Modified Kato-Katz Technique Research Articles

Prevalence of Intestinal Helminthes among School-Aged Children in Ife Central Local Government, Nigeria: Implications for Targeted Interventions

Background: Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are a major health concern for children in developing countries. This study assesses the prevalence and intensity of STHs among pupils in private nursery and primary schools in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Methods: The study was conducted in Ife Central LGA, Osun State, Nigeria, involving preschool and school-aged children from two private schools. A total of 55 samples, from 22 male and 33 female pupils, were analyzed for intestinal parasite ova to determine the prevalence of helminth infections among the children. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institute of Public Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Consent was secured from parents or guardians. Samples were processed using the modified Kato-Katz technique and examined microscopically for soil-transmitted helminth (STH) eggs. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Among the 55 fecal samples collected, the overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections was 78.2%. Ascaris lumbricoides were the most prevalent helminth (76.4%), followed by Trichuris trichiuria (14.5%) and hookworms (5.5%). Females had a higher infection rate (81.8%) than males (68.2%). The prevalence of STH infections was highest among pupils aged ≥10 years (81.8%) and lowest among those aged 2-3 years (66.7%). Conclusion: This study highlights a significant burden of STH infections, particularly A. lumbricoides, among schoolchildren in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The high prevalence necessitates targeted deworming and improved sanitation interventions to reduce the burden of these infections among children in this region.

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis among school-aged children in selected primary schools in southwest Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and intensity of infection of soil-transmitted helminths among school-aged children in Ife Central and Ife East Local Government Areas, Osun State, Nigeria. Fresh stool samples were collected from 324 pupils, comprising 162 males and 162 females (aged 5-12 years). The preserved fecal samples were processed using a modified Kato-Katz technique. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Of the 324 fecal samples examined, 79 (24.4%) tested positive for helminth eggs. The eggs were identified as Ascaris lumbricoides, with a prevalence of 22.2%, and hookworm; with a prevalence of 3.7%. Double infections were observed in 5 (1.5%) pupils. Private schools had a slightly higher prevalence (24.7%) than did public schools (24.1%). Sex-related prevalence was higher among males (25.9%) than females (22.8%), and no significant difference existed in the prevalence level between the sexes (p > 0.05). This study concluded that STH infection remains a public health risk among children in the study area.

Epidemiology of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Among Pre-School Children in Ijebu-Jesa, Southwest, Nigeria

A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2012 and June 2013 among children aged 0-60 months attending monthly clinic organized by St. Andrew’s Clinic for Children (STACC) with a view to determining the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) among pre-school children. The study also identified the associated risk factors for Ascaris lumbricoides infections. Fresh faecal sample were collected from 223 children randomly selected into the labeled sample bottle in addition to a pretested questionnaire to collect demographic information from parents of these children. The faecal samples were homogenized, processed in the laboratory by modified Kato-Katz technique and then examined for Soil-transmitted helminthes eggs using light microscope at a magnification of x100. The data collected were analysed using SPSS statistical software Version 17.0.Of the 223 children examined, 73 (32.7%) were positive for at least one helminth. The prevalences of the helminths eggs were 31.4% for Ascaris lumbricoides, 1.8% for T. trichiura, 0.9% for hookworm and 0.5% for Strongyloides stercoralis. The prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminthes (STHs) increased with age; however, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the prevalence of infection between the two sexes. A co-infection of A. lumbricoides was the dominant infection. The lowest prevalence and intensity (15.6%; 31.27 ± 10.83), highest prevalence 58.3% and intensity (1943.33 ± 908.80) occurred in children aged 48-59 months. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that the pattern of A. lumbricoides infection was strongly influenced by animal ownership.

Long-Term Trend Analysis of Major Human Helminth Infections - Guangdong Province, China, 1988-2021.

Although helminth infections threaten millions of people worldwide, the spatiotemporal characteristics remain unclear across China. This study systematically describes the spatiotemporal changes of major human helminth infections and their epidemiological characteristics from 1988 to 2021 in Guangdong Province, China. The survey data in Guangdong Province were primarily obtained from 3 national surveys implemented during 1988-1992, 2001-2004, and 2014-2016, respectively, and from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention during 2019-2021. A modified Kato-Katz technique was used to detect parasite eggs in collected fecal samples. The overall standardized infection rates (SIRs) of any soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and Clonorchis sinensis decreased from 65.27% during 1988-1992 to 4.23% during 2019-2021. In particular, the SIRs of STH had even more of a decrease, from 64.41% during 1988-1992 to 0.31% during 2019-2021. The SIRs of Clonorchis sinensis in the 4 surveys were 2.40%, 12.17%, 5.20%, and 3.93%, respectively. This study observed different permutations of gender, age, occupation, and education level on the SIRs of helminths. The infection rate of STH has substantially decreased. However, the infection rate of Clonorchis sinensis has had fewer changes, and it has become the dominant helminth.

Efficacy of triple dose albendazole treatment for soil-transmitted helminth infections.

In Malaysia, soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections still persist among indigenous communities. In the past, local studies have focused mostly on epidemiologic aspects of STH infections with a scarcity of information on the efficacy of deworming treatment. The present study consisted of 2 phases: a cross-sectional phase on current epidemiological status and risk factors of STH infections and a longitudinal study over 6 weeks on triple dose albendazole efficacy against STH infections. A total of 253 participants were recruited at baseline and a pre-tested questionnaire was administered to obtain information on socio-demographics, environmental and behavioural risk factors. Stool samples were evaluated using a modified Kato-Katz technique. Cure rate (CR) and egg reduction rate (ERR) were assessed at 3 weeks following a 3-day course of 400mg albendazole treatment and infection status were observed again at 6 weeks. Baseline positivity of trichuriasis, ascariasis and hookworm infections were 56.1%, 11.9% and 20.2%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed age below 18 years old (P = 0.004), without latrine in house (P = 0.042) and indiscriminate defecation (P = 0.032) were associated with STH infections. In the longitudinal study (N = 89), CR for trichuriasis was 64.6%, while CR of 100% was observed for both ascariasis and hookworm. ERR was above 90% for all three STH species. A rapid increased of Trichuris trichiura egg output was observed at 6 weeks. In conclusion, STH infections are highly prevalent among indigenous communities. Children and teenagers, poor sanitation and hygiene behaviour were determinants for STH infections. Triple dose albendazole is found to be efficacious against Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm infections but has moderate curative effect with high ERR against T. trichiura. Although triple dose albendazole regimen has logistic challenges and may not be a routine option, consideration of this treatment regime may still be necessary in selective communities to reduce high intensity of T. trichiura infection.

Surveillance of Enterobius vermicularis infections among children in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2020

To investigate the prevalence and changing trend of Enterobius vermicularis infections among children in Shandong Province, so as to provide the scientific evidence for the adjustment and development of the enterobiasis control strategy. Soil-borne nematodiasis surveillance sites were assigned in 51 counties (districts, cities) in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2020, and the E. vermicularis infections were detected using a modified Kato-Katz technique and the cellophane tape method among children at ages of 3 to 9 years living in these surveillance sites. The epidemiological profiles of E. vermicularis-infected children were descriptively analyzed. A total of 5 060 children at ages of 3 to 9 years were detected in 51 soil-borne nematodiasis surveillance sites in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2020, and the overall prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 2.23%. The annual prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 3.99% (26/651), 1.70% (14/824), 0.96% (8/837), 2.90% (45/1 552) and 1.67% (20/1 196) from 2016 to 2020, respectively, with a significant difference detected among years (χ2 = 21.455, P < 0.01). The prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 1.25% (15/1 198), 1.85% (14/755), 3.18% (84/2 640) and 0 (0/467) among children from central, eastern, southern and northern Shandong Province (χ2 = 27.326, P < 0.01). In addition, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of E. vermicularis infections between male (1.98%, 56/2 831) and female children (2.56%, 57/2 229) (χ2 = 1.916, P > 0.05); however, there was age-specific prevalence of E. vermicularis infections among children (χ2 = 16.448, P < 0.05), with the greatest prevalence detected among children at ages of 6 years (3.18%, 25/786), and the lowest prevalence seen among children at ages of 3 years (0.75%, 6/800). The prevalence of E. vermicularis infections remained at a medium level among children at ages of 3 to 9 years in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2020, with region-specific prevalence found across the province. An integrated strategy is required for enterobiasis control.

Prevalence of human soil-borne nematode infections in Yunnan Province: a cross-sectional study in 2015

To investigate the current prevalence of human soil-borne nematode infections in Yunnan province, so as to provide the scientific evidence for formulating the soil-borne nematodiasis control strategy in the province. In 2015, a total of 20 survey sites were sampled in 10 counties (cities) of Yunnan Province using the stratified cluster random sampling method. Stool samples were collected from all local permanent residents at ages of one year and older in each survey site, and the soil-borne nematode eggs were identified using the modified Kato-Katz technique and the egg number was counted. In addition, the hookworm species was identified using the filter-paperculture method, and Enterobius vermicularis eggs were detected using the cellophane tape method in children at ages of 3 to 6 years. A total of 5 067 residents received stool examinations, and 950 residents were detected with soil-borne nematode infections, with an overall prevalence rate of 18.75%. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichura and hookworm was 7.52%, 8.47% and 9.02%, respectively. Among 446 children detected using the cellophane tape method, 5 children were detected with E. vermicularis infections. Among the 160 residents with hookworm infections, there were 139 residents with Necator americanus infections (86.88%), 16 with A. duodenale infections (10.00%) and 5 with mixed infections (3.12%). Mild A. lumbricoides (67.98%, 259/381), T. trichura (88.58%, 380/429) and hookworm infections (94.53%, 432/457) were predominant. Among the four ecological zones, the highest prevalence of human soilborne nematode infections was found in the East Tibet-South Sichuan Ecological Zone (31.79%), and among the 10 survey counties (cities), the greatest prevalence was seen in Gongshan Derung and Nu Autonomous County (50.13%), while the lowest prevalence was found in Ninglang Yi Autonomous County (0.40%). The prevalence of human soil-borne nematode infections was 5.67% (43/759), 26.67% (610/2 287) and 14.70% (297/2 021) in high-, moderate- and low-economic-level regions, respectively. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of human soil-borne nematode infections in terms of ecological regions, survey counties (cities) or economic development levels (χ2 = 342.20, 814.60 and 201.34, all P < 0.05). There was no significantdifference in the prevalence of human soil-borne nematode infections between male (18.21%, 441/2 422) and female residents (19.24%, 509/2 645) (χ2 = 0.89, P > 0.05), and soil-borne nematode infections were detected in residents at all age groups, with the greatest prevalence found in residents at ages of 1 to 9 years (25.88%). In addition, the highest prevalence of soil-borne nematode infections was seen in residents with the Dulong Ethnic Minority (82.09%), in preschool children (25.06%) and in illiterate residents (24.80%), and there was no age-, ethnicity-, occupation- or education level-specific prevalence of soil-borne nematode infections detected (χ2 = 46.50, 1 016.96, 36.33 and 52.43, all P < 0.05). The prevalence of human soil-borne nematode infections remains high in Yunnan Province. The management of soil-borne nematodiasis requires to be reinforced among low-age children, farmers, old people and residents with low educations levels or ethnic groups.

Prevalence of Opisthorchis viverrini and Its Associated Risk Factors in the Phon Sawan District of Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand.

Background:Opisthorchis viverrini is one of the endemic helminths in Thailand. Nonetheless, O. viverrini still exist and raise concerns regarding public health. This study aimed to evaluate the current prevalence of O. viverrini infections and underlying risk factors among rural communities in Northeast Thailand.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted between Sep and Dec 2019 in Phon Sawan district in Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand. The participants were selected using a voluntary sampling method after the proportional allocation of the total sample size. Demographic data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. One stool sample was collected from each participant and the presence of O. viverrini and other intestinal parasite infections were determined using the modified Kato-Katz technique.Results:Overall, 250 participants aged 21 yr or older were enrolled. Overall, the prevalence of O. viverrini and Strongyloides stercoralis was 24% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.8–29.8) and 1.2% (95% CI: 0.2–3.5), respectively. Of the positive O. viverrini cases, the parasite rate significantly differed between gender, age group and in those who had a history of eating raw fish and taking the anti-helminthic drug (all P<0.05). Nevertheless, multivariate regression analysis among O. viverrini cases revealed that only being male (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.9 [95% CI: 1.1 – 3.6], P = 0.033) and aged ≥61 yr (aOR 6.7 [95% CI: 1.4 – 32.5], P=0.018) were positively associated with a higher risk of O. viverrini infection.Conclusion:Opisthorchiasis and strongyloidiasis are still endemic in this area and there is a need for projects to eliminate these parasites.

National surveillance on Enterobius vermicularis infections among children at ages of 3 to 9 years in China from 2016 to 2018

To understand the epidemic status of Enterobius vermicularis infections among children aged 3 to 9 years in China, so as to provide scientific basis for the formulation of the prevention and control strategies for enterobiasis. The national surveillance of enterobiasis was performed in 736 national surveillance sites (counties) from 30 provinces (municipalities/autonomous regions) in China from 2016 to 2018. All surveillance sites were classified into parts according to the geographical directions, including the eastern, western, southern, northern and middle parts, and a township was randomly selected from each part. Then, an administrative village was randomly selected from the township, and 200 permanent residents at ages of over 3 years living in the administrative village were randomly selected using the cluster sampling method. A total of 1 000 residents were examined in each surveillance site. E. vermicularis infections were detected among children at ages of 3 to 9 years using the modified Kato-Katz technique and the adhesive cellophane-tape perianal swab method, and the prevalence of infections was calculated and compared. The prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 2.50%, 2.84% and 2.46% among children at ages of 3 to 9 years in the 736 surveillance sites from 30 provinces (municipalities/autonomous regions) in China from 2016 to 2018, and there was no gender-specific prevalence of E. vermicularis infections (P > 0.05). Enterobiasis was main prevalent in the southern and southwestern part of China (Jiangxi, Guangxi, Guangdong, Sichuan, Fujian, Chongqing and Hainan), with 5.00% prevalence and greater, and the highest prevalence was seen in Jiangxi and Guangxi for successive 3 years. In addition, the prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was higher in children with the Han ethnicity than in those with the minority ethnicity, and a high prevalence was found in children at ages of 4 to 7 years, and a low prevalence seen in children at ages of 3, 8 and 9 years. The prevalences of E. vermicularis infections have not changed much among children at ages of 3 to 9 years in China from 2016 to 2018, and high prevalence is seen in southern and southwestern China, which should be given a high priority.

Surveillance of soil-borne nematodiasis in Danyang City from 2012 to 2018

To monitor the epidemic status of human soil-borne nematodiasis in Danyang City, so as to provide scientific evidence for formulating control measures. The soil-borne nematode infections were tested using a modified Kato-Katz technique among residents aged more than 3 years living in Danyang City from 2012 to 2018, and the Enterobius vermicularis eggs were detected using the transparent adhesive tape anal swab method among children at ages of 3 to 12 years. A total of 13 540 residents were monitored for soil-borne nematode infections from 2012 to 2018, and the prevalence of human soil-borne nematode infections was 0.45%. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichura and Enterobius vermicularis infections was 0.32%, 0.12% and 0.01%, respectively, and a single parasite infection was predominant. There were significant differences in the prevalence of soil-borne nematode (χ2 = 42.610, P < 0.05), A. lumbricoides (χ2 = 26.276, P < 0.05) and T. trichura (χ2 = 20.692, P < 0.05). The prevalence of human soil-borne nematode infections was 0.45% in males and 0.47% in females, and lower prevalence was found in local residents than in floating population (0.28% vs. 0.66%; χ2 = 10.561, P < 0.05). The highest infection was found in subjects at ages of 31 to 40 years (0.59%), followed by in subjects at ages of 41 to 50 years (0.56%), and the lowest infection was seen in children at ages of 3 to 5 years (0.27%). In addition, the prevalence of human soilborne nematode infections varied significantly in occupation (χ2 = 75.692, P < 0.05), with the highest infection seen in boatmen. Among the 5 078 children monitored, the prevalence of E. vermicularis infection was 0.37%, and the prevalence of E. vermicularis infection varied significantly in year (χ2= 15.466, P < 0.05). The human soil-borne nematode infection is at a low level in Danyang City; however, the surveillance of soil-borne nematodiasis remains to be intensified in children living in rural areas and immigrant populations.

Surveillance of soil-transmitted nematode infections in Zhenjiang City from 2006 to 2018

To understand the epidemic trend of soil-transmitted nematodiasis in Zhenjiang City from 2006 to 2018, so as to provide evidence for formulating targeted control measures. The permanent residents at ages of 3 years and greater and the immigrants who had lived in Zhenjiang City for more than one year were selected as the study subjects. Fecal samples were collected, and the soil-transmitted nematode eggs were detected in fecal samples with the modified Kato-Katz technique (three smears from one stool sample), while the children at ages of 12 years and lower were tested for Enterobius vermicularis eggs using the adhesive cellophane-tape perianal swab method. The prevalence and intensity of parasitic infections were estimated in Zhenjiang City each year from 2006 to 2018, and the data pertaining to the deworming for soil-transmitted nematode infections were collected during the study period. A total of 202 880 person-times were subjected to stool examinations in Zhenjiang City from 2006 to 2018, and 946 persons were detected with soil-transmitted nematode infections, with a mean prevalence of 0.47%. The overall prevalence of human soil-transmitted nematode infections appeared a decline tendency (P < 0.01), with a reduction from 1.10% in 2006 to 0.11% in 2018, and there was a region-specific overall prevalence (P < 0.01), with the highest prevalence seen in Runzhou District (1.65%) and the lowest detected in New District (0.04%). The mean prevalence of human Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Trichuris trichiura infections was 0.33%, 0.09% and 0.04% in Zhenjiang City, respectively, and showed a decline tendency year by year from 2006 to 2018 (P < 0.01). Among all infections, mild infections were predominant. During the period from 2006 through 2018, a total of 45 427 children were examined in Zhenjiang City from 2006 to 2018, and 145 children were positive for E. vermicularis infections, with a mean prevalence of 0.32%. The prevalence of E. vermicularis infections decreased from 1.33% in 2006 to 0.22% in 2018 in children, and the overall prevalence appeared a decline tendency (P < 0.01). A single parasite infection was predominant in soil-transmitted nematode infections (97.46%), and mixed infection of two parasites were mainly detected before 2007. A total of 535 089 person-times received deworming in Zhenjiang City from 2006 to 2018, and the rate of adverse events was 0.002%. Currently, the soil-transmitted nematode infection is at a low level in Zhenjiang City, and the overall prevalence of soil-transmitted nematode infections shows a decline tendency year by year. The surveillance and health education of soil-transmitted nematodiasis should be further intensified to consolidate the control achievements.

Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites of Domestic Dogs in Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria: A Faecal Examination Survey Study

Toxocariasis remain the most important parasitic infections affecting companion animals worldwide and pose a risk to animal and human health. There is still inadequate information on these infections in dogs in some parts of Nigeria. A cross sectional study was undertaken between August and December, 2015 to determine the prevalence and intensity of intestinal helmiths of domestic dogs in Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria. A total of 174 faecal samples collected randomly from dogs were processed and examined for helminth eggs using modified Kato-Katz technique. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth was 41.7%. T. canis was the most frequently observed helminth parasites with a prevalence of 30.5%, while prevalence of 28.2% and 9.8% were obtained for A. caninum and D. caninum respectively. Prevalence patterns in T. canis were age dependent showing a decreasing prevalence with age of host. There was a significantly (p<0.05) greater prevalence and intensity in dogs that roam freely (39.8%; 118.2 ± 25.7 epg) as compared with kenneled dogs (10.7%; 19.3 ± 11.2 epg). T. canis, A. caninum and D. caninum were the zoonotic gastrointestinal helminths prevalent in dogs in the study area. Interventions should include establishment of a program focusing on zoonotic diseases.

EVALUATION OF SOME MICROSCOPIC TECHNIQUES FOR DETECTING BILHARZIA AND INTESTINAL PARASITES

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of five different diagnostic techniques (haematouria, macro-haematouria, syringe filtration, vacuum flask filtration and sedimentation) in the detection of urinary schistosomiasis. Likewise, five techniques (direct smear, cellophane thick smear, ether-formalin, modified Kato-template and modified Kato-syringe) techniques used in the detection of intestinal schistosomiasis and other intestinal parasites were evaluated using fecal samples. The results showed that the most efficient diagnostic technique for fecal samples is the modified Kato-Katz technique, while the ether-formalin method was the most sensitive tool for the detection of Schistosoma mansoni, Enterobius sp. and Ascaris sp. rates of infection and worm burden. The modified Kato techniques (template and syringe) failed to detect the intestinal protozoa, Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica, while the syringe filtration technique was the most powerful urine test.

Determination of Geohelminthiasis and Its Association with Allergic Sensitization among Selected Children in Batangas, Philippines

&lt;p&gt;Several studies have explored the cross-reactivity between geohelminthiasis and allergy which share the same immune response in humans by triggering the increase in serum IgE level. Yet, the role of soil-transmitted intestinal parasitism as a protective or contributing factor for allergy remains inconclusive. In this study, the association of geohelminthiasis with allergic sensitization was investigated in a cohort of 50 children aged 5 to 12 years old residing in the areas of Batangas, Philippines where parasitism is prevalent. Stool samples of the subjects were qualitatively examined for the presence of helminth infection through modified Kato-Katz technique. They were also assessed for allergic diseases using the modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Phase I questionnaire. Fecalysis results were correlated with their serum total IgE (tIgE) levels and screening test results for allergic sensitization to common aeroallergens and food allergens determined through ImmunoCAP&lt;sup&gt;®&lt;/sup&gt; system. Of the participants, 78% were under 10 years old while 22% were aged 10 years old and above. Mixed infection of &lt;em&gt;Ascaris lumbricoides &lt;/em&gt;and&lt;em&gt; Trichuris trichiura &lt;/em&gt;were found to be the most common (40%) followed by trichuriasis (34%) and ascariasis (26%). Atopic allergy to inhalants is prevalent in children under 10 years old (74.36%) whereas, some of them (5.13%) are fX2 positive which confirms the participants’ allergy to seafood. It was revealed that the occurrence of geohelminthic infection and allergy may affect any child regardless of age and serum total IgE level does not considerably vary with age, geohelminthiasis and presence of allergy. Hence, geohelminthiasis does not play contributory nor inhibitory role in allergic sensitization as established by a 0.05 level of significance (p≤0.05).&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths in remote villages in East Kwaio, Solomon Islands.

Although soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are endemic in Solomon Islands, there are few recent reports on their prevalence. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of STH in residents of remote communities in Solomon Islands. A cross-sectional convenience-sampled survey of residents of four adjacent villages in Malaita, Solomon Islands was performed in Atoifi and Na'au in April 2011 and in Abitona and Sifilo in April 2012. All residents older than one year were invited to participate, which involved providing a single sample of faeces examined using a modified Kato-Katz technique and completing a questionnaire that asked demographic and STH-related behaviour questions. The overall participation rate was 52.8%, with 402 participants comprising 49.8% males. Hookworm was the predominant STH with only a single case of trichuriasis found in Atoifi. The total prevalence of hookworm was 22.6% (95% confidence interval: 18.6-27.1); the prevalence of hookworm in Abitona, Na'au and Sifilo was 20.0%, 29.9% and 27.4%, respectively, whereas in Atoifi it was 2.3% (P<0.001). Intensity was low in all villages. Although health behaviours differed significantly between Atoifi and the other three villages, the type of toilet used was the only significant association with hookworm. Residents of Atoifi have a relative freedom from STH compared to the other three villages. Rather than a region-wide morbidity control approach, a "one village at a time" approach aiming to eliminate STH and dealing with each village as a separate autonomous unit empowered to manage its own challenges may be a preferred option.

English

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites in pigs from the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Faecal samples were collected randomly from 271 pigs between April and October 2010, processed by modified Kato-katz technique and then examined for the presence of helminth ova and protozoan oocysts and cysts. Out of the 271 faecal samples examined, 97 (35.8%) were infected with one or more parasite species. Five types of parasites were identified, including Trichuris suis, Ascaris suum, human hookworm, Stephanurus dentatus and Isospora suis. T. suis was the most prevalent parasite. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was significantly higher in male pigs than in females (P<0.05). Single infection was more common with a prevalence of 80.4%. The results of this study provide baseline information about the parasitic fauna in intensively managed pigs in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Key words: Prevalence, gastrointestinal parasites, Ascaris suum, pig, Trichuris suis, Ibadan.

Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections among Plantation Sector Schoolchildren in Sri Lanka: Prevalence after Ten Years of Preventive Chemotherapy

BackgroundThe plantation sector in Sri Lanka lags behind the rest of the country in terms of living conditions and health. In 1992, a sector-wide survey of children aged 3–12 years and women of reproductive age showed >90% prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections. Biannual mass de-worming targeting children aged 3–18 years started in 1994 and was continued until 2005. The present study was carried out to assess the status of infection four years after cessation of mass de-worming.Methods/FindingsA school-based cross-sectional survey was carried out. Faecal samples from approximately 20 children from each of 114 schools in five districts were examined using the modified Kato-Katz technique. Data regarding the school, the child's family and household sanitation were recorded after inspection of schools and households. Multivariate analysis was carried out using logistic regression, to identify risk factors for infection. Faecal samples were obtained from 1890 children. In 4/5 districts, >20% were infected with one or more helminth species. Overall combined prevalence was 29.0%; 11.6% had infections of moderate-heavy intensity. The commonest infection was Ascaris lumbricoides, present in all five districts, as was Trichuris trichiura. Hookworm was not detected in two districts. Multivariate analysis identified low altitude and maternal under-education as risk factors for all three infections. Poor household sanitation was identified as a risk factor for A. lumbricoides and hookworm, but not T. trichiura infections.Conclusions/SignificanceThe results indicate that regular mass de-worming of plantation sector children should be resumed along with more emphasis on better sanitation and health education. They show that even after 10 years of mass chemotherapy, prevalence can bounce back after cessation of preventive chemotherapy, if the initial force of transmission is strong and other long-term control measures are not concomitantly implemented.

&lt;i&gt;Toxocara cati&lt;/i&gt; infections in domestic cats from two communities in south-western Nigeria

An epidemiological survey was undertaken to study the prevalence and intensity of infection with Toxocara cati in some selected domestic cats from two communities in south-western Nigeria. Faecal samples of 200 cats were collected through a direct rectal swab using a long forceps from households with cat from Ode Irele and Oyo communities between April and September 2008 and examined for eggs of T. cati using a modified Kato-katz technique. An overall prevalence of 48.5% was recorded for T. cati infection. The overall mean intensity of T. cati infection as determined by eggs per gram of faeces (epg) was 387.20 ± 101.20. The highest prevalence of infection was recorded in cats above 48 months (> 48 months old). There was no significant difference in prevalence and intensity of infections between male and female cats (p>0.05). The prevalence of T. cati was significantly higher (p

Current status of soil-transmitted helminthiases among pre-school and school-aged children from Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminths among pre-school and school-aged children attending nursery and primary schools in Ile-Ife. Single stool samples were collected between January and March, 2009 from 352 children randomly selected from a total of 456 children attending both private and government schools. The stool samples were processed using the modified Kato-Katz technique, and then examined for the eggs of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs). One hundred and twenty-one (34.4%) samples were positive for STH eggs. The overall prevalences of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm were 33.2%, 3.7% and 0.9%, respectively. The prevalence of STH infection in government schools (47.8%) was significantly higher than in private schools (16.1%) (P<0.001). The most common type of mixed infection was the combination of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura (6.8%). The prevalence and intensity of A. lumbricoides rose with age. The lowest prevalence and intensity (7.7%; 0.240±0.136 eggs per gram (epg)) were recorded in the 2- to 3-year-old age group, while the highest prevalence and intensity (58.7%; 1.820±0.237epg) were recorded in children aged 10 years and above. A questionnaire survey indicated that 73% of the children attending private school had been treated with anthelminthics less than 2 months prior to the collection of stool specimens, while 43% of the children attending government school received anthelminthic treatment during the same period. The findings indicate that STH infections are endemic among schoolchildren in Ile-Ife and that the burden of parasitic infections is greater in government schools than in private schools.

Comparison of two techniques for diagnosis of intestinal helminthiasis in dogs in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

This study was conducted to assess for any significant difference in the use of either modified Kato-katz technique or formol-ether concentration technique in diagnosing intestinal helminth infection from dog’s faeces. Faecal samples collected randomly from individual-owning dogs from Ile-Ife between January and September, 2005, were transported to the laboratory, processed and then examined for intestinal helminth eggs using both modified Kato-katz and formol-ether concentration techniques. Out of 191 faecal samples examined 51.8% samples were positive for intestinal helminth eggs using modified Kato-katz technique while 49.2% were positive using formol-ether technique. Toxocara canis and Ancylostoma sp. eggs were the most common helminth eggs identified. The results also showed that there was no significant difference in the efficacy of the two techniques in detecting T. canis, Ancylostoma sp., T. vulpis and Toxascaris leonina eggs. Either of the two techniques could be used in diagnosing intestinal helminth infections in dogs because the overall prevalence of helminth infection using both techniques were similar and comparable to each other. Key words: Helminth eggs, Kato-katz, formol-ether concentration, Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma sp., Trichuris vulpis.