Infections In Schoolchildren Research Articles

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Intestinal Parasitic Infection in Schoolchildren in Battambang, Cambodia.

Most intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs), commonly endemic in tropical resource-poor developing countries, are neglected tropical diseases. Parasitic infections and malnutrition are most commonly found in children. We determined the prevalence of IPIs and the risk factors in Battambang Province, northwestern Cambodia, from August to September 2015. This study collected 308 valid questionnaires and specimens from Dontri (173, 56.2%) and Kon Kaêk (135, 43.8%) primary schools. All stool samples were examined using Chang's Feces Examination Apparatus through the merthiolate-iodine-formaldehyde technique. Headache (259, 84.1%), recurrent cough (249, 80.8%), and abdominal pain (235, 76.3%) were the most common symptoms as detected from questionnaire investigation. A total of 155 students were positive for any parasite type; a single parasite type was observed in 97 students (31.5%), two types in 40 students (13.0%), three types in 14 students (4.6%), and four types in four students (1.3%). Nine gastrointestinal parasite species (three helminths and six protozoa) were identified in the stool samples. The most common parasites in schoolchildren were Giardia intestinalis (31.5%) and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (17.5%). This is the first IPIs study, and more than half of the schoolchildren were infected with parasite species in Moung Russey District of Battambang Province. We found nine parasite species, including helminths and protozoa, and pathogenic protozoa were the main source of IPIs. Improving the detection method, sanitation facilities, and personal hygiene as well as utilizing combined drugs are all important measures to greatly reduce IPIs in Cambodian schoolchildren.

Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar infection in Mexican school children: genotyping and phylogenetic relationship.

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the frequency of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar infection in school children in the community of Tlaltizapan, in order to understand the dynamics of infection within the school and family spheres of this population. Amoebiasis is an unsolved public health problem and an endemic disease in Mexico. The incidence rate varies depending on the state; the most affected states show the highest numbers of new cases of amoebiasis per year. Previously, we reported the molecular frequency of infection with E. histolytica and/or E. dispar in other rural communities of the state of Morelos.MethodsChildren from 3 schools were studied to estimate the frequency of intestinal parasites through microscopic examination of fresh stool samples. The number of studied individuals were 309 school children. The molecular characterization of E. histolytica or E. dispar was carried out by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using species-specific primers to amplify short tandem repeats (STR) in non-coding sequences associated with the tRNA gene; the amplified fragments were sequenced and analyzed.ResultsEight different genotypes were obtained from E. dispar isolates with the molecular marker NKD3-D5. None of the cases in which the species E. histolytica was detected developed symptoms attributable to an invasive process of disease. Moreover, the parasitized condition appeared to have no significant impact on the development or nutritional status of affected children. Genotype 1, which corresponds to the reference strain E. dispar SAW760, considered a non-pathogenic amoeba, was the most prevalent.ConclusionsThe comparison of the genotypes of Entamoeba species did not show a correlation between children and their relatives. In this community, the species Entamoeba dispar genotype 1 was the most widespread. Based on the indicators of growth, development and nutrition status, the studied community seems to be reasonably adapted to constant exposure to intestinal parasites, since there were no evidences of a serious impact of the parasitized condition on the children’s health.

Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth infections in schoolchildren in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

There is a paucity of epidemiological data pertaining to schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). A cross-sectional survey was carried out in the north-eastern part of DRC enrolling 400 schoolchildren aged 9-14 years. Stool and urine samples were subjected to standard diagnostic methods and examined under a microscope for helminth eggs. Four out of five children were infected with at least one helminth species. Schistosoma mansoni was the predominant species (57.8%). Urine examinations were all negative for S. haematobium. S. mansoni and STH infections are highly endemic in the surveyed part of the DRC, calling for interventions in school-aged children.

Increased prevalence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae serological positivity in Chilean young children

BackgroundMycoplasma pneumoniae is a frequent cause of respiratory infections in school children and adolescents. Epidemiological suspicion is important, since there are no specific symptoms or signs to help in diagnosing infection caused by this agent. ObjectiveTo determine the variation in prevalence over the last 10 years of M. pneumoniae IgM seropositivity according to age, particularly in pre-schoolers. MethodThe results of M. pneumoniae IgM serological testing between January 2004 and December 2013 were analysed. Variables such as gender and month and year of sample processing were studied according to age groups (<5, 5–18, 19–50, 51–70 and >70 years of age). ResultsOf a total of 20,020 serological samples, 31.9% proved positive for M. pneumoniae. All age groups showed increases in percentage seropositivity over the last 10 years, although the most significant increase corresponded to the 5–18 years group (from 15.8% to 54%), followed by children <5 years of age (from 8.6% to 30%). Seropositivity was significantly higher in women in all age groups, except in those over 50 years of age. ConclusionChildren under five years of age were the group with the second highest increase in seropositivity.

Intestinal Helminthic Infections in School Children, Cibubur, East Jakarta

Intestinal Helminthic Infections in School Children, Cibubur, East Jakarta

Seroprevalence and Correlates of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Secondary School Children in Enugu, Nigeria.

Background:Although children comprise a small fraction of the burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, which is a major global health challenge, a significant number of them develop chronic HCV infection and are at risk of its complications.Aim:The aim of the current study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of HCV infection in school children in Enugu urban.Subjects and Methods:This was a cross-sectional seroepidemiological study involving children aged 10–18 years selected using multistage systematic sampling in Enugu metropolis, Southeast Nigeria. The anti-HCV was tested using a 3rd generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 16.0 with the level of significance set at P < 0.05.Results:Four hundred and twenty children were selected and screened comprising 210 (50.0%) males and females. The seroprevalence of anti-HCV was 4 (1.0%). Three (75%) out of the four positive cases for the anti-HCV were females while one was a male giving a male to female ratio of 0.3–1. Traditional scarifications/tattoos were the putative risk factors observed to be significantly associated with anti-HCV seropositivity.Conclusion:This study has demonstrated an anti-HCV seroprevalence of 1.0% among children aged 10–18 years in Enugu with traditional scarification as the predominant associated risk factor. Proper health education including school health education and promotion of behavioral change among the public on the practice of safe scarifications/tattoos should be encouraged in our setting.

Assessment of sanitary conditions and prevalence of enteric parasitic infections among school children of Visakhapatnam

Background: Sanitation in schools is the significant factor that holds an important role in children’s health and their performance. Recent studies in southern India revealed that the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths was almost 7.8% varying from school to school. Objective: To assess the sanitary facilities in the government-aided schools and the prevalence of parasitic enteric infections in school children. Materials and Methods: A total of 2,250 stool samples were taken from the children of age group ranging 6–13 years and examined using the formalin–ethyl acetate concentration method. Result: Among the 2,250 children, a total of 288 children were infected with one or more enteric parasitic infections. There was predominance in single infection (204 cases) in relation to multiple infections (84 cases). Of the 204 single infection cases, 143 pupils were infected with protozoa infections and 61 pupils with helminths infections. The highest prevalent helminths was “hook worm” (0.6%) and protozoan “Blastocystis hominis”(2.5%). Conclusion: All the children are vulnerable to the risk of enteric parasitic infections. The reasons might be owing to improper sanitation facilities in schools, lack of awareness about enteric infections, and no provision for safe disposal fecal matter. First, a periodic treatment should be given to students once or twice a year. This intervention can reduce the morbidity of parasitic infections. Second, the provision of health and hygiene components such as promotion of handwashing and improved sanitation can reduce the prevalence of parasitic infections.

Latent tuberculous infection in schoolchildren and contact tracing in Matlosana, North West Province, South Africa.

This is a cross-sectional study to estimate the prevalence of latent tuberculous infection (LTBI) and the annual risk of tuberculous infection (ARTI) among a sample of children aged 5 and 7 years in Matlosana, South Africa. LTBI prevalence was significantly higher in children aged 7 years (n = 704) (19.7%, 95%CI 16.75-22.65) than in those aged 5 years (212/1401, 15.1%, 95%CI 13.23-16.97) (P = 0.0075). The ARI was 2.9% (95%CI 2.2-3.6).

Predictive Value of School-Aged Children's Schistosomiasis Prevalence and Egg Intensity for Other Age Groups in Western Kenya.

World Health Organization recommendations for the timing and target population for mass drug administration (MDA) for schistosomiasis are based on the prevalence of infection in school children within a given community. In a large study comparing MDA approaches for Schistosoma mansoni control, we evaluated whether prevalence of infection and egg burdens in 9- to 12-year-old students reflected infection levels in young children and adults in the same community. Cross-sectional surveys of preadolescents (9-12 years old) were compared with those of first year students (5-8 years old) in 225 villages and adults (20-55 years old) in 150 villages along the Kenyan shores of Lake Victoria. Village schistosomiasis prevalence and intensity levels in preadolescents strongly correlated (P < 0.0001) with prevalence and infection intensity for other age groups in the community. Our findings suggest that S. mansoni prevalence and intensity among 9- to 12-year-olds are valid for community sampling purposes in mapping for MDAs.

Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Schoolchildren and in Pregnant Women from an Amazonian Region in Orellana Province, Ecuador.

Chagas disease is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and about 230,000 persons are estimated to be infected in Ecuador. However, limited studies have been performed in the Amazon region, on the eastern side of the country. We evaluated here the seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in 12 rural villages of the Loreto canton, Orellana Province in schoolchildren aged 5-15 years and in pregnant women. A total of 1,649 blood samples were tested for Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and indirect hemaglutination, and discordant samples were tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay. We detected a seroprevalence of anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies of 1.3% in schoolchildren aged 5-15 years, indicating the persistence of a constant and active vectorial transmission in the Loreto County and confirming the need of the implementation of nonconventional vector control. We also observed a seroprevalence of 3.8% in pregnant women, indicating a clear risk of congenital transmission. Further studies should help define this risk more precisely and implement current international guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and care of these cases.

Current tuberculin reactivity of schoolchildren in the Central African Republic.

BackgroundThe tuberculin skin test (TST) is the recommended method for screening for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in many countries. We used this technique to assess bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) status and to estimate the current prevalence and annual rate of latent tuberculosis infection in schoolchildren in the Central African Republic.MethodsTwo tuberculin units of 0.1 ml purified protein derivative TR23 were injected intradermally into the left forearm of 2710 children attending school in Bangui and Ombella M’Poko. The induration size was interpreted at cut-off points of ≥5 mm, ≥10 mm and ≥15 mm. The annual infection rate was estimated as the average number of infections in the study sample each year between birth and the time of the survey.ResultsOverall, there was no reaction to the TST (no induration) in 71.7 % (95 CI, 68.3–75.3 %) of BCG-vaccinated children and 82.9 % (95 CI, 74.1–91.4 %) of non-vaccinated children. The proportions of children who gave a TST reaction above ≥10 mm and ≥15 mm cut-off was 18.4 % (95 % CI, 16.8–20.1 %) and 8.9 % (95 % CI, 7.8–10.0 %), respectively. The proportions of TST reaction above these cut-offs were 19.6 % (95 % CI, 17.4–21.9 %) and 8.1 % (95 % CI, 6.7–9.6 %), respectively. The annual infection rate was 0.8 % at the cut-off point of ≥15 mm.ConclusionThis study provides updated data on rates of tuberculosis infection in the Central African Republic. It is remarkable that most of the children had negative tuberculin reactivity. More studies are required to understand the factors that determine the low tuberculin reactivity in this population.

Height, zinc and soil-transmitted helminth infections in schoolchildren: a study in Cuba and Cambodia.

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections and zinc deficiency are often found in low- and middle-income countries and are both known to affect child growth. However, studies combining data on zinc and STH are lacking. In two studies in schoolchildren in Cuba and Cambodia, we collected data on height, STH infection and zinc concentration in either plasma (Cambodia) or hair (Cuba). We analyzed whether STH and/or zinc were associated with height for age z-scores and whether STH and zinc were associated. In Cuba, STH prevalence was 8.4%; these were mainly Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura infections. In Cambodia, STH prevalence was 16.8%, mostly caused by hookworm. In Cuban children, STH infection had a strong association with height for age (aB-0.438, p = 0.001), while hair zinc was significantly associated with height for age only in STH uninfected children. In Cambodian children, plasma zinc was associated with height for age (aB-0.033, p = 0.029), but STH infection was not. Only in Cambodia, STH infection showed an association with zinc concentration (aB-0.233, p = 0.051). Factors influencing child growth differ between populations and may depend on prevalences of STH species and zinc deficiency. Further research is needed to elucidate these relationships and their underlying mechanisms.

Impact of Mass Praziquantel Administration for Controlling Schistosoma haematobium Infection in Schoolchildren from Bamako, Mali

Impact of Mass Praziquantel Administration for Controlling Schistosoma haematobium Infection in Schoolchildren from Bamako, Mali

Impact on prevalence of intestinal helminth infection in school children administered with seven annual rounds of diethyl carbamazine (DEC) with albendazole

One third of the world's population is infected with one or more of the most common soil-transmitted helminths (STH). Albendazole (ALB) is being administered with diethyl carbamazine (DEC) in filariasis endemic areas to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF) and helminth infections. In this study, the cumulative impact of seven annual rounds of mass drug administrations (MDA) of DEC and ALB on STH infection in school children in selected villages in southern India was determined. During 2001-2010, seven MDAs were implemented by the Tamil Nadu s0 tate h0 ealth d0 epartment, India. LF and STH infections were monitored in school children from 18 villages of the two treatment arms (viz, DEC alone and DEC+ALB). Kato-Katz cellophane quantitative thick smear technique was employed to estimate STH infections at three weeks, six months and one year post MDA. Prior to treatment, an overall STH prevalence was 60 per cent. After each MDA, infection markedly reduced at three weeks post-treatment in both the arms. The prevalence increased at six months period, which was maintained up to one year. After seven rounds of MDA, the infection reduced from 60.44 to 12.48 per cent in DEC+ALB arm; while the reduction was negligible in DEC alone arm (58.77 to 52.70%). Seven rounds of MDA with DEC+ALB reduced the infection load significantly, and further sustained low level of infection for 10 years. However, complete parasite elimination could not be achieved. To curtail STH infection in the community, MDA should be regularized and environmental sanitation measures need to be improved by effective community-based campaigns.

Epidemiology of intestinal parasitic infections in school children in Ghazni Province, eastern Afghanistan.

Objective:To estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites and their species in Afghan school children and to establish appropriate treatment methods for detected pathogens.Methods:Parasitological examination of stool samples collected from 1369 children aged 8-18, students of the Jahan Malika High School in Ghazni Province in eastern Afghanistan, was conducted in the period November 2013-April 2014. Three stool samples were collected from each patient every second day; the samples were fixed in 10% formalin and tested by light microscopy using the methods of direct smear in Lugol’s solution, decantation in distilled water, and Fülleborn’s flotation.Results:Of 535 examined children (39.1% of the study group) were infected with nematodes (n=324), cestodes (n=118), trematodes (n=12), and protozoa (n=228), 132 were diagnosed with co-infections (mainly ascariasis+giardiasis, ascariasis+hymenolepiasis) and received single or combined therapy.Conclusions:The Afghan community is an example of population characterized by a high rate of parasitic infections. Owing to high prevalence of multiple infections among inhabitants of Afghanistan, it seems that a mass deworming campaign with a single-dose chemotherapy may prove ineffective in eradicating intestinal parasites in the local population.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infection and Its Side Effect in School Aged Children in Our Local Region

Background: The presence of intestinal protozoal infections and parasites is a common and important health problem in our developed country. Our aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and protozoa in primary school children, and relationships between the prevalence and family socio-economic status. Patients and Methods: The study population was randomly selected from two schools (rural and urbans), from April 2013 to September 2014. A total of 132 learners (85 boys and 47 girls) participated in this research. One of the selected school was a college (S1) and the other one was local goverment school (S2). The children weight, z scores, blood hemoglobin level and family properties such as fathers’ employment, etc. have been researched. Parasitological data were collected by analyzing stool samples using Formalin ethyl acetate concentration technique by the department of Biochemistry laboratory in The Goverment Hospital. Symptoms, socio-economic and epidemiologic data were collected by means of a pretested structured questionnaire. Results: Out of 132 learners analyzed, 44.6% stool samples were positive for ova and cysts of which 34.4% were known pathogenic parasites. The most common parasite was Giardia intestinalis followed by Dientamoeba fragilis, and Enterobius vermicularis. Occurrence of Blastocystis hominis, H. nana, Taenia spp, and Fasciola spp is low. Our findings showed that there was a significant difference in parasitic infections between S1 and S2 school. Significant associations between parasitic infections and children’s family educations were observed. The mean hemoglobin concentration was 96 g/L (7 ± 1.1) and the prevalence of parasitic infections was more than 40 in rural area school children (in S1 school). In total, 41.6.2% of children were hungry when they arrived at school from S1. Over 5% of mothers and 12% of fathers were illiterate. Conclusion: Our study results demonstrated that parasitic infections in school children were found to be a common and a severe public health problem. Diarrhea, abdominal pain and weight loss were the main symptoms. Lower socio-economic condition and poor sanitation were the main risk factors. In our opinion, the department of Public Heart Centers should explain the reasons to family for preventing intestinal parasitic disease, and explain hygienic conditions importance, and application of supportive programs for the parents.

Tinea capitis in schoolchildren in a rural area in southern Ethiopia.

Skin diseases, especially tinea capitis, represent some of the most frequent causes of morbidity in developing countries. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalences of fungal infections in schoolchildren in a primary school located in a rural area in southern Ethiopia and to perform an analysis of the risk factors associated with tinea capitis. This school-based, prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2012 in Gambo School, Kore, West Arsi, Oromya Region, Ethiopia. Detailed interviews and dermatological examinations were performed. No laboratory examinations were conducted. A total of 647 students were interviewed and examined. The mean age of these children was 10 years (range: 4-14 years). Of the children examined, 236 had some type of dermatophytosis (prevalence: 36.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 32.8-40.3), which represented the most frequent type of skin problem. The prevalence of dermatophytoses was more common in males than in females (42.2% and 30.5%, respectively; P = 0.002), and among pupils aged 5-7 years (46.9%; P < 0.001). A total of 159 (prevalence: 24.6%, 95% CI 21.3-28.1) children had tinea capitis, 56 (8.7%) had tinea pedis, 50 (7.7%) had tinea corporis, and six (0.9%) had tinea unguium. In multivariate analysis, the risk factors for tinea capitis were: age (odds ratio [OR] 0.75, 95% CI 0.69-0.84; P < 0.001), and male gender (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.69-13.39; P = 0.002). Fungal dermatoses, especially tinea capitis, are common in primary schoolchildren in rural areas of southern Ethiopia, especially in young boys.

Co-infection with Schistosoma haematobium modulates the gene expression profile of malaria infection in schoolchildren in Gabon

Background Helminths and malaria parasites inhabit the same geo graphical areas and coinfection is frequently observed. The immunological interaction between helminth and malaria infections is highly relevant to disease control and elimination, yet is poorly understood and understudied. Chronic helminth infection causes immune hyporesponsiveness and stimulates anti-inflammatory cytokine production, which in turn modulates the host immune response to malaria. In epidemiological studies, many data are conflicting with some reporting protective effects against malaria for Ascaris lumbricoides and Schistosoma haematobium while infection with hookworm or S. mansoni may increase the incidence of malaria and worsen pathology.

School hygiene and deworming are key protective factors for reduced transmission of soil-transmitted helminths among schoolchildren in Honduras.

BackgroundAmong many neglected tropical diseases endemic in Honduras, soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are of particular importance. However, knowledge gaps remain in terms of risk factors involved in infection transmission. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors associated with STH infections in schoolchildren living in rural Honduras.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among Honduran rural schoolchildren in 2011. Demographic, socio-economic, and epidemiological data were obtained through a standardized questionnaire and STH infections were determined by the Kato-Katz method. Logistic regression models accounting for school clustering were used to assess putative risk factors for infection.ResultsA total of 320 children completed the study. Prevalences for any STH and for Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworms were: 72.5%, 30.3%, 66.9% and 15.9%, respectively. A number of risk factors were identified at the individual, household, and school level. Boys were at increased odds of infection with hookworms (OR 2.33, 95% CI = 1.23-4.42). Higher socio-economic status in the family had a protective effect against infections by A. lumbricoides (OR 0.80, 95% CI = 0.65-0.99) and T. trichiura (OR 0.77, 95% CI = 0.63-0.94).Low school hygiene conditions significantly increased the odds for ascariasis (OR 14.85, 95% CI = 7.29-30.24), trichuriasis (OR 7.32, 95% CI = 3.71-14.45), mixed infections (OR 9.02, 95% CI = 4.66-17.46), and ascariasis intensity of infection (OR 3.32, 95% CI = 1.05 -10.52).Children attending schools not providing deworming treatment or that had provided it only once a year were at increased odds of ascariasis (OR 10.40, 95% CI = 4.39-24.65), hookworm (OR 2.92, 95% CI = 1.09-7.85) and mixed infections (OR 10.57, 95% CI = 4.53-24.66).ConclusionsPoverty-reduction strategies will ultimately lead to sustainable control of STH infections in Honduras, but as shorter-term measures, uninterrupted bi-annual deworming treatment paired with improvements in school sanitary conditions may result in significant reductions of STH prevalence among Honduran schoolchildren.

Epidemiological study on Schistosoma mansoni infection in Sanja area, Amhara region, Ethiopia

BackgroundThe epidemiology of schistosomiasis is well documented and its geographic distribution has been mapped and there is an ongoing mapping in Ethiopia. Nevertheless, new transmission foci have been discovered in different parts of the country. The objective of this study was to assess the establishment of transmission and determine the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection in school children from Sanja Town, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional parasitological survey involving 384 school children in two primary schools of Sanja Town was conducted between February and April 2013. Stool specimens were collected and microscopically examined using Kato-Katz and Sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin (SAF) concentration methods. Malacological survey was also carried out to identify snail intermediate hosts and larval infection rate in the snail. The snails collected were checked for trematode infection by shedding. Observation was also made on water contact habits of the study population.ResultsThe prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection using Kato-Katz method was high among male (79.5%) children in Sanja Primary school while it was high among female (75%) children in Ewket Amba Primary school. The prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection among Sanja Primary school children in the age groups 5–9 and 10–14 years were 84.6% and 75.2%, respectively while in Ewket Amba Primary school, the prevalence was 66% and 77.9% in the age groups 5–9 and 10–14 years respectively. The prevalence of schistosome infection in Biomphalaria pfeifferi was 16.9% and 0.027% during February and April, respectively. S. mansoni infection was successfully established in laboratory mice and adult worms were harvested after six weeks of laboratory maintenance. Observations made on water contact activities showed swimming, bathing and washing in the river and the stream as the high risk activities for Schistosoma mansoni infection.ConclusionThe study has shown establishment of transmission of schistosomiasis mansoni in Sanja Town. Therefore, appropriate integrated control measures need to be introduced to reduce morbidity in the population and also to control the transmission of schistosomiasis in the study area.