title: Helminth transmission in simple pit latrines.
abstract: Simple pit latrines often represent the cheapest form of sanitation for poor communities. However, simple latrines lack a concrete slab and are therefore classified as an unimproved form of sanitation. This study collected soil samples in simple pit latrines and analysed them for the presence of helminth eggs; 71% of all collected samples were positive for eggs. The absence of a roof from the latrine was the only factor associated with lower egg concentrations. The findings support the classification of simple pit latrines as an unimproved form of sanitation.
authors.affiliation: Environmental Health Group, Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
authors.forename: Sarah M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: Jeroen H J
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Ensink
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D010270:Parasite Egg Count; D011203:Poverty; D012499:Sanitation / Q000592:standards*; D013499:Surface Properties; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology; D014038:Toilet Facilities