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Effect of intestinal helminthiasis on intestinal permeability of early primary schoolchildren.

Intestinal permeability of 246 early primary schoolchildren at 2 schools (106 of whom were infected with intestinal helminths) was assessed by using the lactulose/mannitol differential absorption test. The ratio of the urinary recoveries of lactulose and mannitol was determined after oral administration of a standard solution of the 2 sugars. Assessment of intestinal permeability was repeated on 100 infected children after treatment and on a cohort of 68 uninfected children. Infected and uninfected groups were compared with respect to baseline lactulose/mannitol ratio (L/M1) and change in lactulose/mannitol ratio between assessments (delta L/M). The correlations between baseline intensity of infection and L/M1, and between fall in intensity and delta L/M, were evaluated. Based on a crude index of socioeconomic status, each child was assigned to one of 3 socioeconomic groups; all but 3 children belonged to either groups 2 or 3. Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides were the 2 predominant infections; the hookworm infection rate was relatively low. The results suggested that helminthiasis exerted only a marginal effect on intestinal permeability, the impact of which in children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds was negligible in comparison with the cumulative effects of other factors.

Albendazole↗

Effect of intestinal helminthiasis on school attendance by early primary schoolchildren.

Stool examination of 249 early primary schoolchildren at 2 schools in north-eastern peninsular Malaysia revealed that 73 were infected with Ascaris lumbricoides, 103 with Trichuris trichiura, and 18 with hookworms. Infected children were treated with a single dose of 400 mg of albendazole. The school attendance records during a 60 d period before treatment and 2 consecutive 60 d periods after treatment were examined. The absenteeism rate did not improve more among infected children after treatment than it did among the uninfected control children. The correlation between worm intensity and the number of lost school-days was poor. There was no evidence that intestinal helminthiasis caused school absenteeism among this group of children.

Absenteeism↗

Intervention for the control of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in the community.

The global strategy for the control of soil-transmitted helminthiasis, based on regular anthelminthic treatment, health education and improved sanitation standards, is reviewed. The reasons for the development of a control strategy based on population intervention rather than on individual treatment are explained. The evidence and experience from control programmes that created the basis for (i) the definition of the intervention package, (ii) the identification of the groups at risk, (iii) the standardization of the community diagnosis and (iv) the selection of the appropriate intervention for each category in the community are discussed. How to best deliver the appropriate intervention, the impact of the control measures on morbidity and on indicators such as school attendance, cognitive development and productivity are presented. The factors influencing the cost-benefits of helminth control are also considered. The recent progress on the control of soil-transmitted helminth infections is illustrated. Research needs are analysed in relation to the most recent perceptions from private-public partnerships involved in helminth control. The way forward for the control of soil-transmitted helminth infections is described as a multi-disease approach that goes beyond deworming and fosters a pro-poor strategy that supports the aims of the Millennium Development Goals.

Animals↗

A school-based schistosomiasis and intestinal helminthiasis control programme in Nigeria: acceptability to community members.

In a population with high prevalences in schoolchildren of infection with hookworm (32.4%), Ascaris (22.9%) and Trichuris (2.5%), visible haematuria (17.9%), micro-haematuria (17%) and proteinuria (47.3%), the knowledge about transmission of schistosomiasis and acceptability of a school-based control programme were assessed. The community perceived schistosomiasis (80.6%) and intestinal helminthiasis (66.5%) as important health problems in school-age children and most people would prefer placement of the control programme in school because it would eliminate transportation cost to the health facility. They welcomed the idea of using teachers for detection of infection and drug administration. The health staff, on the other hand, were willing to work with teachers, but emphasized that teachers should be limited to organizational and supervisory roles while they do tests and administer the drug. This view was also shared by the officials in the state ministries of health and education.

Adolescent↗

Effectiveness of two annual, single-dose mass drug administrations of diethylcarbamazine alone or in combination with albendazole on soil-transmitted helminthiasis in filariasis elimination programme.

A longitudinal community-trial on the control of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), as part of a lymphatic filariasis elimination campaign, was taken up in two revenue blocks of southern India in the years 2001 and 2002 to assess the impact of two annual single-dose mass drug administration (MDA) of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) + albendazole (ALB) with that of DEC alone. The prevalences and intensities of STHs were studied among cross-sectional samples of school children aged 9-10 years by using the Kato-Katz technique at baseline and 11 months after each MDA. The combined drug mass treatment produced a higher reduction in the prevalence (RIP) (51-77%) and the egg reduction rate (ERR) (92-98%) compared with 12-15% RIP and 58-62% ERR of DEC alone mass treatment. The effect of two-drug therapy after two annual treatments was relatively long lasting as shown by RIP and ERR indicating that the reinfection rates were relatively lower in this approach than single-drug therapy. This study demonstrates that mass drug co-administration of DEC + ALB in Global Programme for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) targeted at the community had a synergistic and sustainable effect against soil-transmitted helminthiasis and provided considerable 'beyond filariasis' benefits. The additional advantages accrued to the community underscore the importance of scaling-up GPELF to cover the entire population at risk.

Albendazole↗

Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis: common drugs for treatment and control.

Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by parasitic trematode worms (schistosomes) that currently affects 200 million people living in tropical and subtropical environments. It is a chronic disease and the latest estimates for sub-Saharan Africa are that it kills > 200000 people every year. Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is caused by intestinal nematodes. More than 2 billion people are infected worldwide and the disease burden might approach that of malaria. Recognising the enormous public health significance of schistosomiasis and STH, particularly among the poor, and in view of readily available drugs that are safe, efficacious and inexpensive, the World Health Assembly recently set forth a resolution for a combined approach for morbidity control of both diseases. This review briefly summarises the geographical distribution, life cycle and global burden of schistosomiasis and STH. The current arsenal of drugs available for morbidity control, including discovery, chemistry, pharmacological properties and aspects of therapeutic efficacy and adverse events in clinical human use is then discussed. The emphasis is on praziquantel, oxamniquine and artemisinin derivatives (against schistosomes) and albendazole, mebendazole, levamisole, pyrantel pamoate and other compounds (against intestinal nematodes). The experience gained with combination chemotherapy in schistosomiasis and STH is briefly discussed. Finally, current research needs and the critical importance for development of novel anthelmintic drugs, so that chemotherapy can continue to serve as the backbone of integrated and sustainable control of schistosomiasis and STH, is highlighted.

Animals↗

Prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in the city of Portoviejo (Ecuador).

We studied the stool samples of 151 school children in a district of the city of Portoviejo (Ecuador) in order to determine the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and their relationships with anthropometric indices. The samples were analyzed with the semiquantitative Kato-Katz technique and the intensity of infections was categorized as light, moderate or high according to the thresholds set by the World Health Organization. Prevalence of soil transmitted helmintiasis was 65% (92 out of 141 collected samples), Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common STH (63%) followed by Trichuris trichiura (10%) and hookworm (1.4%). Heavy intensity infections were found in 8.5% of the stool samples, with T. trichiura showing higher worm burdens than A. lumbricoides. Sixteen percent of the children were below the third percentile for weight (wasted), while 27% were below the third percentile for height (stunted). A significant relationship was found between the worm burden and the degree of stunting. This study suggests that the periodic administration of an antihelminthic drug should be targeted to preschool and school children to allow a normal growth spurt and prevent stunting.

Anthropometry↗

Treatment of multiple intestinal helminthiasis with oxantel and pyrantel.

32 elementary school children were treated for multiple intestinal helminthiasis (ascariasis, trichuriasis and hookworm infections) with a combination of the pamoate salts of oxantel and pyrantel in a dose of 15 to 20mg/kg body weight of each in 1 daily dose for 3 consecutive days. The cure rate for ascariasis was 96.7%, and 84.4% for both trichuriasis and hookworm infections. 68.7% were completely cured of all 3 helminths. However, among those not completely cured, only 1 species of the previous 3 infecting helminths was present after treatment and then with a very marked reduction in egg count.

Child↗

Community's willingness to pay for a school-based chemotherapy programme to control morbidity due to schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis in children in rural Tanzania.

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted on a random sample of 523 households having at least one child attending primary school in 3 villages in Buchosa Division, Sengerema District, Tanzania. The aim was to determine the community's willingness to pay (WTP) for a school-based chemotherapy programme to control morbidity due to schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) in schoolchildren and identify socio-economic and cultural factors influencing community's WTP. Results showed that households WTP for a school-based chemotherapy programme varied from Tanzanian Shillings (TShs.) 0-20,000 (US dollars 0-25) per child per year. The community's WTP (median of households WTP) was TSh. 1,000 (US dollars 1.25). The community was also willing to pay extra TSh.100 (US dollars 0.125) per year to cover for the cost of schoolchildren whose parents were unable to pay or who could pay less than the community's WTP. Age of household head and number of schoolchildren in a household had a negative effect on the household's willingness to pay. Households with children in expensive schools had high willingness to pay for the intervention package to control worms in their children. This was also observed in households keeping animals (cattle, goats, sheep, chiken, ducks) and those who cultivated a number of cash crops.

Adolescent↗

Prevention and control of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis.

This report contains the recommendations of a WHO Expert Committee convened to consider the prevention and control of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth infections. Although these infections remain major public health concerns in many parts of the world, particularly in the poorest developing countries, cost-effective solutions are both available and deliverable. The report reviews the burden of disease, its impact on both health and development, the substantial benefits of treatment, and the safety, efficacy and ease of administration of available anthelminthic drugs. Similarities in the population at risk and in the tools required to combat the problems have prompted moves towards a combined approach to the control of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis. Such an approach relies largely on epidemiological surveillance, health education, improvements in hygiene and sanitation, and--above all--regular treatment of high-risk groups, particularly school-age children. The report focuses on how these various elements can be achieved, emphasizing the potential of the school system for drug delivery and health education and the opportunities for integration of control activities with existing health programmes. It also stresses that the cost of recommended anthelminthic drugs has now fallen to a level at which it should no longer deter Member States from making treatment widely available in endemic areas. The recommendations of the Expert Committee provide clear and strategic guidance on the implementation of control measures and on ensuring their sustainability.

Animals↗

[Anemia associated with malaria and intestinal helminthiasis in Lubumbashi].

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and determine the prevalence of anemia and associated factors (malaria and intestinal helminthiasis) in some high risk groups, especially in pregnant and breast-feeding women and in children aged 1-2 years old from within a deprived semi-urban population of Lubumbashi (Bongonga and Sendwe). These results were compared to those obtained from an urban population having a more satisfying socio-economic situation (University Clinics). The overall frequency of anemia in the subjects studied from the three centres varies from 50-80%. The proportion of anemic cases is clearly higher in the Bongonga and Sendwe populations (70-80%) than in that of the urban group (50%) (P < 0.05). Among all of the subjects examined, pregnant women are found to be the group with the highest proportion of anemic patients (P < 0.05). All things considered, anemia is associated with malaria in 40% of the cases and with intestinal parasitism (Ascaris and/or Ankylostome infestation) in 9%. Faced with such a situation, the strategy to fight against anemia and associated parasitosis demands and requires multi-disciplinary actions centred on health education, collective screening and specific anti-parasite treatment.

Adult↗

Malaria and intestinal helminthiasis in school children of Kumba Urban Area, Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Malaria and intestinal helminthiasis are parasitic diseases causing high morbidity and mortality in most tropical parts of the world, where climatic conditions and sanitation practices favour their prevalence. These infections do co-exist and have different effects on infected individuals. OBJECTIVES: To assess the level of endemicity of malaria and helminth infections in school children of the Kumba Urban Area of Cameroon, and to determine how these infections relate to each other. DESIGN: Cross sectional study. SETTING: Four primary schools in the Kumba urban area. SUBJECTS: Two hundred and forty three randomly selected pupils aged four and fifteen years of both sexes. RESULTS: All two hundred and forty three pupils had malaria parasites in their blood. The geometric mean parasite load was 1282 parasites per microl of blood. Only 17 pupils were anaemic (PCV<30%), The helminth infections showed a 38.3% prevalence, with a geometric mean parasite load of 687 eggs per gram of faeces. Co-infections were recorded in 38.3% of the pupils. There was no significant correlation between the helminth and malaria parasite densities (r=0.04, P=0.7337). CONCLUSION: Both malaria and helminth parasites do co-exist without clinical symptoms of infection in school children of the Kumbi Urban Area.

Adolescent↗

[Therapeutic alternatives in case of failure of first-line treatment of intestinal helminthiasis in adults].

Development of antiparasite medications over the last 15 years has greatly reduced the number of treatment failures for intestinal helminthiasis. Benzimidazole derivatives, ivermectine, praziquantel and triclabendazole are easy to use, well tolerated and generally curative. First-line treatment are currently so reliable that failure should lead first to investigation of possible "false failure" causes such as misdiagnosis, poor identification of the parasite, inadequate or incorrect treatment, and repeat contamination, before concluding that genuine parasite resistance is involved and that alternative therapy is needed. Nitazoxanide is an alternative treatment for fascioliasis and teniasis. Albendazole can be beneficial for taeniasis and strongyloidiasis. Metronidazole can be effective for fascioliasis. Artemisinine derivatives are useful for schistosomiasis. Combined therapies are necessary for refractory ankylostomiasis.

Albendazole↗

[Comparison of several coproparasitological techniques for the diagnosis of soil-transmitted intestinal helminthiasis].

Five hundred and eleven samples of feces were examined by several coproparasitological techniques: Kato-Katz, Willis, Ritchie and direct wet mount. It was found that Kato-Katz was the most reliable technique for the diagnosis of Trichuris trichiura, Necator americanus, and Ascaris lumbricoides, demonstrating the largest number of cases. Willis, Ritchie and direct wet mount were effective in that order. Taking into account that Kato-Katz is a quantitative method, it should be recommended in the diagnosis of soil-transmitted helminthiasis.

Animals↗

Intestinal helminthiasis and abdominal symptoms in adults.

In a study to test the association between soil transmitted intestinal helminthiasis and abdominal symptoms in a non-paediatric age group, 242 randomly selected patients (137 males, 105 females, median age 45 years) were asked specific questions pertaining to abdominal symptoms at the time of admission to the adult medical wards. Stool examination on all patients revealed a round worm prevalence rate of 21%. A larger proportion of stool positive female patients were symptomatic than stool negative females (68% vs 30%, p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in symptoms between stool positive and stool negative male patients (34.6% vs 31%, p = 0.91). The results suggested an association between intestinal nematode infection and abdominal symptoms in females but not in males.

Abdominal Pain↗

Intestinal helminthiasis in ex-patriates returning to Britain from the tropics. A controlled study.

A retrospective study was performed of clinical features in expatriates attending the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London, with a sole diagnosis of ascariasis (100), trichuriasis (100), hookworm (75), and strongyloidiasis (36). Results were compared with a control group of 100 ex-patriates attending the same hospital in whom no diagnosis was made and in whom stool microscopy and peripheral blood eosinophil counts were normal. Almost one half of all patients with intestinal helminthiasis were asymptomatic. Of those with symptoms specific clinical features were no different from controls with the exception of a transient itch or rash in patients with strongyloidiasis. The presence of eosinophilia was not a reliable indicator of infection. This study suggests that it may be worth while performing stool microscopy in ex-patriates returning from the tropics even if they are asymptomatic.

Adult↗

[Seroepidemiologic studies in helminthiasis].

Epidemiological parameters subjected to variations corresponding to immunological structure of population are outlined on the basis of brief characteristics of immunity specificity in helminthiasis patients. Main trends in seroepidemiological studies are established. Authors analyzed the feasibility of assessment of some constituents of epidemic processes of various nosoforms by means of serological screening at the population level.

Helminthiasis↗

[Intestinal helminthiasis on Ancien-Fresco island (Ivory Coast)].

An epidemiologic survey has been done in November 1987 on 220 children aged from one to four in the Ancien-Fresco island (Côte-d'Ivoire). The results show that 84.5% of the children whose excreta have been examined have parasites. The Ascaridiasis is the helminthiasis the most frequent.

Ascaridiasis↗