Soil-transmitted helminth infections and nutritional status in Ecuador: findings from a national survey and implications for control strategies

Abstract:

Objective The estimation of prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections at a country-level is an essential prerequisite for the implementation of a rational control programme. The aim of this present study was to estimate the prevalence and distribution of STH infections and malnutrition in school-age children in rural areas of Ecuador. Design Cross-sectional study from October 2011 to May 2012. Setting Eighteen rural schools were randomly selected from the three ecological regions of Ecuador (coastal, highlands and Amazon basin). Participants 920 children aged 6–16 years. Main outcome measures Prevalence and intensity of STH infections associated with malnutrition (thinness/wasting or stunting). Results The results showed that 257 (27.9%) children were infected with at least one STH parasite. The prevalence of Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm was 19.3%, 18.5 …

Año de publicación:

2018

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