategies.