Soil-transmitted Helminth Infections Research Articles

Prevalence and intensity of intestinal and soil-transmitted helminths infection among children in internally displaced camps in Mogadishu Somalia

Intestinal and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are significant public health concerns in Somalia and are driven by poor sanitation, contaminated water, and inadequate hygiene practices. This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence and intensity of intestinal and soil-transmitted helminth infections among school-aged children in the Deyniile and Kahda internally displaced persons camps. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, behavioral and environmental data from the respondents, while fresh stool samples were collected to detect helminths via the cellophane-based Kato–Katz technique. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to measure the strength of the associations. The overall prevalence of intestinal and soil-transmitted helminth infection was 72.5% (232/320). A mixed effects logistic regression analysis revealed that fathers with secondary school education (P = 0.039; AOR = 0.148; 95% CI 0.024–0.904) and children living in Kahda (P = 0.033; AOR = 0.519; 95% CI 0.283–0.950) had a significantly lower risk of helminths infection. The prevalence of helminths in both vamps was high. Dirty fingernails (P = 0.462; AOR = 0.72; 95% CI 0.30–1.73), eating unwashed fruits (P = 0.654; AOR = 0.86; 95% CI 0.45–1.66) and walking barefoot (P = 0.803; AOR = 1.13; 95% CI 0.43–2.96) were all not associated with increased risk of infection, including sanitary condition at home (P = 0.054; AOR = 2.99; 95% CI 0.98–9.17).

Impact of soil-transmitted helminths infections on anemia burden: a global analysis of children under five and reproductive-age women

BackgroundSoil-transmitted Helminths (STH) infections and anemia are significant global health threats, particularly affecting children under five and reproductive-age women. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established a roadmap to eliminate Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This study analyzes the impact of STH infections on the anemia burden in these populations across 187 countries from 2015 to 2019.MethodsFollowing the Systemic Rapid Assessment (SYSRA) framework, this ecological study examines the relationship between STH infections and anemia in children under five and reproductive-age women. Factors considered include Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Index, Water and Sanitation Indicators (SDG 6.1 and 6.2), Government Effectiveness, and Human Development Index (HDI). Paired t-tests assess annual changes in STH infection and anemia prevalence, while Chi-Square and logistic regression tests identify factors associated with anemia prevalence.ResultsFrom 2015 to 2019, STH infection prevalence decreased significantly, while anemia prevalence fluctuated. STH infections were significantly associated with anemia in children under 5. However, STH infections did not significantly impact anemia prevalence in children under 5 or reproductive-age women. HDI influenced anemia prevalence in children under 5 (OR = 14.17, p < 0.05), while Safe Drinking Water infrastructure (OR = 3.98, p < 0.05) and UHC coverage (OR = 4.09, p < 0.05) influenced anemia prevalence in reproductive-age women.ConclusionThis study enhances our understanding of the link between STH infections and anemia burden in children under 5 and reproductive-aged women. Findings align with existing literature on reducing disparities in STH infection and anemia prevalence based on socioeconomic factors, specifically for children under 5. Inconsistencies compared to previous studies highlight the need for comprehensive interventions involving health, social, economic, and cultural aspects to address NTDs effectively.

Evidence of Submicroscopic Malaria Parasitemia, Soil-Transmitted Helminths, and Their Coinfections Among Forest-Fringed Orang Asli Communities in Peninsular Malaysia.

Malaysia's malaria rate has declined but remains a public health concern, with limited investigations into malaria and coinfections with soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections. A cross-sectional study using convenience sampling in Orang Asli villages enrolled 437 villagers aged 1-83 years based on their willingness to participate. Blood samples were tested microscopically for malaria, followed by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and stool samples were screened microscopically for STH eggs. Body temperature, demographic, and socioeconomic data were collected. Malaria parasite was detectable only via PCR, with a 15.3% prevalence, indicating submicroscopic malaria parasitemia; none of the positive cases presented fever. The identified species included Plasmodium vivax (8.7%), Plasmodium cynomolgi (5.5%), Plasmodium knowlesi (4.3%), Plasmodium falciparum (1.8%), Plasmodium inui (0.2%), and Plasmodium malariae (0.2%). Females had significantly higher rates of submicroscopic malaria parasitemia (19.6%) compared with males (9.3%, P = 0.003). STH infections were highly prevalent (71.4%), with Trichuris trichiura (65.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides (35.0%), and hookworm (14.6%). STH infection was associated with age (P <0.001), peaking in individuals aged 10-19 years (86.2%) and 1-9 years (83.0%), as well as with students (84.3% versus 60.8% in employed and 60.3% in unemployed; P <0.001) and low-income households (76.4% versus 61.7% in higher-income households; P = 0.002). Submicroscopic malaria parasitemia and STH coinfections were present in 8.9% of participants, with higher rates in low-income households (12.6% versus 5.2% in higher-income, P = 0.010). The Negrito tribe exhibited the highest prevalence of submicroscopic malaria parasitemia, STH, and coinfections (P <0.05). This study highlights the need for integrated malaria and STH control strategies, particularly for the Negrito tribe.

Co-morbidity of malaria and soil-transmitted helminths in Nigeria: a joint Bayesian modelling approach

BackgroundMalaria and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) represent significant public health challenges in tropical regions, particularly affecting children and impeding development. This study investigates the co-morbidity of malaria, caused by Plasmodium spp., and STH infections, including Ascaris lumbricoides(roundworm), Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus (hookworm), and Trichuris trichiura(whipworm), in Nigeria.MethodsWe utilized malaria prevalence data from the Nigeria Malaria Indicators Survey (NMIS) for the years 2010 and 2015 and STH prevalence data from the Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) portal, covering the years 1978–2014. A Bayesian coregionalization model was employed to analyze the prevalence and incidence of malaria and STH, linking these data to climatic factors such as temperature and precipitation. The study’s findings highlight significant co-morbidity between malaria and STH, particularly in the southsouth and southeast regions.ResultsOur analysis reveals notable regional disparities: malaria prevalence is highest in the northwest and north-central regions, while Ascaris lumbricoides is widespread in both northern and southern states. Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus(Hookworm) are predominantly found in the southwest, and Trichuris trichiura, though less prevalent, is significant in specific areas. Substantial co-morbidity between malaria and STH was observed, particularly in the South-South and southeast regions, indicating a compounded health burden. Furthermore, climatic factors significantly influence disease distribution; higher temperatures correlate with increased malaria prevalence, although temperature has a minimal effect on STH prevalence and incidence. In contrast, precipitation is positively associated with both malaria and STH incidence.ConclusionsThese findings enhance our understanding of the spatial distribution and risk factors associated with malaria and STH in Nigeria, providing vital insights for the development of public health policies and targeted intervention strategies.

Lower IGF-1 and Alkaline Phosphatase Activity Blood Levels in Stunted Children with Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections

BACKGROUND: Stunting due to malnutrition and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) chronic infections can cause disturbances in bone formation processes during growth. Reduced levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) lead to reduced osteoblast activity which can be monitored through alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN). Unfortunately, studies that assessed IGF-1, OCN, and ALP together in stunted children with STH infection are still limited. Therefore, in this study, the osteoblast activity was monitored by measuring IGF-1, OCN, and ALP in stunted and normo-stature children with STH infection.METHODS: A case-control study involving 28 stunted and 33 normal-stature children was conducted. Blood plasma IGF-1 and OCN levels were measured using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, while ALP activity was measured using the colorimetric method. STH infection was examined by direct smear method. The parameters were analyzed and compared between the stunted and normo-stature children.RESULTS: Although in stunted boys there was no significant difference, however in stunted girls with positive STH infection, a decrease in IGF-1 (&lt;36.60 ng/mL vs. ≥36.60 ng/mL) showed an impact on the decrease of OCN levels (54.68 (42.22-144.54) ng/mL vs. 104.55 (86.14-392.73) ng/mL; p=0.047). ALP activity in children with positive STH infection showed that ALP activity in stunted children was lower than in normo-stature children (18 (10-671) U/L vs. 228.50 (16-574) U/L; p=0.005).CONCLUSION: The blood levels of IGF-1 and ALP activity in stunted and positive STH infected children tend to be lower than in normo-stature children.KEYWORDS: stunted, normo-stature, IGF-1, bone alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin

School-based deworming programmes: Knowledge and perceptions regarding soil-transmitted helminth infections among schoolteachers in Tamil Nadu, India.

In accordance with World Health Organization guidelines, the school-based deworming for soil-transmitted helminths (STH) is being implemented in India since 2015 through teachers on National Deworming Day (NDD). This study aimed to assess teachers' knowledge levels and perception of STH and NDD programmes in southern India using a cross-sectional study design with purposive sampling of teachers involved in the NDD programme. Data from 402 teachers across 221 schools were analysed using STATA 16.0 software. Overall, 37% of the teachers from 52% of schools had attended an NDD training programme. Of a maximum possible score of 32, the knowledge levels were categorised as low (<50%), average (at least 50%), and adequate (70% and above). While 84% of the teachers had an average level of knowledge, only 33% had an adequate level of knowledge. The results showed significant knowledge gaps regarding important aspects of the STH programme including, helminths species being treated, age eligibility of children for treatment, and the name of and side-effects of the deworming tablet distributed. Adequate level of knowledge was more likely among teachers from government schools than those from government-aided/private schools (OR: 3.74; CI: 1.80 - 7.74; p<0.001); those who attended an NDD training programme than those who never attended (OR: 2.69; CI: 1.73 - 4.19; p<0.005); and female teachers compared to male teachers (OR: 1.94; CI: 1.22 - 3.08; p<0.005). A weak but significant positive correlation was observed between knowledge levels and perception (Spearman's rho=0.2075; p=0.002). Teachers from all schools must be encouraged to participate in formal STH training programmes coordinated by the government, and these programmes should be evaluated periodically for effectiveness.

Assessment of Soil Transmitted Helminths among Children Under Five Years in Some Selected Local Government Areas in Taraba State, Nigeria

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are a significant public health concern, particularly in low-income countries. This study was conducted across six selected LGAs in Taraba State, Nigeria, which aimed to determine the prevalence of STHs among children under five. The study involved 2,283 children, and stool samples were collected and analyzed using standard parasitological techniques. The results showed that 181 (7.9%) of the children were infected with STHs. Among the male children, 103 (8.9%) were infected, with hookworm being the most common (4.6%). In contrast, 78 (7.7%) of the female children were infected, with hookworm also being the most prevalent (2.7%). The study found that the overall prevalence of STHs was higher in males than females, but the difference was not statistically significant. According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) classification, the study area was found to have moderate endemicity of STHs infections. The study recommends strengthening routine deworming programs among under-five children to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with STHs infection.

Effects of household concrete floors on maternal and child health: the CRADLE trial – a randomised controlled trial protocol

IntroductionEarly life soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection and diarrhoea are associated with growth faltering, anaemia, impaired child development and mortality. Exposure to faecally contaminated soil inside the home may be a...

Performance of real-time polymerase chain reaction and Kato-Katz for diagnosing soil-transmitted helminth infections and evaluating treatment efficacy of emodepside in randomized controlled trials.

The World Health Organization recommends the use of the microscopy-based Kato-Katz thick smear for diagnosing soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections. Despite its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, the Kato-Katz method faces challenges, including reader subjectivity and reduced sensitivity. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology offers standardized readouts and higher sensitivity, making it suitable for STH diagnosis and monitoring the treatment efficacy of emodepside within the framework of randomized controlled trials. We evaluated the performance of Kato-Katz versus qPCR for assessing treatment efficacy in terms of cure rates, of single doses of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 mg of emodepside compared to 400 mg albendazole. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient examined the correlation between STH eggs per gram in stool samples and qPCR Ct values. Diagnostic sensitivity of qPCR was calculated using a Bayesian latent class modelling approach with data from Ascaris lumbricoides infections. Agreement between Kato-Katz and qPCR at baseline was 93.57% for Trichuris trichiura, and 73.49% for both hookworm and A. lumbricoides. For the latter helminth qPCR demonstrated higher sensitivity (85.00% vs. 47.70%) and slightly lower specificity (93.40% vs. 99.40%) compared to Kato-Katz. We observed a fair to moderate agreement with negative correlation between Ct values and Kato-Katz egg counts. Treatment efficacy, as assessed by qPCR, was lower for all doses of emodepside and albendazole compared to Kato-Katz. Nonetheless, emodepside demonstrated higher cure rates against T. trichiura and A. lumbricoides infections compared to albendazole. Our study confirmed that qPCR is a sensitive diagnostic method for diagnosing STH infections compared to Kato-Katz and serves as a valuable tool for determining treatment efficacy in clinical trials. Furthermore, qPCR confirmed the better treatment efficacy of emodepside compared to albendazole, despite indicating lower cure rates than Kato-Katz.

Efficacy and Safety of Albendazole Versus Albendazole and Ivermectin in Reduction of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections in School-Age Children (DVERMIN): A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are endemic in India despite considerable improvements in hygiene conditions and regular deworming. This multicentric, double-blind, randomized controlled trial(Efficacy and Safety of Albendazole Versus AlbenDazole and IVERmectin in Reduction of Soil-Transmitted HelMINth Infections in School-Age Children (DVERMIN)) was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of albendazole versus albendazole + ivermectin in the treatment of STH infections and to evaluate the prevalence of stool-positivity for STH in school-going children from 12 schools of Lucknow and Kolkata. This was a randomized controlled trial conducted from March 2022 to February 2023. The included children aged 6-15 years were administered single-dose oral suspension of albendazole (400 mg) or albendazole (400 mg) + ivermectin (3/6/12 mg based on body weight). The primary endpoint was the microbiological cure rate (proportion of infected children having egg-free stool samples post single-dose treatment) on Day 7. The secondary endpoints were egg reduction rate and clinical cure rate (proportion of children with symptom resolution) on Day 7, and the proportion of children in the regions of study conduct with stool positivity for STH at baseline. Safety was assessed based on adverse events (AEs). Among the 1233 eligible children, stool samples from 1067 were evaluable at baseline. A total of 416 (38.99%) of these 1067 samples were egg-positive. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent STH (99.52% samples). Of the 416 samples, 304 were evaluable for post-dose analysis (albendazole, 146; albendazole + ivermectin, 158). In these samples, the microbiological cure rate achieved with albendazole (61.64%) was comparable to that achieved with albendazole + ivermectin (62.03%; p=0.95). The egg reduction rate obtained with albendazole was 90.61% compared to 93.22% achieved with albendazole + ivermectin. The rate of complete clinical cure on Day 7 was 66.95% with albendazole and 71.31% with albendazole + ivermectin (p=0.47). A moderate AE unrelated to antihelminthic medication was observed with albendazole; no AE was observed with albendazole + ivermectin. Overall, both treatments were found to be effective and safe in school-age children. The rates of microbiological cure, egg reduction, and clinical cure were not significantly different between the groups; however, a clinical advantage was demonstrated in the albendazole + ivermectin group with respect to egg reduction and clinical cure.

Discovery of Human PIM Kinase Inhibitors as a Class of Anthelmintic Drugs to Treat Intestinal Nematode Infections.

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections affect one-fourth of the global population and pose a significant threat to human and animal health, with limited treatment options and emerging drug resistance. Trichuris trichiura (whipworm) stands out as a neglected disease, necessitating new drugs to address this unmet medical need. We discovered that several different chemical series of related human Provirus Integration sites for Moloney murine leukemia virus (PIM) family kinase inhibitors possess potent anthelmintic activity by using whole-worm motility assays. Systematic structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies based on the pan-PIM kinase inhibitor CX-6258 were conducted to identify compounds displaying improved in vitro motility inhibition of both adult hookworm (Ancylostoma ceylanicum) and adult whipworm (Trichuris muris) nematodes. A broad kinase selectivity screen of >450 human kinases confirms PIM1 kinase and others as potential targets for CX-6258 and analogues thereof. In addition, we demonstrated that CX-6258 significantly reduced worm burden and egg counts in the T. muris infection model of mice, establishing it as a new oral small molecule anthelmintic therapeutic.

A Honduran Prevalence Study on Soil-Transmitted Helminths Highlights Serological Antibodies to Tm-WAP49 as a Diagnostic Marker for Exposure to Human Trichuriasis.

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections rank among the most prevalent communicable diseases of humans, yet detection of these parasites is mostly restricted to identifying active infection through fecal examinations. Currently, there are no commercial diagnostic tools to identify a prior whipworm or hookworm exposure, and the few serological assays for roundworm infection have not been well validated for crossreactivity or infections in humans. Such diagnostic restrictions limit the range of scientific and clinical questions that surround STH exposures and their implicated relationship to chronic diseases, such as autoimmunity, allergy, and cancer. The goal of this investigation was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of 13 STH recombinant proteins. As there are no gold standard tests to verify positive STH antisera, we used sera from active STH-infected individuals in Honduras (measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction of helminth DNA in stool) and compared antibody recognition by both ELISA and western blot with nonendemic control sera from age-matched individuals in the United States split into screening and validation cohorts. One recombinant protein, rTm-WAP49, shows potential as a whipworm diagnostic tool by receiver-operator characteristic analysis (area under the curve = 0.997, P <0.001) and indirect ELISA with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 91% as defined by mean plus two SDs from the nonendemic screening cohort. We found discrepancies in serological recognition of previously tested STH antigens, highlighting the need to consider different technologies before down selection of a promising diagnostic candidate and screen multiple endemic populations before widely accepting an STH serological assay.

PARENTS/CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN’S AGED UNDER FIVE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES TOWARDS SOIL TRANSMITTED HELMINTHS IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are included in the listof the world's neglected tropical diseases. The STHs include the roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides, the whipworm Trichuris trichiura, the hookworms, Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus, and Strongyloides stercoralis. The study was aimed to determine parents/car-givers of under-five children’s knowledge, attitudes and practices towards STHs in Taraba State, Nigeria. STHs infection is among the most chronic diseases globally. Because of its impact on human health, the WHO recommended the carrying out of robust approaches targeted at controlling or eliminating disease. The execution of this approach depends on the vivid understanding of the parent’s/caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices in relation to this infection. A cross-sectional survey was conducted and data were assembled with the aid of a standardized questionnaires from 2,283 caregivers of under-five children. Extensive focus group discussions were carried out among parents/caregivers and the collected data were analysed thematically. Out of the six selected LGAs in Taraba State, highest albendazole coverage of 193(50.79%) was recorded in Bali LGA and least (47.89%) was recorded in Jalingo LGA. More so, a total STH prevalence of 3.29% was recorded among under-5 children who were dewormed six months ago before the survey period and 12.52% was also recorded among under-5 children who were not dewormed. Findings from this study also reflected adequate knowledge and attitudes with bad practices in connection to STHs among parents/caregivers while recognition of soil-transmitted helminths was high (94.2%). These reports are important in planning behavioural change approaches towards improving health results across community-based involvement...

Malaria and Soil-Transmitted Helminth Co-Infection among School-Aged Children in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Malaria, caused by Plasmodium falciparum, and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and Ancylostoma duodenale, are highly prevalent parasitic infections of public health significance in Nigeria. Coinfection with these parasites of such co-infections is crucial for designing effective public health strategies. This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of malaria and soil-transmitted helminth co-infections among primary school children in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area (LGA), Akwa Ibom State. Between May and July 2024, finger-prick blood and stool samples were randomly collected from 348 children aged 4–15 years across four primary schools. Malaria parasites were identified using thin-film microscopy of air-dried blood smears, while stool samples were analysed for STH ova using the formalin-ether concentration technique. The prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum was 21.5%, while the prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and Ancylostoma duodenale was 9.5%, 5.7%, and 2.6%, respectively. The overall co-infection rate of malaria and STHs was 7.8%, with significant associations between these infections (p &lt; 0.05). Malaria prevalence was slightly higher in males (21.8%) compared to females (21.3%), whereas STH infections were more common in females (19.6%) than in males (15.8%), these were not statistically significant (p &gt; 0.05). Age-specific prevalence, showed that children aged 14 years and older had the highest malaria prevalence (29.4%), while those aged 9–13 years had the highest prevalence of STH infections (19.4%). This study highlights the considerable burden of malaria and STH infections among primary school children in Mkpat Enin LGA, with variations in prevalence influenced by age and sex. This findings underscore the need target public health interventions that address parasitic infections, considering demographic factors that influence their distribution.

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections in the Northeast Region of Brazil

Objective: To estimate the positivity rate and the factors associated with the occurrence of soil-transmitted helminth infections in the Northeast region of Brazil to guide control measures. Theoretical Framework: Soil-transmitted helminth infections represent a significant burden on Brazilian public health and are associated with socioeconomic factors. Method: This ecological study, descriptive and explanatory in nature, analyzed data from 2017 to 2021 from the Information System of the Schistosomiasis Surveillance and Control Program (SISPCE), which also records data on soil-transmitted helminth infections. The data were collected through the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) and the Human Development Atlas of Brazil. Descriptive analyses of dependent variables were performed, as well as correlation analysis using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) to examine relationships between positivity rates for soil-transmitted helminth infections and socioeconomic and demographic indicators. Results and Discussion: The positivity rates for ascariasis, hookworm infection, and trichuriasis were 4.8% (N=113,748), 3.8% (N=88,678), and 1.5% (N=35,456), respectively. A strong correlation was observed between the number of soil-transmitted helminth cases and factors such as access to piped water, per capita income, and illiteracy rates. Research Implications: The findings highlight the need for a broad approach to controlling soil-transmitted helminths, emphasizing poverty reduction, housing improvements, and health education. Originality/Value: This study underscores the necessity of integrated actions in sanitation, education, and poverty alleviation, while revealing an unexpected correlation between income inequality and soil-transmitted helminth cases.

High prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths among primary students in Ha Giang, Vietnam: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

Despite improvements in environmental sanitation and healthcare, the infection rate of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) remains high in low socioeconomic regions of developing countries including Vietnam. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and intensity of STH infections among primary school children in Meo Vac, Ha Giang: a poor mountainous province in Vietnam. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2023, involving 400 participants. The Kato-Katz method was used to identify and quantify STH infections. Out of the 386 children assessed, 76.1% were infected with at least 1 type of STH. The most common infections were with Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides (47.0%). Mixed infections were identified in 121 children, with 77 cases of co-infection with A lumbricoides and T trichiura, 13 cases of A lumbricoides and hookworms, 8 cases of T trichiura and hookworms, and 23 cases involving all 3 STH types. Most infections were of light intensity, with a few moderate-intensity cases of A lumbricoides. Primary school students in Meo Vac, Ha Giang, Vietnam, continue to experience high infection rates of STHs in 2023. The majority of infections were of light intensity. To address this issue, government efforts should focus on educating the public about STH causes, transmission routes, and negative impacts. Improving personal and environmental hygiene and ensuring access to clean water are essential measures.

The Influence of Personal Hygiene on the Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) in Children: A Case Series in a Remote Indigenous Community in Indonesia

Introduction: Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are a major public health concern, especially in remote indigenous communities with limited access to clean water and sanitation. This study aimed to investigate the influence of personal hygiene practices on the prevalence of STH infections in children in the Ammatoa Kajang community of Bulukumba Regency, Indonesia. Methods: An observational case series was conducted among children aged 3-13 years in the Ammatoa Kajang community. Data on personal hygiene practices were collected through questionnaires and interviews, while stool samples were examined for STH infections using the Kato-Katz method. Data were analyzed using correlation tests to determine the relationship between personal hygiene and STH prevalence. Results: The prevalence of STH infection was 45%, with Ascaris lumbricoides being the most common (30%), followed by Trichuris trichiura (10%) and hookworm (5%). Poor personal hygiene practices, such as infrequent handwashing, not using soap after defecation, and not wearing footwear, were significantly associated with an increased risk of STH infection. Conclusion: Personal hygiene plays a crucial role in the prevalence of STH infections among children in the Ammatoa Kajang community. Health promotion programs focused on improving personal hygiene practices, along with improved sanitation facilities, are essential for reducing the burden of STH infections in this remote indigenous community.

Soil-transmitted helminth infections and nutritional indices among children (5–9 years) and adolescents (10–12 years) in Calabar, Nigeria

BackgroundSoil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are a significant public health concern in developing countries, particularly affecting children (5–9 years) and adolescents (10–12 years). This study investigated the prevalence of STH infections, examined associated risk factors, and assessed their impact on the nutritional status of children and adolescents.MethodsAn analytical cross-sectional study was conducted within schools and took place from April to June 2023 and involved 382 participants in Calabar, Nigeria. All participants in the study completed a questionnaire designed to gather information on their demographics and knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding STH infections. Anthropometric measurements were taken according to World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. Fresh faecal samples were collected from each study participant and examined via the Kato-Katz technique. The data were analysed using STATA software, version 14. A binomial logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of STH infections and to examine the associations between STH infection status and stunting, underweight, and wasting.ResultsThe overall prevalence of STHs was 28.8%, with Ascaris lumbricoides (19.6%) being the most prevalent. The prevalence of STHs was greater among males (30.2%) than females (27.7%) and was relatively greater among participants aged 10 years and above (34.8%). All study participants recorded light infection intensities. The prevalence rates of stunting, underweight, and wasting were 10.5%, 8.4%, and 6.3%, respectively. Respondents with no history of deworming were significantly less likely to contract an STH infection (Odds Ratio: 0.2; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.1–0.4; P < 0.001). The use of pit latrines was associated with a greater likelihood of STH infection (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.3–3.4; P = 0.002). Additionally, respondents with poor attitude scores were significantly less likely to contract an STH infection (Adjusted Odds Ratio: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4–0.8; P = 0.003), and those over 10 years old (OR: 0.1; 95% CI: 0.04–0.82; P = 0.027) were significantly less likely to be underweight than those aged 5–7 years. There was no association between stunting, underweight, wasting, and STH infection.ConclusionThese findings highlight the necessity for an integrated approach to STH management and nutrition initiatives in Nigeria.

Infectious disease screening of asylum seekers and refugees in Switzerland

The number of asylum seekers and refugees in Switzerland has increased over the past 20 years, many of whom come from countries where the epidemiology of infectious diseases is different from that of Switzerland. In this review, we discuss the considerations taken into account when deciding which diseases to screen for in asylum seekers and refugees, and compare the strategies proposed by different countries. An overview of the epidemiology, clinical presentation, screening methods, and treatment strategies is provided for HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, strongyloidiasis, schistosomiasis, Chagas disease, soil-transmitted helminth infections, and other sexually transmitted infections.

Soil-transmitted helminth infections among preschool- and school-aged children in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence, risk factors and intervention strategies

Soil-transmitted helminth infections among preschool- and school-aged children in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence, risk factors and intervention strategies