title: Distribution of hookworm infection in Cameroon.
abstract: Prevalence of hookworm infection was measured in Cameroon during a national survey carried out for a schistosomiasis research project. The survey provided a representative sample of the 10-19 year age group for each one of the 49 administrative divisions. Prevalences were low in the Extreme North province with a sahelian climate. Prevalences were high in the provinces with an equatorial climate except for the Centre province which is more developed. Regions with tropical Cameroonian climate, which receive a very heavy rainfall, showed the highest prevalences. Urbanized areas had lower infection rates than rural areas. It should not be assumed that hookworm prevalence is uniformly high throughout a tropical country. Since hookworm distribution shows wide variations, large control programmes should start with a thorough evaluation of the situation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Metairie, LA 70003.
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Ratard
authors.forename: L E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Kouemeni
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Ekani Bessala
authors.forename: C N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Ndamkou
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002163:Cameroon / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002980:Climate; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D006725:Hookworm Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence