title: Seasonality in human hookworm infection in an endemic area of Nigeria, and its relationship to rainfall.
abstract: Detailed parasitological and climatological examination of two rural communities in a hookworm endemic area of Anambra State Nigeria, has shown that infection with the parasite follows a clearly defined pattern. The results suggested a break in the transmission cycle of the parasite during the dry season December--February when only a few larvae (< 500 L3S) could be recovered from contaminated soils for not more than 4 days. Transmission of the parasite and the manifestation of the disease in infected individuals appeared to be a rainy season phenomenon. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to possible control of the disease.
mesh_terms: D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D006725:Hookworm Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D009549:Nigeria; D011891:Rain; D012621:Seasons; D012987:Soil; D014887:Weather
chemical_list: D012987:Soil