A cross-sectional study of intestinal parasitic infections among schoolchildren in Nan Province, Northern Thailand.
A cross-sectional study of the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections at eight schools in Bo Klau district and four schools in Chalerm Prakiet district, Nan Province, in January and February, 2001. A total of 1,010 fecal samples were examined using the formalin-ether sedimentation technique. Results revealed that the rate of helminthic infection was 60.0%, while protozoa accounted for 36.2% of infections; mixed infections were common, resulting in a total prevalence of both parasites of 68.1%. Helminthic parasites, listed by frequency of infections, were Ascaris lumbricoides (21.7%), hookworm (18.5%), Trichuris trichiura (16.3%), Opisthorchis viverrini (1.7%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.9%) and Enterobius vermicularis (0.9%). The protozoal infections were Entamoeba coli (25.8%), Giardia lamblia (5.3%), Endolimax nana (2.5%), Entamoeba histolytica (1.4%), Blastocystis hominis (0.8%), Chilomastix mesnili (0.3%) and Iodamoeba bütschlii (0.1%). This study emphasizes the need for improved environmental hygiene ie clean water supplies and enhanced sanitation, in affected communities. Health promotion, by means of a school-based educational approach is recommended; regular check-ups should be implemented, and a continuos program of treatment should be considered.
Waikagul
J
J
Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. tmjwk@mahidol.ac.th
Krudsood
S
S
Radomyos
P
P
Radomyos
B
B
Chalemrut
K
K
Jonsuksuntigul
P
P
Kojima
S
S
Looareesuwan
S
S
Thaineau
W
W
D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology