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Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) infection can occur at all ages, from children to the elderly. Farmers are at risk of contracting STH infection because of their daily work which is in direct contact with the soil. The risk of STH infection is due to poor personal hygiene and environmental sanitation. The study aims to determine observe the factors associated with STH infection in vegetable farmers, using a cross-sectional approach. The research subjects were vegetable farmers in Batur Wetan Hamlet, Getasan, Semarang Regency. Data were collected using a questionnaire to determine the personal hygiene and sanitation hygiene of farmers when working in the garden. Worm identification used (reference,) based on the worm performance using the floating method. Worm identification were done by examining the stool using the floating method. The results of the study were processed using SPSS version 20. Data analysis using Chi-Square (α = 5%), found 3 positive study subjects infected with STH, consisting of 1 egg of Ascaris lubricoides and 2 eggs of Trichuris trichiura. Positive STH respondents, have a washing by water and soap habits before eating and defecating, without wearing gloves. There was a relationship between hand washing by water and soap habits before eating to worm infection, but no relationship between this habit after defecating and no wearing gloves to worm infection. Vegetable farmers are advised to change the daily habits and maintain personal hygiene after working. use personal protective equipment when working and maintain personal hygiene.

Latar belakang: Infeksi kronis dari soil transmitted helminth (STH) dapat menyebabkan gangguan gizi, pertumbuhan dan kognitif pada anak. Untuk mengurangi dampak infeksi STH, diperlukan identifikasi faktor risiko. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi faktor risiko yang berhubungan dengan infeksi STH pada siswa sekolah dasar di Desa Seraya Timur, Karangasem, Bali. Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan desain potong lintang dengan mengambil total sampel. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada bulan Januari 2020. Data primer mengenai faktor-faktor risiko infeksi STH dikumpulkan dengan menggunakan kuesioner. Diagnosis infeksi STH dilakukan dengan pemeriksaan tinja dengan metode Kato-Katz. Analisis data menggunakan uji chi-square untuk menentukan faktor risiko yang berhubungan dengan infeksi STH. Hasil: Sebanyak 83 siswa yang berusia 6-12 tahun berpartisipasi dalam penelitian ini. Terdapat 9 siswa (10.84%) yang terinfeksi STH dengan intensitas infeksi ringan. Sebanyak 55.56% terinfeksi Trichuris trichiura, 33.33% terinfeksi Ascaris lumbricoides dan 11.11% terinfeksi cacing tambang. Terdapat beberapa faktor risiko yang memiliki hubungan bermakna dengan infeksi STH diantaranya adalah sering bermain tanah (OR=6.86; 95%CI 1.326-35.494), bermain tanpa alas kaki (OR=10.5; 95%CI 1.249-88.278) tidak mencuci tangan setelah bermain tanah (OR=9.450; 95%CI 1.809-49.358) dan tidak memotong kuku secara rutin (OR=6.462; 95%CI 1.250-33.388). Pemberian obat cacing setiap enam bulan mampu memberikan efek proteksi terhadap infeksi STH (OR=0.085; 95%CI 0.016-0.449). Kesimpulan: Kebersihan diri menjadi faktor risiko yang berhubungan dengan infeksi STH. Direkomendasikan untuk meningkatkan promosi kesehatan terkait kebersihan diri disamping pemberian obat cacing setiap enam bulan. Kata kunci: Faktor risiko, infeksi STH, anak sekolah dasar Abstract Background: Chronic soil transmitted helminth (STH) infection might cause nutritional, growth and cognitive impairment in children. Identifying the risk factors of STH infection is crucially needed to minimize the infection effects. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with STH infections among primary school students in Seraya Timur Village, Karangasem, Bali. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design with a total sampling method. The study was conducted in January 2020. Risk factors data were collected using a questionnaire. The diagnosis of STH infection was done by stool examination with the Kato-Katz method. The chi-square test was used to determine the risk factors associated with STH infection. Results: 83 students with ages ranging from 6-12 years participated in this study. There were 9 students (10.84%) whose infected with mild infection of STH. 55.56% of students were infected by Trichuris trichiura, 33.33% were Ascaris lumbricoides infections and 11.11% were hookworm infections. There were several risk factors that significantly associated with STH infection including ground’s playing (OR=6.86; 95%CI 1.326-35.494), barefoot (OR=10.5; 95%CI 1.249-88.278), did not wash hands after playing soil (OR=9.450; 95%CI 1.809-49.358) and did not routinely cut their nails (OR=6.462; 95%CI 1.250-33.388). Deworming every six months could provide a protective effect against STH infection (OR=0.085; 95%CI 0.016-0.449). Conclusion: Personal hygiene is a risk factor associated with STH infection. It is recommended to increase personal hygiene promotion besides dewormed every six months. Keywords: Risk factors, STH infection, primary school students

Helminth infections are common in children. This infection attacks more children because their activities are more related to the soil, and the child's diet does not recognize hygiene and hygienic food quality. Diagnosis is done by stool examination to find helminth eggs, can also be supported by eosinophil examination. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of helminthiasis with the number of peripheral blood eosinophils in student’s elementary school Gebangsari 01. This study was an observational study using a cross-sectional approach. The population was 40 students in grades 3 and 4. The sample is a total population of 40 people. Fourteen students were not infected with soil transmitted helminth and the eosinophil count was normal. Most students have a clean and healthy lifestyle until 100% negative worm infections. There is no relationship between behavior with the number of eosinophils of student’s in elementary school Gebangsari 01.

BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections were the highest infection in children aged 5–15 years old. They lead to iron deficiency anemia and folic acid deficiency. One of the strategies to treat the issues is anthelmintic administration with iron-folic acid supplementation. AIM: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of single-dose albendazole and albendazole with iron-folic acid supplementation on hemoglobin (Hb) levels in children with STHs. METHODS: This was an open-label randomized clinical trial conducted in Batubara Regency from September to November 2018. Subjects were primary schoolchildren with STH infections. They were grouped into albendazole and albendazole with iron-folic acid supplementation groups. The data were analyzed by independent t-test and Mann–Whitney U-test. RESULTS: From 139 children, 72 children received albendazole single dose and 67 children received albendazole with 30 mg iron and 250 μg folic acid weekly for 3 months. The median of baseline hemoglobin level was 12.2 gr/dL, whereas after intervention was 12.7 gr/dL. The hemoglobin level increases did not differ significantly between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, clinical improvement was observed. CONCLUSION: Iron-folic acid supplementation in addition to albendazole did not show any benefit for primary schoolchildren with STH infection in Batubara Regency, North Sumatera, Indonesia.

Background The point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) test is increasingly used as a rapid diagnostic method for Schistosoma mansoni infection. The test has good sensitivity, although false positive results have been reported among pregnant women and patients with urine infections and hematuria. We validated the POC-CCA test’s ability to diagnose Schistosoma mekongi infection in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), where S. mekongi is endemic. Of particular interest was the test’s specificity and possible cross-reactivity with other helminth infections. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of children and adults in the provinces of Champasack (Schistosoma mekongi and Opisthorchis viverrini endemic), Savannakhet (O. viverrini endemic) and Luang Prabang (soil-transmitted helminths endemic) between October 2018 and April 2019. POC-CCA and urine dipstick tests were administered to all study participants, while an additional pregnancy test was offered to women. Two stool samples were collected from participants and examined with a Kato-Katz test (two smears per stool). Logistic regression was used to associate potential confounding factors (predictors) with POC-CCA test results (outcome). Results In S. mekongi-endemic Champasack, 11.5% (n = 366) and 0.5% (n = 2) of study participants had positive POC-CCA and Kato-Katz test results, respectively. Only one of the two Kato-Katz positive patients was also POC-CCA positive. In Champasack and Luang Prabang, where S. mekongi is not endemic, the POC-CCA test yielded (presumably) false positive results for 6.0% (n = 22) and 2.5% (n = 9) of study participants, respectively, while all of the Kato-Katz tests were negative. POC-CCA positive test results were significantly associated with O. viverrini infection (1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02–2.77, P = 0.042), increased leukocytes (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.15–2.17, P = 0.005) and hematuria (aOR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.07–2.10, P = 0.019) if the observed trace was counted as a positive test result. Two pregnant women from Champasack province had POC-CCA positive tests. Conclusions We observed a cross-reaction between the POC-CCA test and O. viverrini infection. To some extent, we can confirm previous observations asserting that POC-CCA provides false positive results among patients with urinary tract infections and hematuria. In S. mekongi-endemic areas, POC-CCA can be applied cautiously for surveillance purposes, keeping in mind the considerable risk of false positive results and its unknown sensitivity.

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections cause devastating effect in human health. School-age children (SAC) account for the highest prevalence of STH infections in sub-Sahara. Open defecation practicing might be the major contributing factor, and creating an open defecation–free (ODF) declared community is also a big challenge. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of STH infections and associated factors among SAC in ODF declared and open defecation–practicing kebeles. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 806 SAC from January 2019 to April 2019. Questionnaire-based data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and processed via the Kato–Katz technique. Prevalence and associated factors were computed with descriptive statistics and regression, respectively. Variables with a P-value < 0.05 were considered as significantly associated. This study revealed that the prevalence of STH infections in open defecation–practicing and ODF declared kebeles were 39.0% and 30.0%, respectively. Wearing open shoes, wearing shoes sometimes, and playing with soil were significantly associated (P < 0.01) with STH infections in ODF declared kebeles. Similarly, wearing shoes sometimes, not using latrine, and playing with soil were also significantly associated (P < 0.01) with STH infections in open defection–practicing kebeles. In conclusion, lower prevalence of STH infections was recorded in ODF declared than in open defection–practicing kebeles. Wearing shoes sometimes, playing with soil, and not using latrine were associated with STH infections. Therefore, creating an ODF environment and community awareness should be strengthened.

Soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma haematobium affect more than 3 billion people globally and mainly occur in sub-Saharan Africa. The present study assessed the overall infection status of a 1716-student cohort of school-children in Zanzibar and applied mass drug administration (MDA) to the cohort from 2007 to 2009. Schools in Pemba, Zanzibar, had a much higher prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections than those in Unguja, and the Chaani, Ghana, and Machui schools of Unguja exhibited high S. haematobium infection rates. The MDA program only partially controlled parasite infections, owing to high rates of re-infection. The infection rate of S. haematobium across all 10 schools, for example, was only reduced by 1.8%, and even this change not significant, even though the S. haematobiuminfection rates of the Chaani and Mzambarauni schools were significantly reduced from 64.4 and 23.4%, respectively, at the first screening, to 7.3 and 2.3% at the last screening. The overall infection rate of Ascaris lumbricoides was reduced from 36.0% at the first screening to 22.6% at the last screening. However, the infection rates for both Trichuris trichiuraand hookworm were generally unaffected by MDA. In the future, parasite control programs should involve strategically designed MDA schedules and holistic intervention (e.g., sanitation improvement, hygiene behavior changes, and control of intermediated hosts).

Background: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections have adverse physical and mental effect, especially in preschool (3–6 years) and school-age children (6–14 years). They are associated with socio-behavioral factors of poverty and poor personal and community hygiene. Objectives: To determine the prevalence, intensity, and the type of helminths infection harbored by the school age children (6–14 years) and to examine the relationship between STH infection and their potential risk factors and associated variables. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2016 among 250 school age children residing in an urban resettlement colony of East Delhi. Data were collected using a semistructured interview schedule. Stool sample was tested using the Kato Katz technique. Data were analyzed in SPSS software version 16, and multivariable regression analysis was done to calculate the odds of various risk factors. Results: The prevalence of STH was found to be 54.8%, and majority (85.3%) of Ascaris and all Trichuris infections were of light intensity. Multivariable logistic regression analysis confirmed that children having poor handwashing behavior in school, irregular handwashing before eating, having pica, and lack of de-worming had higher odds of having STH infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of STH in the study area is substantially high, and the findings suggest that besides mass de-worming strategy, behavior change, and improvement in hygiene are required to control STH.

Background: In Ethiopia, soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STHs) infections remain the leading cause of morbidity among school-age children despite the progress in the implementation of control measures. Study findings regarding prevalence of STH among school-age children have been inconsistent and pooled prevalence of STH infections did not account double or triple infections of STH. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis estimates the pooled prevalence of STH by accounting double or triple infections among school-age children in Ethiopia.Methods: Databases and search engines such as PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched. Based on the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was employed to determine the prevalence of STH infections among school-age children. Published articles in the period between 1980 and 2020 were included in the analysis. Three authors independently extracted all data using a data extraction format sheet. STATA Version 16 statistical software was used for analysis. The Cochran’s Q-test was used to evaluate the heterogeneity of the studies and a random-effects model was done to determine pooled prevalence estimate.Results: The overall pooled estimate of STHs was 33% (95% CI:26-39%). The prevalence did not show statistically differ between before, 32.0% (95% CI:25-39%) and after, 33% (95% CI:26-39%) National NTDs control and elimination programme. The pooled prevalence of ascariasis before and after the implementation of NTDs programme was found to be 18% (12.0%, 24%) and 18% (9.0%, 27.0%), respectively with a total pooled estimate of 18.0% (13.0%, 23.0%). The prevalence of trichuris trichuria was also found to be 8.0% (4.0%, 12.0%) before the programme and 15.0% (4%, 26%) after the programme with a total pooled estimate of 10.0% (5.0%, 14.0%). The prevalence of hookworm was 14.0% (9.0%, 19.0%) before the programme and 9.0% (3.0%, 14.0%) after the programme with a total pooled estimate of 12% (8.0%, 17.0%). Conclusion: The overall polled prevalence of STHs in Ethiopia was found at moderate level based on the WHO classification. The recommended control strategies for STHs infections in school-age children at this level of prevalence such as providing preventive chemotherapy or treat all school-age children (enrolled and non-enrolled) once a year, improving sanitation and water supply and providing health education should be strengthen to mee the target of the national and WHO plan.

Background Infectious diseases such as tuberculosis (TB), malaria and soil-transmitted helminthiasis continue to impose a significant global health burden and socio-economic impact. Globally, minority indigenous people are disproportionately affected by poverty and are shown to experience a disparate burden of disease and poorer health outcomes than the comparative majority population. Despite these inequalities, countries rarely systematically compile epidemiological data disaggregated by ethnicity to enable the extent of the differential to be quantified. Methods The systematic review will be reported in accordance with The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta- Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Systematic searches will be conducted in EMBASE, Medline, Scopus and Web of Science for studies reporting data which enable the prevalence of TB, malaria, and/or soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections amongst minority indigenous populations within the Southeast Asia Region (SEAR) and Western Pacific Region (WPR) to be calculated. Where studies provide data on disease prevalence for both minority indigenous and other populations within the same study, a comparative analysis will be undertaken. In addition to a narrative synthesis, where sufficient data are available, a random-effects meta-analysis will be conducted to obtain a pooled estimate value for each disease/infection by country and mortality stratum. Heterogeneity between studies will be examined using the Cochran’s Q test and quantitatively measured by the index of heterogeneity squared (I2) statistics. The methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Discussion This systematic review aims to analyse the available data on the prevalence of TB, malaria and STH infections within minority indigenous populations of the SEAR and WPR. Registration Open Science Framework registration: osf.io/m6sqc

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection can cause decreasing physical tness in children, but the evidence available is limited. The aim to compare physical tness in infected and non-infected children with STH. A cross-sectional study was done in school children in Talawi districts, Batubara regency, North Sumatera province, Indonesia. The study was conducted from July to September 2018. Physical tness was assessed consisted of a cardiorespiratory component by measuring the consumption of oxygen uptake (VO max), and musculoskeletal component by 2 measuring muscular strength and exibility. Statistical analysis using chi-square and Mann-Whitney test to assess physical tness between groups. There were 140 school children enrolled in divided equally infected and non-infected children. Muscular strength and exibility were signicantly different between infected and non-infected school children. However, there was no different in VO max between groups. Muscular strength and exibility are weaker in infected school children compare to 2 non-infected children.

Treatment and control programmes tackling soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections require sensitive, reliable, and accurate diagnostic tools. There is a growing need for measures of infection intensity as programmes approach STH control. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is well suited to the detection of DNA targets present in stool, even in low-prevalence settings. Detecting low levels of infection becomes increasingly important when the breakpoint of transmission is approached, and is vital when monitoring for recrudescence once control, or possibly 'elimination', is achieved. We address key challenges and questions that remain as barriers to incorporating qPCR as a cornerstone diagnostic tool for STH infections.

Background Despite efforts to control neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases remain widely prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. Recent data suggest that these infections are prevalent among preschool aged children (PSAC) in poor communities. Evidence of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infection patterns and prevalence among PSAC is essential for effective treatment and control programmes. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, intensity and risk factors of schistosomiasis and STH infection among PSAC in the Ingwavuma area of uMkhanyakude District, South Africa. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1143 PSAC aged 1–5 years in 34 preschools and early childhood development (ECD) centres. Data on risk factors was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. A Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the differences in infection intensity with age. Pearson Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were performed to assess the association between PSAC infection status, sociodemographic, household, water and sanitation variables and hygiene practices of PSAC and their caregivers. Results We observed a low prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium (1.0%) and S. mansoni (0.9%). The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides (18.3%) was high compared to Trichuris trichiura (1.2%), hookworms (1.6%) and Taenia (6.4%). The odds of schistosome infection were lowest among PSAC under younger (15–24 years) caregivers (0.1, 95% CI: 0.02–0.54) and those who used tap water (0.3, 95% CI: 0.09–0.78) for domestic purposes. Schistosome infection was however higher among PSAC who bathed in river water (17.4, 95% CI: 5.96–51.04). STH infection on the other hand was lowest among PSAC who did not play in soil (0.1, 95% CI: 0.51–0.28), were from households that used tap water for domestic purposes (0.5, 95% CI: 0.27–0.80) and PSAC under the care of younger (25–35 years) caregivers (0.3, 95% CI: 0.10–0.75). The risk of STH infection was highest among PSAC who did not wash their hands with soap (3.5, 95% CI: 1.04–11.67) and PSAC whose nails were not trimmed (3.6, 95% CI: 1.75–7.26). Conclusions The findings show low prevalence and infection intensity of schistosomiasis and STH infection except A. lumbricoides among PSAC. Factors predicting schistosomiasis and STH infection among PSAC were related to caregivers’ age, educational status, water and hygiene practices. STH infection was exclusively associated with PSAC playing and handwashing habits. These findings highlight the need to include PSAC caregivers in schistosomiasis and STH prevention and control programmes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40249-019-0561-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Shared sanitation is widely proposed as a means to increase access to improved sanitation. There are few reports of a causal relationship between the use of shared sanitation and community-acquired diarrhoea. This paper presents an analytical review of studies that have investigated the relationship between the use of shared sanitation and the prevalence of (1) diarrhoeal disease and (2) soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections. Data were extracted from the reviewed literature to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs). The use of shared sanitation showed a significant increase in diarrhoeal diseases, with an overall OR of 2.39 (85% CI 1.15–8.31). Children under 5 years were slightly less affected with a prevalence ratio of 1.09 (95% CI 1.06–1.12). The number of published reports on STH infections in relation to shared sanitation was limited, but the few that do exist report on ‘improved sanitation’, showing a positive and protective impact with an overall OR of 0.49 (95% CI 0.28–0.89), which is contrary to the negative impact related to diarrhoea. Despite the limited information on the direct link between shared sanitation and incidence of diarrhoeal/STH infections, this literature review demonstrates that the relationship deserves close attention in future practice and research. This article has been made Open Access thanks to the generous support of a global network of libraries as part of the Knowledge Unlatched Select initiative.

Background Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are highly prevalent in resource-limited countries. We assessed the effect of a combination intervention aiming to enhance handwashing with soap on STH reinfection following mass drug administration among primary school children in Kagera region, Northwestern Tanzania. Methods We conducted a cluster randomised trial in sixteen primary schools with known high STH prevalence. Schools were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either receive the intervention or continue with routine health education. The intervention included teacher-led classroom teaching, parental engagement sessions, environmental modifications and improved handwashing stations. The evaluation involved two cross-sectional surveys in a representative sample of students, with the end-line survey conducted 12 months after the baseline survey. The primary outcome was the combined prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura infections at the end-line survey. Secondary outcomes included reported handwashing behaviour, the prevalence and intensity of individual STHs, and hand contamination with STH ova and coliform bacteria. End-line STH prevalence and intensity were adjusted for baseline differences of potential confounders. Results At the end-line survey, 3081 school children (1566 from intervention schools and 1515 from control schools) provided interview data and stool specimens. More school children in the intervention group reported the use of water and soap during handwashing compared to school children in the control group (58% vs. 35%; aOR=1.76, 95%CI 1.28–2.43, p=0.001). The combined prevalence of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura infections was 39% in both trial arms (aOR = 1.19; 95%CI 0.74–1.91). The prevalence of A. lumbricoides was 15% in the intervention and 17% in the control arm (aOR =1.24, 95%CI 0.59–2.59) and that of T. trichiura was 31% in both arms (aOR=1.17, 95%CI 0.73–1.88). No significant differences were found for STH infection intensity in both the main study and the hand contamination sub-study. Conclusions The intervention was effective in increasing reported handwashing behaviour at school, but failed to show a similar effect in the home. The intervention had no effect on STH infection, possibly due to infection in the home environment, other transmission routes such as contaminated water or food or limited changes in school children’s handwashing behaviour. Trial registration The trial was registered on June 21, 2017, by the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN45013173).

We conducted a controlled before-and-after trial to evaluate the impact of an onsite urban sanitation intervention on the prevalence of enteric infection, soil transmitted helminth re-infection, and diarrhea among children in Maputo, Mozambique. A non-governmental organization replaced existing poor-quality latrines with pour-flush toilets with septic tanks serving household clusters. We enrolled children aged 1-48 months at baseline and measured outcomes before and 12 and 24 months after the intervention, with concurrent measurement among children in a comparable control arm. Despite nearly exclusive use, we found no evidence that intervention affected the prevalence of any measured outcome after 12 or 24 months of exposure. Among children born into study sites after intervention, we observed a reduced prevalence of Trichuris and Shigella infection relative to the same age group at baseline (

Objectives. Since the effectiveness of the Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) program as a scaling-up approach in lowering the rates of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections has not yet been locally explored, this study aimed to (1) describe the association between environmental determinants and STH cumulative prevalence, and (2) to predict the 2020 STH cumulative prevalence. Methods. A generalized linear regression (GLR) model was used to determine the association of 2014–2015 environmental determinants and observed 2015 STH cumulative prevalence, while a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model was used to produce predicted 2020 STH cumulative prevalence. Results. ArcGIS’ GLR tool with R2 of 63% found that statistically significant environmental determinants include distance near to water bodies, forest land use, access to sanitary toilet, level one water source, and ZOD status, while the ArcGIS’ GWR tool found that barangays, Cabangcalan, Matalangtalang, Talabaan, and Talib in Aroroy hypothetically met the national target below 30% for 2020 STH cumulative prevalence. Conclusion. This study showed that barangays with a moderately low percentage of area with freshwater bodies, a moderately high percentage of households with sanitary toilet and level one water source, and a 100% status of ZOD have lower rates of STH cumulative prevalence in preschool-aged children in the selected municipalities in Masbate.

The strategy to control soil-transmitted helminth (STH) is through periodic deworming to eliminate infective worms among children. Helminthiasis is known to impair the nutrition and physical status of infected children. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and relationship between nutritional status and infection among School-Age Children (SAC) following deworming campaigns in Public Elementary School 6 Cilincing, North Jakarta, Indonesia. This study was a cross-sectional analytical observation on 82 children sampled using the Kato Katz approach during the period of August and November 2019. Nutritional status was determined using the standardized AnthroPlus Software while the Kolmogorov Smirnov test was used to statistically analyze the data. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on hygiene and deworming pill consumption. Results showed that 7.3% of 82 children were infected with at least one of the following STH parasites: Ascaris lumbricoides accounts (n=3, 3.7%), Trichuris trichiura (n=2, 2.4%), and Enterobius vermicularis (n=1, 1.2%). Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin concentration of

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections by Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworms still persist in rural and urban areas of developing communities. Recent studies in Malaysia focused on Orang Asli communities and none in the hospital settings. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors for STH among children admitted to Paediatric ward of the Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA). This study was conducted among 135 (78 males, 57 females) patients in HTAA from December 2017 to May 2018. Faecal samples were examined using wet smear, Kato-Katz, Harada-Mori and sedimentation techniques. Demographic data and hygiene practice information were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. The overall prevalence of STH was 5.9% (A.lumbricoides 5.2%, T.trichiura 0.7%, and hookworms 0.7%). Prevalence among males was 3.8% and females 8.8%. Majority (95.6%) were Malays. Chi square analysis showed that factors significantly associated with STH infections are household monthly income (p

Introduction: Soil-transmitted helminth infections and malnutrition are major health problems of school-age children in developing countries. Malnutrition and soil-transmitted helminth infections often co-exist with synergetic consequences. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminths and its association with nutritional status of school-age children. Methods: School-based cross-sectional study was carried out from April to May 2014 among 404 elementary school-age children in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia. Data on background characteristics were collected using structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were taken according to World Health Organization standard. Fresh single stool sample was collected from each study participant and examined using direct wet mount and McMaster techniques. Anthropometric indices were generated using WHO AnthroPlus software. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to isolate independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection and nutritional status using STATA-MP software. All tests were two-sided and P Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites and soil-transmitted helminths were 68.6% (n = 277) and 55.0% (n = 222), respectively. A total of eight species of intestinal parasites were identified in this study, Trichuris trichiura being the most common parasite identified followed by Ascaris lumbricoides. Study participants who had a habit of open defecation were two times more likely to be infected with soil-transmitted helminths (adjusted odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.0–3.4). The overall prevalence of stunting and thinness were 21.0% (n = 85) and 6.9% (n = 28), respectively. The odds of stunting was significantly high (adjusted odds ratio = 4.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.7–9.7) among children who had fathers working as daily labourers and children with personal dietary diversity score of ⩽3 (adjusted odds ratio = 3.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.5–8.0). T. trichiura infection (adjusted odds ratio = 9.4, 95% confidence interval: 2.0–44.8) was identified as an independent predictor of stunting among school-age children. Conclusion: Both the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and stunting are high among school-age children in Jimma Town. Although there was no statistically significant association between the STHs, in general, T. trichiura was reported as predictor of stunting. The results imply the need for strengthening strategies for reduction of parasitic infection to curb the pervasively high prevalence of stunting.

Tuberkulosis (TB) menjadi masalah kesehatan utama baik lingkup global maupun nasional. Tuberkulosis menyebabkan status gizi kurang baik. Status gizi yang kurang baik dapat disebabkan oleh infeksi kronis, salah satunya infeksi cacing usus terutama Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH). Ko-infeksi STH pada pasien TB selain mempengaruhi status gizi, juga akan mempengaruhi respon imun pasien. Respon imun pada pasien ko-infeksi STH akan menghambat respon imun Th 1 dalam melawan TB serta akan didapatkan peningkatan eosinofil (eosinofilia). Tujuan utama dalam penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui jumlah eosinofil pada pasien tuberkulosis terhadap ko-infeksi STH di Kecamatan Kalisat, Kabupaten Jember. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian observasional dengan desain analitik cross sectional. Populasi yang digunakan adalah pasien TB di Kecamatan Kalisat dalam periode waktu September – Desember 2019. Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah data primer berupa hasil pemeriksaan darah dengan metode hitung jenis dan hasil pemeriksaan feses menggunakan metode sedimentasi dan floatasi. Analisis data dilakukan menggunakan uji Fisher. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kejadian koinfeksi STH pada pasien TB di Kecamatan Kalisat Kabupaten Jember sebesar 3,6% dan disebabkan oleh Hookworm. Hasil uji Fisher menunjukkan tidak ada hubungan yang signifikan antara jumlah eosinofil dengan kejadian koinfeksi STH pada pasien TB di Kecamatan Kalisat Kabupaten Jember dengan nilai p-value 1,000. Kata kunci: Tuberkulosis, Soil-Transmitted Helminths, Eosinofilia

OBJECTIVE: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection remains a public health problem, especially children. Preventive chemotherapy for school-aged children with STH infection in 2012 had only reached half of the World Health Organization target. Therefore, mass drug administration by community-based deworming (CBD) could be a solution to achieve the target. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was the sample test in STH-infected primary school children at Suka Village, Indonesia. It was conducted from December 2016 to April 2017. A single dose 400 mg albendazole was given in both study groups. Effectiveness was assessed by Kato-Katz stool examination at the 1st and 3rd months after treatment. RESULTS: We enrolled 257 children and divided into school-based deworming (SBD) and CBD group. SBD consisted of 123 children while CBD was 134 children group which divided based on a school cluster system. The prevalence of STH infection is 55.6% with the most common infection that is ascariasis in both groups. The uninfected children are 72.5% of SBD and 59.5% of CBD group. Reinfection was found in 31.8% of SBD and 54.1% of CBD group. There are no significant differences of worm eggs intensity before and after deworming in both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: SBD found to be more effective compared to CBD in primary school children with STH infection in Suka village, Indonesia.

Helminthiasis is a disease caused by parasites in the form of worms, one of which is the type of soil-transmitted helminth (STH), A. lumbricoides , T. trichiura , N. americanus , and A. duodenale which infect humans through soil transmission. Enterobius vermicularis is the most common intestinal parasite in the whole world. Worms that live in the human intestine can cause malnutrition and anemic. This study aims to determine the relationship STH and Enterobius vermicularis infection with anemic of students in several elementary schools in Aceh Besar regency, Aceh province. This study was an analytical study using a cross-sectional study design conducted from May to November 2015. The sample consisted of the total sampling of 736 elementary school students, as well as using the inquiry method of Kato with stool specimens, cellophane tape anal swab, and hemoglobin. The correspondents who suffered from anemia and STH type helminthiasis, namely ancylostomiasis 7/7 students (100%, p=0.000); trichuriasis 30/58 students (51.7%, p=0.000) and 28 students not anemic (48.3%); and ascariasis 13/22 students (59.9%, p=0.002) and 9 students not anemic (41.1%). In enterobiasis infection, anemic students were 46/146 students (31.5%) and nonanemic students were 100 students (68.5%, p=0.634). In conclusion, all STH types related to the anemic status of the correspondent, and no correlation between anemic and infection of enterobiasis. HUBUNGAN INFEKSI SOIL-TRANSMITTED HELMINTH DAN ENTEROBIUS VERMICULARIS DENGAN ANEMIA PADA SISWA DI KABUPATEN ACEH BESAR PROVINSI ACEH Kecacingan adalah penyakit yang disebabkan oleh parasit berupa cacing, salah satunya jenis soil-transmitted helminth (STH), yaitu A. lumbricoides , T. trichiura , N. americanus , dan A. duodenale yang menginfeksi manusia melalui transmisi tanah. Enterobius vermicularis adalah parasit usus yang paling umum di seluruh dunia. Cacing yang hidup di usus manusia ini dapat menyebabkan kurang gizi dan anemia. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui hubungan infeksi STH dan Enterobius vermicularis dengan anemia pada siswa sekolah dasar di Kabupaten Aceh Besar, Provinsi Aceh. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian analitik menggunakan rancangan cross-sectional study yang dilaksanakan dari bulan Mei sampai November 2015. Sampel berupa total sampling 736 siswa sekolah dasar, serta menggunakan metode pemeriksaan Kato dengan spesimen feses, cellophane tape anal swab , dan hemoglobin. Koresponden yang menderita anemia dan kecacingan jenis STH, yaitu ancylostomiasis 7/7 siswa (100%, p=0,000); trichuriasis 30/58 siswa (51,7%; p=0,000) dan 28 siswa tidak anemia (48,3%); serta askariasis 13/22 siswa (59,9%; p=0,002) dan 9 siswa tidak anemia (41,1%). Pada infeksi enterobiasis, siswa yang anemia adalah 46/146 siswa (31,5%) dan tidak anemia 100 siswa (68,5%; p=0,634). Simpulan, semua kecacingan jenis STH berhubungan erat dengan status anemia pada koresponden, serta tidak terdapat hubungan antara anemia dan infeksi enterobiasis.

For more than a decade, intervention programs have been instituted in Ghana to combat soil transmitted helminth (STHs) infections. Knowledge of the trend of the infection in the country is needed for evaluation and modification of existing control programs to achieve national targets. The objective of this review is to examine the pattern of soil transmitted infections in Ghana between 2009-2018. We searched and reviewed published literature on soil transmitted helminths in Ghana in PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar and Institutional Repositories of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Ghana, University of Cape Coast, and University for Development Studies-Tamale. We observed paucity of research work on STHs in Ghana over the period of this review. Twenty-nine studies consisting of 24 published works in peer reviewed journals and five graduate theses were included in the study. Hookworm was the most prevalent of STHs recorded followed by roundworm, threadworm, and whipworm. Pinworm was very rarely reported. These infections were reported from different regions and ecological zones of the country and among children, pregnant women, farmers, food vendors, children in orphanage home and psychiatric institution. Although there is some downward trend over the period, soil transmitted helminths are still prevalent in Ghana. This is an indication of some hope of eventual control and elimination of these diseases in the country if control measures are optimised. Further research particularly population studies into soil transmitted helminths in Ghana is needed.

To eliminate soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections as a public health problem, the administration of benzimidazole (BZ) drugs to children has recently intensified. But, as drug pressure increases, the development of anthelmintic drug resistance (AR) becomes a major concern. Currently, there is no global surveillance system to monitor drug efficacy and the emergence of AR. Consequently, it is unclear what the current efficacy of the used drugs is and whether AR is already present. The aim of this study is to pilot a global surveillance system to assess anthelmintic drug efficacy and the emergence of AR in STH control programs. For this, we will incorporate drug efficacy trials into national STH control programs of eight countries (Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam, Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal and a yet to be defined country in the Americas). In each country, one trial will be performed in one program implementation unit to assess the efficacy of BZ drugs against STHs in school-aged children by faecal egg count reduction test. Stool samples will be collected before and after treatment with BZs for Kato-Katz analysis and preserved to purify parasite DNA. The presence and frequency of known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the β-tubulin genes of the different STHs will subsequently be assessed. This study will provide a global pattern of drug efficacy and emergence of AR in STH control programs. The results will provide complementary insights on the validity of known SNPs in the ß-tubulin gene as a marker for AR in human STHs as well as information on the technical and financial resources required to set up a surveillance system. Finally, the collected stool samples will be an important resource to validate different molecular technologies for the detection of AR markers or to identify novel potential molecular markers associated with AR in STH.

BackgroundSoil-transmitted helminths (STH) and Giardia duodenalis are responsible for a large burden of disease globally. In low-resource settings, household finished floors (e.g., concrete floors) may reduce transmission of STH and G. duodenalis.MethodsIn a prospective cohort of children nested within two randomised trials in rural Bangladesh and Kenya, we estimated associations between household finished flooring and STH and G. duodenalis prevalence. In 2015-2016, we collected stool samples from children aged 2-16 years in rural Bangladesh and Kenya. We detected STH infection using qPCR (Bangladesh N=2,800; Kenya N=3,094) and detected G. duodenalis using qPCR in Bangladesh (N=6,894) and ELISA in Kenya (N=8,899). We estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) using log-linear models adjusted for potential confounders.FindingsAt enrolment, 10% of households in Bangladesh and 5% in Kenya had finished floors. In both countries, household finished flooring was associated with lower Ascaris lumbricoides prevalence (Bangladesh aPR: 0.33, 95% CI 0.14, 0.78; Kenya aPR: 0.62, 95% CI 0.39, 0.98) and any STH (Bangladesh aPR: 0.73, 95% CI 0.52, 1.01; Kenya aPR: 0.57, 95% CI 0.37, 0.88). Household finished floors were also associated with lower Necator americanus prevalence in Bangladesh (aPR: 0.52, 95% CI 0.29, 0.94) and G. duodenalis prevalence in both countries (Bangladesh aPR: 0.78, 95% CI 0.64, 0.95; Kenya: aPR: 0.82, 95% CI 0.70, 0.97).InterpretationIn low-resource settings, living in households with finished floors over a two-year period was associated with lower prevalence of G. duodenalis and certain STH in children.FundingBill & Melinda Gates Foundation grant OPPGD759

Helminth infection caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, Trihuris trichiura and hookworm, are included in Soil Transmitted helminth is a major health problem at the tropic and subtropic area. This disease can infect all ages but a higher prevalence in children under ten years without sexual differences. A patient is rarely can be a died as a consequence of helminth infection, but the effect is a correlation with nutrition and intellectual in children. The infection effect is more than danger in children than adults. The aims from this research are to compare two examination faeces method to diagnose if any infection by STH to humans, especially in children. The expectation in this research can be used in screening activity who are useful to early diagnose in STH infection so can decrease negative effect in children. The research is observational research with a cross-sectional study. A sample is children in Yaa Bunayya Play Group and kindergarten as many 24 sample. The faeces will be conducted twice an examination and then compare with the standard gold test. Two methods will be compared to the floating method and formol-ether sedimentation. Meanwhile, a gold standard is the Kato Katz method. A collecting sample for two months. The result can show no one children in 24 sample infected by STH. Specificity for two method is the same (100%), sensitivity and statistical analyze can’t be count, but in descriptive no difference between this method.

Infeksi Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) is the third ranks of the top 10 common infectious diseases in the world with an incidence rate of about 1.4 billion per year. The incidence of STH in Indonesia is still quite high. This figure occurs in primary school students of 60-80%, while for all ages of 40% -60%. The purpose of this study was to determine factors related to STH infection in elementary school children at primary school of Moyudan Sleman. The type of research used was analytic observational with the cross-sectional design. The population in this study were all students of class I, II, and III in Moyudan Sleman primary school with total sampling technique of 60 respondents. Data analysis used chi-square. The test results showed that the habit of hand washing before eating (sig= 0.010; RP= 3.850), the habit of hand washing after defecating(sig= 0.007; RP= 4.571), nail hygiene (sig= 0.179; RP= 2.138), the habit of wearing footwear (sig= 0.008; RP= 3.714), and bowel habits (sig= 0.004; RP= 4.000). It can be concluded that there was a relationship between hand washing before eating, hand washing after defecating, the habit of wearing footwear, bowel habits and STH infection on the students of Moyudan Sleman primary school but there was no relationship between nail hygiene and STH infection. ABSTRAK Infeksi Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) adalah penyakit yang menempati urutan ketiga dari 10 penyakit menular di dunia dengan tingkat kejadian sekitar 1,4 miliar per tahun. Insiden STH di Indonesia masih cukup tinggi. Angka tersebut terjadi pada siswa di sekolah dasar mencapai 60-80%, sedangkan untuk semua usia berkisar antara 40%-60%. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui faktor yang berhubungan dengan infeksi STH pada anak sekolah dasar di SD Negeri Moyudan Sleman. Penelitian ini adalah observasional analitik dengan rancangan cross sectional. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah semua siswa kelas I, II, dan III di SD Moyudan Sleman dengan teknik total sampling yaitu 60 responden. Analisis data menggunakan uji chi-squre. Hasil uji menunjukkan bahwa mencuci tangan sebelum makan (sig= 0,010; RP= 3,850), mencuci tangan setelah buang air besar (sig= 0,007; RP= 4,571), kebersihan kuku (sig= 0,179; RP= 2,138), kebiasaan memakai alas kaki (sig= 0,008; RP= 3,714), dan perilaku buang air besar (sig= 0,004; RP= 4,000). Disimpulkan bahwa ada hubungan antara mencuci tangan sebelum makan, mencuci tangan setelah BAB, kebiasaan memakai alas kaki, dan perilaku buang air besar dengan infeksi STH pada anak-anak sekolah dasar Moyudan Sleman, sementara kebersihan kuku tidak memiliki hubungan dengan infeksi STH. Kata kunci: Infeksi STH, faktor risiko, sekolah dasar ABSTRACT Infeksi Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) is the third ranks of the top 10 common infectious diseases in the world with an incidence rate of about 1.4 billion per year. The incidence of STH in Indonesia is still quite high. This figure occurs in primary school students of 60-80%, while for all ages of 40% -60%. The purpose of this study was to determine factors related to STH infection in elementary school children at primary school of Moyudan Sleman. The type of research used was analytic observational with the cross-sectional design. The population in this study were all students of class I, II, and III in Moyudan Sleman primary school with total sampling technique of 60 respondents. Data analysis used chi-square. The test results showed that the habit of hand washing before eating (sig= 0.010; RP= 3.850), the habit of hand washing after defecating(sig= 0.007; RP= 4.571), nail hygiene (sig= 0.179; RP= 2.138), the habit of wearing footwear (sig= 0.008; RP= 3.714), and bowel habits (sig= 0.004; RP= 4.000). It can be concluded that there was a relationship between hand washing before eating, hand washing after defecating, the habit of wearing footwear, bowel habits and STH infection on the students of Moyudan Sleman primary school but there was no relationship between nail hygiene and STH infection.

Background: Soil-transmitted Helminth (STH) are nematodes that can infect humans through direct contact with soil due to poor hygiene behavior. School-age children are the most susceptible to the infection. The clinical symptoms of STH infection are usually asymptomatic. However, it can affect the quality of life of the infected. This study aims to analyze the relationship between STH infection with clean and healthy living behavior; Method: This study takes the form of analytic observational research with a cross-sectional approach. The sampling technique used was the total sampling method with subjects of 132 students of Sekolah Dasar (SD) 1 Talakbroto, SD 1 Kedunglengkong, and SD Wates, Simo, Boyolali. The data were obtained from the results of the students' clean and healthy living behavior questionnaire and the examination of stool samples using the Kato Katz technique. Data were presented in a categorical form and analyzed using the chi-square method.; Results: There were 15 students (11%) infected by STH from 132 subjects studied. Based on the chi-square test, the p-value of STH infection and clean and healthy living behavior was 0.043 (p

Introduction: Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is one of the neglected tropical diseases. These worm infections contributed to global child health. Children suffer from chronic disease and fail to reach their full physical and intellectual capacity. Antihelmintic treatment or deworming is recommended for controlling STH. World Health Organization is focusing predominantly on deworming school-age children. Even antihelmintic treatment has to be repeated regularly, children can reinfect if their environment contaminated. It needs a strategy to control STH and treating adults as well as a child.Methods: We searched the literature for relevant clinical research and articles using Google Scholar and PubMed which were published between 2014 and 2018 with keywords “soil-transmitted helminths”, “soil-transmitted helminthiasis”, combined with “eradication” and “elimination”. We excluded research and article which were not written in English. Our study included a total number of ten publications.Results: The studies mentioned that antihelmintic requires the control of STH transmission and need for the treatment in different age groups.Conclusion: According to our findings, the mass drug administration is recommended as a control strategy in both low and middle-income countries to reduce helminthiasis and schistosomiasis. High STH reinfection rate requires an integrated approach including the use of safe pure water, improvement for personal hygiene and sanitation, proper toilets, and reducing the practice of defecation in nature. The previous studies showed that studies focused on deworming using antihelmintic

Background Soil-transmitted helminth infections are widespread. Many studies have been published on the topic of deworming. The Lives Saved Tool (LiST) is a software package that uses a deterministic mathematical model to estimate the effect of scaling up interventions on maternal and child health outcomes. This review investigates the scope of available evidence for benefits of deworming treatments in order to inform a decision about possible inclusion of deworming as an intervention in LiST. Methods We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. We included studies that reported pre/post data in children younger than 5 years or pregnant women for outcomes related to mortality and growth. We excluded studies that compared different anthelminthic treatments but did not include a placebo or non-treatment group, and those that did not report post-intervention outcomes. We categorized articles by treated population (children younger than 5 years and pregnant women), experimental versus observational, mass drug administration (MDA) versus treatment, and reported outcome. Results We identified 58 relevant trials; 27 investigated children younger than 5 years and 11 investigated pregnant women; one reported on both children younger than 5 years and pregnant women. We conducted meta-analyses of relevant outcomes in children younger than 5 years. Conclusions Deworming did not show consistent benefits for indicators of mortality, anemia, or growth in children younger than five or women of reproductive age. We do not recommend including the effect of deworming in the LiST model. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-017-4747-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Fecal samples (total 707; 290 asymptomatic and 417 symptomatic) were collected during June 2014 to May 2015 from 145 children of Mirpur slum area. In diarrhoeal children, the average prevalence was the topmost for Trichuris trichiura (24.16%); peak among the children aged nine to ten months (38.81%); following Ascaris lumbricoides (7.44%). Overall soil transmitted helminth (STH) infestation was the highest (10.5%) in October, 2014 (non-diarrhoeal) and in diarrhoeal children, it was the highest (14.45%) in April, 2015. Mixed infection was less frequent (23.62%). The STH infestation was significant (p < 0.05) among the discontinuously breast-fed children (96.23%), the children of illiterate mothers (85.19%), living in poor housing (88.46%), having diarrhoea in the family members (84.78%) and among the children who experienced highest frequency (7 to 9 times in a year) of diarrhoea. Efficacy of pentaplex PCR-Luminex assay was evaluated for the simultaneous detection of STH compared to direct microscopy which showed less sensitivity (0 - 11.11%) than PCR-Luminex.Bangladesh J. Zool. 44(2): 219-228, 2016

Background Understanding the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections is necessary to plan control strategies and focus on highly endemic regions for preventive chemotherapy and improved sanitation facilities. India is known to be endemic for soil-transmitted helminth infections. Methods To understand the prevalence, spatial distribution and identify high-risk zones, a systematic search of published literature was carried out based on PRISMA guidelines from the year 2000 to 2015. Results A careful screening of the identified literature yielded 39 studies that reported the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections from 19 different states of India. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent parasite. Higher than 50% prevalence was reported from six states. Nearly 90% studies reported the prevalence of more than one parasite species in the same sample population. Conclusion This is the first study to comprehensively review the literature associated with soil-transmitted helminth infections from India giving a clear idea of its prevalence, distribution and high endemic areas.

Background . Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections are a major public health problem that affects more than two billion people around the world. These infections are the cause of children’s under nutrition, especially among school-aged children. Objectives. To assess the correlation between the presence of STH infections and nutritional status among elementary school children in Medan, Indonesia. Material and methods . We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study involving students from the public elementary school 060925 Medan in September 2015. The study participants were chosen by the total sampling technique and according to predetermined inclusion criteria (80 students from third and fourth grades). Univariate analysis was performed to determine STH infection prevalence, and bivariate analysis was used to find the correlation between STH infections and eosinophil levels through the chi-square (χ2) test. Results . We found that the prevalence of STH among study subjects was 40%, and 26 students (32.5%) were underweight. The most common types of worm infections were Ascaris lumbricoides (25.0%), Trichuris trichiura (11.2%) and mixed infections (3.8%). A significant correlation was found between the presence of STH infection and underweight nutritional status (C = 0.24; χ2 = 5.02; p = 0.025) and the risk of STH infection and nutritional status in children with a prevalence ratio (PR) of 2.05 (CI 95%: 1.08–3.87). Conclusions . The presence of STH infection in children is strongly influenced by their hygiene practices. Small clinics and student healthcare units should play an active role in conducting periodic assessment of children’s nutritional status and in providing them with information on STH symptoms and prevention.

BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection remains of public health importance, particularly in developing countries. North Sumatra province of Indonesia has reported high prevalences of STH in many of its districts. AIM: In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of STH and evaluated STH knowledge and risk behaviours of school children in Mandailing Natal district. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in two primary schools in Mandailing Natal district, North Sumatera province, Indonesia. Data were collected directly from the subjects using a questionnaire after receiving consent from their parents. A stool sample was also collected to determine the STH status of each subject. Samples were then transported to the parasitology laboratory at Universitas Sumatera Utara in Medan to be analysed by a trained analyst. Kato-Katz method was used to prepare the slides (World Health Organization, 2002). The intensity of infection is classified into light, moderate and heavy infection. RESULTS: Prevalences of STH infections were 76.8% and 87.2% in Singkuand and Sikapas primary schools, respectively. The majority of infections were Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura at a light intensity. Only small numbers of children in the two schools used soap before eating, used soap after defecating, and wear sandal/shoes when walking outdoor. Less than 50% of children also knew the route of transmission of STH. Poorer knowledge and behaviours were shown in children from Sikapas than in Singkuang. CONCLUSION: High prevalence and poor hygiene behaviours found in this study reinforce the need to identify the correct intervention to address this STH problem in the region.

Background Soil-transmitted helminth infection (STH) is one of the neglected tropical disease that affects approximately 2 billion people globally. School children represent the age group that is most commonly infected with STHs, resulting in poor school performance, impaired cognitive function, and many other detrimental effects. The transmission of STH is determined by many factors, such as hygiene and sanitation. Understanding the factors that influence disease transmission in a particular area is key to effective STH control. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of STH in North Sumatera and to identify the associated risk factors among school children. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among primary school children in Suka village, Tigapanah subdistrict. Stool samples were processed using a single Kato-Katz method. The potential risk factors analyzed were parent education and occupation, hand washing habits, latrine usage, footwear usage and contact with soil. The Chi-square test was performed to identify an association between risk factors and parasitological results. Logistic regression analysis was used to measure the strength of association. Results We enrolled 468 school children between 6 and 12 years of age. Among those children, 268 children (57.24%) were positive for one or more STH infections. Approximately 62.39% of children played with soil/dirt every day, and only 50% regularly washed their hands after activities. Most of the children wore shoes/slippers when going outside (87.82%) and used a latrine for defecation (85.04%). Playing with soil/dirt have been shown to increase the risk of STH infections 7.53 times, while hand washing habits and latrine usage decreased the risk of STH infections 0.16 times each. Conclusion The prevalence of STH infection in school children in Suka village, Tigapanah subdistrict is still high. Playing with soil/dirt increased the risk of infection, while hand washing habits and latrine usage decreased the risk of infection. The combined strategies of improving the personal hygiene of children and biannual deworming can reduce the risk of STH infection in school children in Suka village, Tigapanah subdistrict. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-7397-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Introduction: Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) remains a major public health problem in school children in Ethiopia. Although direct wet mount microscopy (DWMM) is the means to diagnose parasitic diseases in health care facilities in Ethiopia, it remains unclear what its diagnostic performance is for STH. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was performed in Jimma Town (Ethiopia) and included 600 children from 10 primary schools. The diagnostic sensitivity of DWMM was compared to a composite reference standard (CRS) consisting of Kato-Katz, McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC. We also explored the impact of intensity of infection (the highest faecal egg counts (FECs; expressed as eggs per gram of stool (EPG)) across the CRS) on the diagnostic sensitivity of DWMM. Results: Based on the CRS, there were 210 Ascaris (35.0%), 312 Trichuris (52.0%) and 102 hookworm cases (17.0%). The median intensity of infections equalled 2,057 EPG for Ascaris, 200 EPG for Trichuris and 110 EPG for hookworms. The sensitivity of DWMM was 73.8% for Ascaris, but was around 17% for both Trichuris and hookworms. The sensitivity significantly increased with intensity of STH. For Ascaris, the odds for detecting an infection intensity of 1,000 EPG was 6.2 times higher than detecting an infection of 100 EPG. For Trichuris and hookworms, these odds ratios were 7.1 and 14. Conclusions: The diagnostic sensitivity of DWMM is low for STH, but it is able to detect those subjects that are in the highest need of treatment, and hence contributes to the global goal to eliminate STH as a public health problem.

The abstract not available.

Introduction Soil-transmitted helminth infections (STHs) and schistosomiasis have serious consequences for the health, education and nutrition of children in developing countries. As Loum is known as a highly endemic commune for these infections, several deworming campaigns have been carried out in the past. The purpose of this study was to determine any changes that have occurred since then in the characteristics of these infections among schoolchildren in this site. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2016 on 289 schoolchildren. Stool and urine samples were collected and examined to determine the prevalence and intensity of helminth infections. Results The highest prevalence was noted for Schistosoma haematobium (34.2%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (8.6%), S. mansoni (4.9%) and Trichuris trichiura (4.9%) in decreasing order. A prevalence of less than 2% was noted for each of the other two helminths. The highest mean intensity was found for S. haematobium (39.6 eggs/10 ml of urine), followed by A. lumbricoides (24.2 eggs per gram of faeces: epg), Strongyloides stercoralis (16.6 epg) and Schistosoma mansoni (12.3 epg). The prevalence of T. trichiura was significantly higher in boys and that of S. haematobium in children aged 10 years or older, while the differences between other values of prevalence or between egg burdens were not significant. Conclusion Compared with values reported in 2003, the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiases and STH infections in Loum has sharply decreased in 2016. Confirmation of this decrease in the years to come allowed to space deworming campaigns among schoolchildren.

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections represent a major public health problem globally, particularly among socio-economically disadvantaged populations. Detection of STH infections is often challenging, requiring a combination of diagnostic techniques to achieve acceptable sensitivity and specificity, particularly in low infection-intensity situations. The microscopy-based Kato-Katz remains the most widely used method but has low sensitivity in the detection of, for instance, Strongyloides spp. infections, among others. Antigen/antibody assays can be more sensitive but are parasite species-specific. Highly sensitive PCR methods have been developed to be multiplexed to allow multi-species detection. Novel diagnostic tests for all STH species are needed for effective monitoring, evaluation of chemotherapy programmes, and to assess the potential emergence of parasite resistance. This review discusses available diagnostic methods for the different stages of STH control programmes, which vary in sensitivity and spectrum of detection requirements, and tools to evaluate drug efficacy and resistance.

Parasite distribution exhibit heterogeneity within households and communities. The aim of this study is to identify the spatial distribution, clustering and associated risk factors of Soil-transmitted Helminths infection in a semi-urban area in Southwest Nigeria. Geographical information System (GIS) was used to map the town into three density areas; low, medium and high density areas. Two hundred and thirty six soil samples were obtained from the surroundings of 137 households and stool samples were collected from the inhabitant of the households. Moran index was used to analyze the spatial distribution of STH within the community. A total of 137 households were sampled for human STH and environmental soil samples from the household were analyzed. The prevalence of human STH infection was 41.7% while that of soil parasite was 27.7% within the selected household. Ascaris lumbricoides was the predominant STH infection in the community sampled with 24.1% prevalence followed by Hookworm. Spatial analysis showed that A. lumbricoides infection was significantly clustered only in the GIS mapped medium density area of Igbo-Ora (z-score 2.302, p=0.021), while hookworm infection was randomly distributed in all the GIS mapped areas of Igbo-Ora. There was a statistically significant association between human STH infection and presence of parasite in the household soil (x2 5.74, p-value 0.017). None of the risk factors evaluated was found to have significant association for the clustering pattern of infection found in the medium density area of the community. Meanwhile, factors such as; the physical presence of a popularly patronized local market in the area, lack of any visible public toilet and the use of bushes around the area by the people for defecation contribute to the reasons for the clustering of the Ascaris infection. Also, the ability of Ascaris to withstand environmental conditions than other STH parasite may contribute to the pattern observed. The differences in the pattern of distribution and associated risk factors revealed that environmental conditions and exposure factors are major determinant of STH infection.

Soil transmitted helminth infections (STHI) are prevalent among elementary school children in Indonesia. The nutritional impairments that an infection can cause have their consequences for the children’s development and health. This study aimed to determine children’s knowledge and behaviour in relation to the prevalence of STHI among elementary school children in Jepara, a rural regency in Indonesia. The study intended to evaluate the effectiveness of the current elimination program for STHI in this area. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 132 children from eight elementary schools in Mlonggo, Jepara. The research population consisted of children aged eight to ten years old. During September and October 2018, the research population was obtained by consecutive sampling. Information about the children’s knowledge and behaviour regarding STHI was collected using a questionnaire. Stool samples were collected to determine STHI prevalence. Analysis was done using chi-squared and Spearman’s rho tests. Out of 132 children examined, no children had STHI. Scores on STHI knowledge were most often low (51.5%), while scores on behaviour were mostly average (67.4%). Statistical analysis showed that residence was significantly associated with the level of knowledge about STHI (P = 0.007). Additionally, gender (P = 0.002) and a previous STHI (P = 0.041) were significantly associated with the children’s behaviour concerning STHI. This study revealed inadequate knowledge and behaviour concerning STHI in elementary school children in Mlonggo, Jepara. Even though the prevalence of STHI was 0% in the study population, a proper health education program to teach children about STHI is still necessary.

Background: Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are still major health problems in resource-poor countries. Despite several epidemiological studies were available in Ethiopia, summarized data on the prevalence of STH among school-aged children (SAC) is lacking in the country. Objective: This study was aimed to summarize the existing published studies of STH among SAC children in Ethiopia. Methods: The search was carried out in open access databases such as Science Direct, Scopus, and PubMed Central which reported STH in Ethiopia. Open access articles published between 2000 and 2019 were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence was determined using a random-effect model while heterogeneities between studies were evaluated by I2 test. Results: A total of 46 338 children (Male = 23 374 and Female = 22 964) were included in the 70 eligible studies for this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of STH among SAC was 33.4%; 95% CI, 29.3% to 37.7% in Ethiopia. Ascaris lumbricoides (19.9%; 95% CI, 17.2%-22.6%) was the most prevalent STH followed by Trichuris trichiura (12.4%; 95% CI, 10.6%-14.1%), and hookworm (7.9%; 95% CI, 6.9%-8.9%) infection in the country. High prevalence of STH was observed in Oromia (42.5%; 95% CI, 31.6%-53.4%) followed by SNNPR (38.3%; 95% CI, 27.7%-48.8%) and Amhara (32.9%; 95% CI, 27.0%-38.8%) regional states. High heterogeneity on the prevalence of STH was observed across studies within and among regions ( I2 > 96% and P Conclusion: This review showed that more than one-third of the Ethiopian SAC were infected with STH. The high prevalence of STH observed in this review highlight the needs of improved control and prevention strategies in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: School-based deworming programmes can reduce morbidity attributable to soil-transmitted helminths in children but do not interrupt transmission in the wider community. We assessed the effects of alternative mass treatment strategies on community soil-transmitted helminth infection. METHODS: In this cluster-randomised controlled trial, 120 community units (clusters) serving 150 000 households in Kenya were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive albendazole through annual school-based treatment targeting 2–14 year olds or annual or biannual community-wide treatment targeting all ages. The primary outcome was community hookworm prevalence, assessed at 12 and 24 months through repeat cross-sectional surveys. Secondary outcomes were Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura prevalence, infection intensity of each soil-transmitted helminth species, and treatment coverage and costs. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02397772. FINDINGS: After 24 months, prevalence of hookworm changed from 18·6% (95% CI 13·9–23·2) to 13·8% (10·5–17·0) in the annual school-based treatment group, 17·9% (13·7–22·1) to 8·0% (6·0–10·1) in the annual community-wide treatment group, and 20·6% (15·8–25·5) to 6·2% (4·9–7·5) in the biannual community-wide treatment group. Relative to annual school-based treatment, the risk ratio for annual community-wide treatment was 0·59 (95% CI 0·42–0·83; p

Background Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are among the most common type of infections worldwide and are widely distributed in tropical areas. In rural areas of southern Thailand where most land is used for agriculture, children are at risk of acquiring parasites, especially STHs. Assessing the current situation regarding parasitic infection in these areas is a prerequisite for developing appropriate control measures. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections, the intensity of STH infections and the associated risk factors among primary schoolchildren in Nopphitam District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 299 schoolchildren between 7 and 12 years of age was conducted between January and March 2016. A questionnaire administered by direct interviews was used to collect sociodemographic information and data on associated risk factors. Stool samples were processed using direct wet smears, formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation concentration, and the modified Kato-Katz technique. Results The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites among the 299 children was 16% (48 of 299), with 32 children infected with hookworms (10.7%), 10 with Blastocystis hominis (3.3%), seven with Giardia intestinalis (1.6%), one with Enterobius vermicularis (0.3%), and one with Trichuris trichiura (0.3%). The hookworm infection intensity, measured by the median eggs per gram (EPG) of stool, was 1200 EPG (Interquartile range (IQR): 360–3200). Most children had light-intensity hookworm infections, but two had heavy-intensity infections. When participants included in the sample were classified by age, children 10–12 years old demonstrated higher intestinal parasite prevalence than those aged 7–9 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1–4.9, P = 0.030). Inadequate handwashing before meals was statistically associated with hookworm infections (AOR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1–4.8, P = 0.037). Conclusions This study highlights that hookworms are the most prevalent STH infection in the study area. Older age group (10–12 years) and inadequate handwashing before meals were statistically associated with hookworm infections. Accordingly, appropriate strategies and education on personal and environmental hygiene should be implemented. Moreover, the cost-effectiveness of mass drug administration in this area should be further investigated. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-018-6023-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.