Soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections in an indigenous community in Ortigueira, Paraná, Brazil and relationship with its nutritional status.
Within the frame of World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for the control of soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections, a baseline survey has been conducted in Queimadas Indian schoolchildren (group A) as compared with urban schoolchildren (group B), both located in Ortigueira, Paraná, Brazil, with the aim of orientating investigations. In an opportunistic study, the possible relationship between STH infection and nutritional status has been investigated. A total of 236 schoolchildren aged 5-15 years were enrolled, 100 in group A and 136 in group B. Prevalence of STH infections and heavy intensity infections were significantly higher in the group A (P < .001). A statistical significant correlation between stunting (Z-score < -2) and intensity of STH infections was noted. These results strongly suggested that mass treatment would be indicated in the indigenous community, possibly leading to improved nutritional status.
Beltrame
A
A
Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
Scolari
C
C
Torti
C
C
Urbani
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000818:Animals; D001196:Ascariasis / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D017164:Ascaris lumbricoides / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D006798:Housing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007199:Indians, South American; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission; D008297:Male; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000150:complications; D009752:Nutritional Status; D015995:Prevalence; D012424:Rural Population; D012987:Soil / Q000469:parasitology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014038:Toilet Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014257:Trichuriasis / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D014258:Trichuris / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014505:Urban Population
D012987:Soil