Prevalence, physiologic effects, and risk factors of soil-transmitted helminth infections among grade school children
Journal Title: National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology - Year 2017, Vol 7, Issue 9
Abstract
Background: Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are widespread and are the most common infectious agents in developing countries such as the Philippines. Aims and Objectives: This study was planned (i) to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections, (ii) to identify the predominant helminth parasites and parasite densities, (iii) to measure and compare the effects of helminth infections on the weight of grade school children, and (iv) to identify relevant risk factors for helminth infections. Materials and Methods: Stool samples of 61 nursery and grade school children were examined using KatoKatz method and Formol-ether concentration technique. Anthropometric, demographic, socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral characteristics of the pupils were obtained using a survey questionnaire and subsequently statistically analyzed. Results: The prevalence of STH infections among children was 74% with a high predominance of Taenia sp. and high density of Ascaris lumbricoides. Of the cases, 39.3% were single infection while 34.4% had mixed infections. Helminth infections, single or mixed, were not associated with sex, but the weight difference between infected and uninfected females is higher compared to males. The prevalence of helminth infections was associated with close contact with livestock or pets in the household. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of intestinal helminths, predominantly of Taenia sp., among grade school children. Helminth infections were either single or mixed type, were not associated with sex but with significant effects on the weights of female children, and were associated with close contact with household pets.
Authors and Affiliations
Anne Fay A Alvañiz, Elysha C de Castro, Bea Janine B Tablizo, Mary Jane C Flores, Eligio Santiago V Maghirang, Lawrence Aikee R Esmeli, Arturo Y Pacificador Jr, Derick Erl P Sumalapao
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP290993
- DOI 10.5455/njppp.2017.7.0411908052017
- Views 57
- Downloads 0
Comparison of visual reaction time in myopic subjects with emmetropic subjects
Background: Reaction time is the time between presentation of a stimulus and the appearance of appropriate voluntary response in the subject. The measurement of visual reaction time (VRT) is used to evaluate the processi...
A study on antidepressant-like effect of dihydroxy flavones in mice and their mechanisms involved
Background: In the treatment of depression, drugs with a quick onset of action and high margin of safety are intensely being searched. Previous studies indicate flavonoids as a potential source for such drugs. Hence, in...
The use of reversibility percent in spirometric assessment of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases for the detrimental effect of 3rd generation beta-blockers
Background: For clinicians who work in respiratory medicine, the use of beta-blockers (BBs) has, for a long time, posed a dilemma because of the potential risk of bronchospasm and neutralization of the effectiveness of β...
Evaluation of auditory evoked response among type-II diabetic individuals in central India
Background: The Type II diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by hyperglycemia, as a result of damaged beta cell function, along with increase insulin resistance, either at receptor or at postreceptor levels. Neuropath...
Dynamics of the content of free amino acids in blood of patients during the long-term use of orthopedic dental metal prostheses
Background: The effect of materials for dental prostheses on the patient’s body remains one of the most relevant issues in orthopedic dentistry. The dentist, more often the orthopedist, has to deal with diseases arising...