Soil-transmitted Helminths Research Articles

Prevalence, Infection Intensity, and Risk Factors for Soil-transmitted Helminth Infections among School Children in Northwestern Tanzania.

Soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) are among the neglected tropical diseases and infect more than 24% of the world population. The World Health Organization recommends regular monitoring of STH's prevalence and intensity following mass drug administrations to evaluate their effectiveness and inform future control strategies. This study evaluated the prevalence, intensity, and risk factors of STH infections among school children aged 6 to 14 years old in northwestern Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 728 school children in the Kagera region in 2021. Participants were selected using a two-stage cluster sampling method. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the risk factors. Stool samples were examined using the Kato-Katz technique. The data were analysed using STATA. The overall prevalence of STH was 56.2% (95% CI: 52.5-59.8, 409/728). About 5.7% and 1.1% of the infected children had moderate-intensity infections with Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura, respectively. Risk factors included the mother's occupation as a farmer (aOR: 1.2, p = 0.002) and not washing hands with water and soap (aOR: 1.4, p = 0.035). Washing one's hands after using the toilet (aOR: 0.6; p = 0.024) is a preventive measure against STH infections. STH was prevalent in the study area. The mother's occupation (farmer) and the lack of handwashing with water and soap influenced STH transmission. Conversely, washing hands after visiting the toilet and after playing with soil reduced the risk of STH infection.

Availability and readiness of health facilities providing services for other infectious diseases to treat neglected tropical diseases in Ethiopia: implications for service integration in high burden areas

BackgroundThe burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria pose significant public health challenges in Ethiopia. This study aimed to the explore service availability and readiness for NTD care among Ethiopian health facilities treating tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS, and/or malaria.MethodsThis study utilized secondary data from the Ethiopian Service Provision Assessment 2021–22 survey. The availability of services was calculated as the percentage of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, or malaria facilities providing NTD services. Facilities were considered highly prepared to manage any type of NTD if they scored at least half (> 50%) of the tracer items listed in each of the three domains (staff training and guidelines, equipment, and essential medicines). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were employed to present the study findings and analyze factors influencing facility readiness, respectively.ResultsOut of 403 health facilities providing NTD care nationally, 179, 183, and 197 also offer TB, HIV/AIDS, and malaria services, respectively. The majority of TB (90.1%), HIV/AIDS (89.6%), and malaria (90.9%) facilities offer soil-transmitted helminth services, followed by trachoma (range 87–90%). The percentages of the aforementioned facilities with at least one trained staff member for any type of NTD were 87.2%, 88.4%, and 82.1%, respectively. The percentage of facilities with guidelines for any type of NTD was relatively low (range 3.7–4.1%). Mebendazole was the most widely available essential medicine, ranging from 69 to 70%. The overall readiness analysis indicated that none of the included facilities (TB = 11.9%; HIV/AIDS = 11.6%; and malaria = 10.6%) were ready to offer NTD care. Specifically, a higher level of readiness was observed only in the domain of medicines across these facilities. Hospitals had better readiness to offer NTD care than did health centers and clinics. Furthermore, a significant associations were observed between facility readiness and factors such as facility type, region, presence of routine management meetings, types of NTD services provided, and fixed costs for services.ConclusionsEthiopian health facilities treating TB, HIV/AIDS, and malaria had an unsatisfactory overall service availability and a lack of readiness to provide NTD care. Given the existing epidemiological risks and high burden of TB, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and NTDs in Ethiopia, there is an urgent need to consider preparing and implementing a collaborative infectious disease care plan to integrate NTD services in these facilities.

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.

Prioritisation of emerging and epidemic-prone diseases and risk factors in India’s three western states using the One Health Risk and Disease (OHRAD) prioritisation tool

BackgroundThere have been numerous outbreaks of infectious diseases to date, and out of them, six events have been declared as Public Health Emergencies of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). The outbreaks have been unprecedented, and the sudden anxiety associated with these makes the situation more complicated. Prioritisation of diseases has been a common process in public health, and it is important to identify infectious diseases that are important for human health. In addition, a One Health approach requires taking also animal origin and related risk factors for infectious diseases into account.MethodsState-level co-creation workshops were conducted in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, the three western states of India. One Health Risk and Disease (OHRAD) prioritisation tool was used to prioritise emerging and epidemic-prone diseases and their risk factors.ResultsThe risk factors and diseases were scored using the OHRAD tool, and the ranks were obtained. Avian flu by A(H5N1), A(H7N9), and A(H9N2), swine flu by A(H1N1), A(H1N2) and A(H3N2), dengue, rabies, leptospirosis, bovine tuberculosis, salmonellosis, chikungunya, soil-transmitted helminths, and brucellosis were some of the 10 diseases prioritised in all the three western states of the country. Similarly, the presence of mosquito breeding sites near houses or workplaces, open defecation, poor hand hygiene, poor personal hygiene, reluctance to follow disease prevention measures and improper carcass disposal were prioritised as the risk factors for diseases in all three states.ConclusionThe emerging and epidemic-prone diseases and risk factors that are prioritised reflect state-specific scenarios and the gravity of the situation concerning risk factors for disease outbreaks. This can help in allocating resources and increasing efforts in the prevention and control of these diseases.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to soil-transmitted helminth infections among residents of Bata district, Equatorial Guinea; a cross-sectional study

BackgroundSoil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection control remains a priority in endemic regions where local epidemiological data are needed for sustainable control strategies, particularly regarding population knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). Our work assessed KAP toward STH infection and associated factors among residents of Bata district, Equatorial Guinea.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 14 randomly selected communities in the Bata district. Eligible participants were interviewed face-to-face using a standardized questionnaire. Participants aged under 18 years were interviewed in the presence of their parents or legal guardians. For participants aged less than ten, a simplified version of the main questionnaire was developed focusing on children’s practices toward STH and was administered to their parents or legal guardians.ResultsA total of 399 participants were included in the present analysis. Among them, 58% responded to the main questionnaire. The mean (± SD) age of participants aged 10 and over was 37.5 (± 22.2) years, and 60% of them were females, while the mean (± SD) age of those aged less than ten was 5.0 (± 2.5) years. The respondents’ overall knowledge, attitudes, and practices to STH were rated as bad (33%), very good (77%), and good (55%), respectively. Knowledge was significantly associated with education level (p = 0.04) with the knowledge level lower for participants with no formal education than for those with secondary/university education (β = -0.56, 95% CI: -1.00 – -0.12, p = 0.01); Appropriate attitudes level was significantly associated with occupation (p = 0.02) and education levels (p = 0.049) with the appropriate attitude level lower for students than for farmers/fishers (β = -1.24, 95% CI: -2.17—-0.32, p = 0.01) and for primary-level participants than for those with secondary/university education (β = -0.68, 95% CI: -1.23—-0.13, p = 0.02); while appropriate practice level were significantly associated with age (p = 0.01), occupation (p = 0.01), and education (p = 0.02), with the appropriate practices level increasing with age (β = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.005 – 0.05, p = 0.01) and lower in participants with no formal education than in those with secondary/university education (β = -1.19, -2.05 – -0.32, p = 0.007).ConclusionThe present study revealed a lack of knowledge about STH in the study population, particularly regarding disease causes and transmission ways, highlighting the need for the implementation of integrated health education strategies, both at the community and school levels.

Influence of fecal fermentation on the anthelmintic activity of proanthocyanidins and ellagitannins against human intestinal nematodes and Caenorhabditis elegans.

Some tannin-rich plants such as Combretum mucronatum and Phyllanthus urinaria are widely used in Africa for the control of parasitic nematodes in both humans and livestock. Tannins have been recognized as an alternative source of anthelmintic therapies, and hence, recent studies have focused on both the hydrolyzable and condensed tannins. These groups of compounds, however, have poor oral bioavailability and are metabolized by gut microbiota into lower molecular weight compounds. The role of these metabolites in the anthelmintic activities of tannins has not been explored yet. This study investigated the effects of fecal metabolism on the anthelmintic potential of procyanidin C1 (PC1) and geraniin and the tannin-enriched extracts of C. mucronatum (CML) and P. urinaria (PUH), which contain these compounds, respectively. Metabolites were formed by anaerobic fermentation of the test compounds and extracts in a fresh human fecal suspension for 0 h, 4h, and 24h. Lyophilized samples were tested in vitro against hookworm larvae and whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) larvae obtained from naturally infected human populations in Pru West District, Bono East Region, Ghana, and against the wildtype strain of Caenorhabditis elegans (L4). Both extracts and compounds in the undegraded state exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of the three nematodes. Their activity, however, significantly decreased upon fecal metabolism. Without fermentation, the proanthocyanidin-rich CML extract was lethal against hookworm L3 (LC50 = 343.5μg/mL, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 267.5-445.4), T. trichiura L1 (LC50 = 230.1μg/mL, CI = 198.9-271.2), and C. elegans (LC50 = 1468.1μg/mL, CI = 990.3-1946.5). PUH, from which the ellagitannin geraniin was isolated, exhibited anthelmintic effects in the unfermented form with LC50 of 300.8μg/mL (CI = 245.1-374.8) against hookworm L3 and LC50 of 331.6μg/mL (CI = 290.3-382.5) against T. trichiura L1, but it showed no significant activity against C. elegans L4 larvae at the tested concentrations. Similarly, both compounds, procyanidin C1 and geraniin, lost their activity when metabolized in fecal matter. The activity of geraniin at a concentration of 170μg/mL against C. elegans significantly declined from 30.4% ± 1.8% to 14.5% ± 1.5% when metabolized for 4h, whereas that of PC1 decreased from 32.4% ± 2.3% to 8.9% ± 0.9% with similar treatment. There was no significant difference between the anthelmintic actions of metabolites from the structurally different tannin groups. The outcome of this study revealed that the intact bulky structure of tannins (hydrolyzable or condensed) may be required for their anthelmintic action. The fermented products from the gut may not directly contribute toward the inhibition of the larvae of soil-transmitted helminths.

Comparison of parasitological methods for the identification of soil-transmitted helminths, including Strongyloides stercoralis, in a regional reference laboratory in northwestern Argentina: An observational study

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are a significant public health problem in impoverished communities of tropical and subtropical areas. Improved diagnostic methods are crucial for Neglected Tropical Diseases programs, particularly for S. stercoralis, as traditional methods are inadequate. Thus, it is important to identify the most accurate and efficient methods for the diagnosis of STH. We performed a retrospective study analyzing laboratory data at the Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales from 2010 to 2019. The study included data from outpatients referred for stool analysis and public health interventions from urban and rural communities in northern Salta province, Argentina. Samples were included in this analysis if processed through sedimentation/concentration, Baermann, Harada-Mori and McMaster's, with a subgroup that also included Agar plate culture method (APC). Sensitivity was calculated against a composite reference standard. Of the 5625 samples collected, 944 qualified for this analysis, with a prevalence of 11.14% for A. lumbricoides, 8.16% for hookworm, 1.38% for T. trichiura, and 6.36% for S. stercoralis. The sedimentation/concentration method was the most sensitive for A. lumbricoides (96%), compared to the McMaster method, with a sensitivity of 62%. Similarly, for hookworms, sedimentation/concentration was more sensitive than McMaster's, Harada-Mori, and Baermann with sensitivities of 87%, 70%, 43%, and 13%, respectively. Most of these infections were of light intensity. For S. stercoralis, Baermann and sedimentation/concentration methods were the most sensitive, with 70% and 62% respectively, while Harada-Mori was the least sensitive. In a subset of 389 samples also analyzed by the APC, Baermann was more sensitive than APC for detecting S. stercoralis, and both methods were superior to Harada-Mori. Parasitological methods, mostly when used combined, offer adequate opportunities for the diagnosis of STH in clinical and public health laboratories. The incorporation of S. stercoralis into the control strategies of the World Health Organization requires rethinking the current diagnostic approach used for surveys. With sedimentation/concentration and Baermann appearing as the most sensitive methods for this species. Further studies, including implementation assessments, should help in identifying the most adequate and feasible all-STH diagnostic approach.

Correlation of Soil Contamination and Incident of STH Infection in Sukokerto Village Sukowono District Jember Regency

The most common worm infections are those caused by soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infection. Soil contamination is one of the causes of helminth transmission to humans. Poor environmental sanitation and personal hygiene facilitate the spread and transmission of STH. Jember is a district where the majority of the population lives in rural areas with poor sanitation access. This study aims to determine the correlation between soil contamination and incident of STH infection in Sukokerto Village, Sukowono District, Jember Regency. This cross-sectional analytic observational study was conducted from August 2022 to February 2023. The total of samples in this study was 44 fecal and soil around the house. The data obtained from the laboratory examination showed that the total fecal positive of STH was 11 or 25%, and soil was 13 or 29.5%. The results of the Chi-Square test analysis obtained ρ<0.05 (ρ=0.036, OR=4,457). The results showed a significant relationship between soil contamination and the incidence of STH infection in Sukokerto Village, Sukowo District, Jember Regency

Efficacy of Single-Dose Albendazole and Albendazole Plus Ivermectin for Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infection in Children in the Peruvian Amazon.

In countries where soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are endemic, deworming programs are recommended to reduce morbidity; however, increasing levels of resistance to benzimidazoles are of concern. In an observational study in Peru, we studied the clinical efficacy of 400 mg of albendazole 20 days after treatment among children aged 2-11 years. Of 426 participants who provided samples, 52.3% were infected with a STH, 144 (33.8%) were positive for Ascaris (41.8% light, 50.8% moderate, and 7.4% heavy infections), 147 (34.5%) were positive for Trichuris (75.2% light, 22.5% moderate, and 2.3% heavy infections), and 1.1% were positive for hookworm species (100% light infections). Additional stool samples were examined at 20, 90, and 130 days after the initial treatment. At 20 days post-administration of albendazole, the cure rate (CR) of Ascaris infection was 80.1% (95% CI: 73.5-86.7), and the egg reduction rate (ERR) was 70.8% (95% CI: 57.8-88.7); the CR for Trichuris infection was 27.1% (95% CI: 20.0-34.3), and the ERR was 29.8% (95% CI: -1.40 to 57.5). Among participants with persistent or recurrent infections with Trichuris, the combined therapy of albendazole (400 mg) and ivermectin at 600 µg/dose increased overall CR for Trichuris infection to 75.2% (95% CI: 67.3-83.2%) with an ERR of 84.2% (95% CI: 61.3-93.8%). Albendazole administration alone for the control of STH was associated with high rates of treatment failure, especially for Trichuris. Combined single doses of albendazole and ivermectin was observed to have improved efficacy.

Polyparasitism with soil transmitted helminthes and Schistosoma haematobium among school-aged children in Igede land, Benue state, Nigeria

Background: Polyparasitism is widespread in rural communities of the developing world, and it is a serious problem for public health. The aim of this study is to investigate the co-infection of intestinal parasites and urinary schistosomiasis among school-aged children in two local government areas of Benue State. Methods: This study collected 452 stool and urine samples from randomly selected participants and examined them using three techniques - direct wet mount, formol ether concentration, and urine sedimentation. The researchers also utilized questionnaires to assess risk factors associated with the samples. The data was then analyzed using the Chi-square statistical test to identify any significant relationships between the various factors examined. Results: The study found that 29.0% of the 452 randomly selected participants were infected with at least one parasite. 17.3% of the infected were male, while 11.7% were female. 11.7% had multiple infections, with 13.1% in males and 10.2% in females. 15.0% were infected with single parasites, 9.1% had double infections, and 2.7% had triple infections. Schistosoma haematobium was found in 1.8% of participants, with 1.1% in males and 0.7% in females. The most common parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides (6.0%), followed by hookworm (5.8%). The hookworm-Ascaris combination was the most common double infection (4.2%). While males were generally more infected, there was no statistically significant difference between males and females. Similarly, the higher infection rate in Obi (16.2%) compared to Oju (12.8%) was not statistically significant. The 11-15 age group had the highest prevalence of multiple infections (14.2%), but this was not statistically significant across age groups. Conclusion: Aggressive health education and mass drug administration are recommended in the study area. Kewwords: Polyparasitism, Igede, Oju, Obi, Parasites, Soil Transmitted Helminthes (STH), Schistosomiasis, Nigeria

Assessment of albendazole efficacy against Ascaris lumbricoides at three sites of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala in India

Objective: To assess efficacy of albendazole against Ascaris (A.) lumbrìcoides among school-children at three sites of Rajahmundry, Sundergarh and Wayanad. Methods: Sites were selected based on soil-transmitted helminths prevalence, different sociocultural-geographical characteristics and operational feasibility. 9-12 Years old children from 14 schools were included. The study was conducted in two rounds: baseline & follow up survey. All eligible children found positive for A. lumbricoides at baseline were administered supervised single tablet albendazole 400 mg under the National Deworming Day Initiative. During post-treatment follow-up survey, eligible children who provided second stool sample were included in the final analysis. Stool samples were examined using WHO recommended Kato-Katz technique. Efficacy was estimated based on cure rate (CR) and Fecal Egg Count Reduction Rate (FECRR) among children found positive in baseline and follow-up surveys. Results: 328 Out of 625 (52.5%) were found positive for A. lumbricoides in the baseline survey and 85 out of 178 samples (47.8%) during post-treatment follow-up survey. Overall, the estimated CR was 52.2%. FECRR (95% CI) for albendazole was 72.6% (79.2%-66.0%). The FECRR was highest in East Godaveri [89.7% (96.8%-82.6%)], followed by Sundergarh [86.4% (95.3%-77.5%)] and Wayanad [69% (81.7%-56.4%)]. Conclusions: Our study confirmed overall reduction in FEC although with varying albendazole efficacy for A. lumbricoides infection at three different locations in India. However, these finding may be assessed in context of ongoing MDA under Filaria control program and further studies by in vivo as well as in vitro methods are required to reach to a conclusion on possible resistance if any.

Impact of helminth infections during pregnancy on maternal and newborn Vitamin D and on birth outcomes

Poor birth outcomes in low- and middle income countries are associated with maternal vitamin D deficiency and chronic helminth infections. Here, we investigated whether maternal Schistosoma haematobium affects maternal or cord vitamin D status as well as birth outcomes. In a prospective cross-sectional study of pregnant women conducted in Lambaréné, Gabon, we diagnosed maternal parasitic infections in blood, urine and stool. At delivery we measured vitamin D in maternal and cord blood. S. haematobium, soil-transmitted helminths, and microfilariae were found at prevalences of 30.2%, 13.0%, and 8.8%, respectively. Insufficient vitamin D and calcium levels were found in 28% and 15% of mothers, and in 11.5% and 1.5% of newborns. Mothers with adequate vitamin D had lower risk of low birthweight babies (aOR = 0.11, 95% CI 0.02–0.52, p = 0.01), whilst offspring of primipars had low cord vitamin D levels, and low vitamin D levels increased the risk of maternal inflammation. Maternal filariasis was associated with low calcium levels, but other helminth infections affected neither vitamin D nor calcium levels in either mothers or newborns. Healthy birth outcomes require maintenance of adequate vitamin D and calcium levels. Chronic maternal helminth infections do not disrupt those levels in a semi-rural setting in sub-Saharan Africa.

SOSIALISASI PENINGKATAN DETEKSI SOIL TRANSMITTED HELMINTH (STH) MELALUI MODIFIKASI PADA LARUTAN ZnS (SULFIDA SENG) DAN NaCl (NATRIUM KLORIDA) 0,9%

Public health is a crucial aspect of disease prevention efforts. One significant health issue in many countries, including Indonesia, is Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) infection, often caused by poor sanitation and lack of environmental cleanliness awareness. STH, typically caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm, can have severe health impacts, particularly on children. Fecal examination methods, especially flotation techniques using ZnS (zinc sulfide) and 0.9% NaCl (sodium chloride) solutions, are commonly employed for STH detection. However, optimizing flotation methods in the field is essential to enhance STH detection sensitivity. This study focuses on the modification of ZnS and 0.9% NaCl solutions to improve the effectiveness of detecting STH eggs. By disseminating information on these modifications to public health practitioners, this socialization aims to enhance detection and prevention efforts for STH infections. The evaluation results show significant improvements in participants' knowledge, skills, attitudes, understanding, method application, and satisfaction, indicating the effectiveness of this socialization in promoting better STH control and prevention programs.

Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection and Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women in Primary Care Settings in South India: A Cohort Study.

Soil-transmitted helminth infections (STHs) in pregnancy have been linked to maternal anemia, low birth weight, and adverse perinatal outcomes. STH includes Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, and Trichuris trichiura. However, conflicting evidence exists regarding these effects. Hence, we aimed to assess the association of STH infections with perinatal outcomes. A community-based cohort study was conducted among pregnant women in primary care settings in Puducherry, South India, during December 2019 to April 2021. Stool samples were collected for STH screening and confirmed using polymerase chain reaction. Information on perinatal outcomes and hemoglobin levels were extracted from case records. The association of pre-term birth, low birth weight, anemia, and miscarriages with STH infection was analyzed using the Chi-square test. Among the 650 women enrolled, 58 (8.9%) had one of the STH infections. At the time of recruitment, 336 (52.0%) women had anemia. Twenty-four women (3.7%) had miscarriages, 14 (2.2%) had pre-term birth, and 65 (10.4%) had low-birth-weight (LBW) babies. All 14 pre-term babies had LBW, and out of 65 LBW, 40 were in mothers with anemia. Incidence of LBW, pre-term deliveries, and anemia were higher in women with STH than in those without STH (LBW: 12.3% vs 10.2%, P = 0.62; pre-term: 3.5% vs 2.1%, P = 0.5; and anemia: 54.4% vs 51.85, P = 0.7). Though the incidence of anemia, LBW, and pre-term delivery was higher in women with STH infections compared to those without STH, we did not find any significant association between the presence of STH infections and perinatal outcomes.

Factors associated with hookworm and Schistosoma mansoni infections among school-aged children in Mayuge district, Uganda

BackgroundHookworm infection and schistosomiasis are two of sub-Saharan Africa's most common neglected tropical diseases. An annual mass drug administration (MDA) program against schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), including hookworm, has been implemented in Mayuge district, Uganda, since 2003 to date. However, hookworm and schistosomiasis remain prevalent in Mayuge district. Understanding the factors that predispose children to these infections in the context of MDA could inform interventions to reduce prevalence in Uganda and similar settings.MethodThis cross-sectional study took place in 33 randomly selected primary schools in the Mayuge district from January to February 2022. Children in primary classes 4 or 5, in the selected schools provided single stool samples and completed questionnaires. Stool specimens were examined using the Kato-Katz method to determine the prevalence of hookworm and schistosomiasis. We performed univariable and multivariable logistic regression to assess the associations of each infection with potential risk factors.ResultA total of 1,617 students (mean age 12.1 years, 50.1% male) were enrolled. The prevalence of hookworm infection and schistosomiasis was 21.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 19.8–23.9%) and 18.7% (95% CI: 16.8–20.7%), respectively. In multivariable analysis, longer water fetching time (over 30 min versus less than 30 min) and working daily in the soil were associated with increased odds of hookworm infection (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.49, 95% CI: 1.13–1.96 and 1.37, 95% CI: 1.03–1.82, respectively). Higher odds of schistosomiasis were linked to proximity to water bodies within a one-hour walking distance (AOR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.35–2.50), and not always washing hands before eating (AOR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.50–2.67). Swimming, bathing, or washing in water bodies twice a week, compared to never, also increased schistosomiasis odds (AOR: 2.91, 95% CI: 1.66–5.13).ConclusionConsistent with the mechanisms of acquisition, hookworm infection increased with exposure to soil, and schistosomiasis increased with exposure to unclean water. Our findings highlight the importance of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene programs and strategies aimed at reducing exposure within the framework of Neglected Tropical Disease elimination programs.

Impact of weekly iron-folic acid supplementation on nutritional status and parasitic reinfection among school-age children and adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Two significant etiological factors contributing to iron deficiency anemia, and undernutrition posing substantial public health challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa, are soil-transmitted helminths and malaria. This study carried out the effect of weekly iron-folic acid supplementation (WIFAS) on the nutrition and general health of school-age children and adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa, a systematic review and meta-analysis have been conducted. To find pertinent publications for this study, a thorough search was carried out on May 20, 2023, across five databases: Pubmed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. In addition, a search was conducted on August 23, 2023, to capture any new records. The inclusion criteria for the studies were based on school-age children and adolescent populations, randomized controlled trials, and investigations into the effects of WIFAS. The outcomes of interest were measured through anthropometric changes, malaria, and helminthic reinfection. A systematic review of 11 articles revealed that WIFAS significantly decreased the risk of schistosomiasis reinfection by 21% among adolescents (risk ratio = 0.79, 95%CI: 0.66, 0.97; heterogeneity I 2 = 0.00%, P = 0.02). However, no significant impact was observed on the risk of malaria reinfection (risk ratio = 1.02, 95%CI: 0.92, 1.13; heterogeneity I 2 = 0.00%, P = 0.67) or A. Lumbricoides reinfection (risk ratio = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.75, 1.19; heterogeneity I 2 = 0.00%, P = 0.65). Moreover, the analysis demonstrated that there is no significant effect of iron-folic acid supplementation in measured height and height for age Z-score (HAZ) of the school-age children (Hedge's g -0.05, 95%CI: -0.3, 0.2; test for heterogeneity I 2 = 0.00%, P = 0.7) and (Hedge's g 0.12, 95%CI: -0.13, 0.37; test for heterogeneity I 2 = 0.00%, P = 0.36) respectively. The effectiveness of WIFAS in reducing the risk of schistosomiasis reinfection in adolescents has been demonstrated to be greater than that of a placebo or no intervention. Additionally, the narrative synthesis of iron-folic acid supplementation has emerged as a potential public health intervention for promoting weight change. However, there was no significant association between WIFAS and Ascariasis, trichuriasis, and hookworm. Moreover, the certainty of the evidence for the effects of WIFAS on height and malaria is low and therefore inconclusive. Whereas, the certainty of the evidence for the effectiveness of WIFAS on Schistosomiasis is moderate. Even though the mechanisms need further research WIFAS may be implemented as part of a comprehensive public health strategy to address schistosomiasis in adolescents. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023397898, PROSPERO (CRD42023397898).

Utilization Of Kuku Pancar (Lawsonia Inermis Lin) Leaves as a Substitute For Eosin Dye in The Examination of Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) Eggs

Nail surfacing leaves (Lawsonia inermis lin) are natural materials commonly used as dyes, because of the content of chemical compounds in them such as lawsone, flavonoids, tannins and anthocyanins, therefore nail surfacing leaves can be used as an alternative dye to replace 2% Eosin in STH worm egg examination, because it has the same properties as 2% Eosin and can produce an orange yellow color after the extraction process. The research objective is to determine the results of nail surfacing leaves (Lawsonia inermis lin) can be used as an alternative substance to replace Eosin in the examination of STH (soil transmitted helminth) worm eggs. The methods of this research is using is experimental, where this study looks at the clarity of soil transmitted helminth (STH) worm eggs on preparations, using coloring from the results of soaking the leaves of the nail surf as a substitute for Eosin. The results of the research is that the coloring results obtained in each variation of immersion time are good. The conclusion of this research is that the staining of worm eggs using the results of immersion of nail surfacing leaves for 12 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, and 48 hours can be used as an alternative dye in the examination of STH worm eggs.

HASIL PEMERIKSAAN TELUR SOIL TRANSMITTED HELMINTH MENGGUNAKAN CAMPURAN PEWARNA ALAMI DARI DAUN MIANA DAN KULIT BUAH NAGA

The simplest method for checking worm eggs is by a native technique using a 2% eosin reagent. Eosin itself has properties that are not easily decomposed, causing hazardous and easily flammable waste. Hence, an alternative staining method is needed, environmentally friendly, using natural materials, such as natural dye substances. This research aims to understand the depiction of results in examining Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) eggs using mint leaves and dragon fruit skin as alternative reagents. The research method involves examining feces using a direct method (wet preparation) to detect worm eggs in feces directly using a 2% Eosin solution. The comparison results between dragon fruit peel extract concentration using aquadest, tested with SPSS analysis version 20 using the Kruskal-Wallis method with a significance value of 0.09 ≥ 0.05, indicating significantly different research outcomes. Thus, it can be concluded that there is no difference in staining quality compared to the control. The conclusion drawn from this study is that there's no difference in staining worm egg suspensions using mint leaf extract. This is evident as when observing the worm egg suspension using mint leaf extract, the worm eggs were not clearer, unlike with dragon fruit skin and miana.

Soil-Transmitted Helminths among Farmers and AgriculturalWorkers in Rural Iraq

Background and aim: Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infections are a major public health issue, especially among people involved in agricultural activities. The objective of this study was to uncover crucial characteristics linked to STH infections and provide valuable insights for focused interventions. Additionally, the study attempted to assess the prevalence of STH among farmers and workers. Materials and Methods: a cross-sectional study that included individuals from agricultural communities was conducted. Structured interviews were carried out to gather sociodemographic data, habits, lifestyle factors, and awareness. The kato-katz method was used to analyze stool samples for the presence of helminths. Statistical techniques, such as chi-square tests and correlation coefficients, were used to evaluate the relationships between variables. Results: The prevalence of STH (Soil-Transmitted Helminths) was highest at 43.33% among patients aged 46-65. An important association was found between less experience (less than 20 years) and a higher prevalence of STH (p < 0.00001). Farmers demonstrated a greater prevalence compared to workers, although the difference was not statistically significant. The prevalence of STH was strongly influenced by handwashing habits, highlighting the crucial nature of maintaining consistent practices (p < 0.02). Individuals with a higher level of knowledge had a decreased prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, with a statistically significant p-value of 0.001867. Several helminths were detected, particularly Ascaris lumbercoids and Trichurs trichura. Age, personal protection equipment, access to clean water, handwashing, and specific helminths were positively correlated. Conclusion: This study offers a clear understanding of the various factors that affect the prevalence of STH. It highlights the significance of specific interventions that concentrate on enhancing hand cleanliness, ensuring access to uncontaminated water, and implementing protective measures.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites, Protozoans and Soil-Transmitted Helminths, in Children from Communities of Northern Argentina after the Interruption of Deworming

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites, Protozoans and Soil-Transmitted Helminths, in Children from Communities of Northern Argentina after the Interruption of Deworming