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High prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis in school-aged children in a rural highland of north-western Ethiopia: the role of intensive diagnostic work-up.

Authors :
Amor, Aranzazu
Rodriguez, Esperanza
Saugar, José M.
Arroyo, Ana
López-Quintana, Beatriz
Abera, Bayeh
Yimer, Mulat
Yizengaw, Endalew
Zewdie, Derejew
Ayehubizu, Zimman
Hailu, Tadesse
Mulu, Wondemagegn
Echazú, Adriana
Krolewieki, Alejandro J.
Aparicio, Pilar
Herrador, Zaida
Anegagrie, Melaku
Benito, Agustín
Source :
Parasites & Vectors. 12/1/2016, Vol. 9, p1-8. 8p.
Publication Year :
2016

Abstract

Background: Soil-transmitted helminthiases (hookworms, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura) are extremely prevalent in school-aged children living in poor sanitary conditions. Recent epidemiological data suggest that Strongyloides stercoralis is highly unreported. However, accurate data are essential for conducting interventions aimed at introducing control and elimination programmes. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 396 randomly selected school-aged children in Amhara region in rural area in north-western Ethiopia, to assess the prevalence of S. stercoralis and other intestinal helminths. We examined stools using three techniques: conventional stool concentration; and two S. stercoralis-specific methods, i.e. the Baermann technique and polymerase chain reaction. The diagnostic accuracy of these three methods was then compared. Results: There was an overall prevalence of helminths of 77.5%, with distribution differing according to school setting. Soil-transmitted helminths were recorded in 69.2%. Prevalence of S. stercoralis and hookworm infection was 20.7 and 54.5%, respectively, and co-infection was detected in 16.3% of cases. Schistosoma mansoni had a prevalence of 15.7%. Prevalence of S. stercoralis was shown 3.5% by the conventional method, 12.1% by the Baermann method, and 13.4% by PCR, which thus proved to be the most sensitive. Conclusions: Our results suggest that S. stercoralis could be overlooked and neglected in Ethiopia, if studies of soil-transmitted helminths rely on conventional diagnostic techniques alone. A combination of molecular and stool microscopy techniques yields a significantly higher prevalence. In view of the fact that current control policies for triggering drug administration are based on parasite prevalence levels, a comprehensive diagnostic approach should instead be applied to ensure comprehensive control of helminth infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
17563305
Volume :
9
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Parasites & Vectors
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
119968886
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-016-1912-8