Surveys on the prevalence of various intestinal parasitic infections in different geographic regions is a prerequisite for developing appropriate control strategies. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in schoolchildren enrolled in various schools in Srinagar City, Kashmir, India, and to assess epidemiological factors associated with the extent of endemic disease. Stool samples were collected from 514 students enrolled in 4 middle schools. The samples were processed with the use of both simple smear and zinc sulphate concentration methods, and then microscopically examined for intestinal parasites. Of the 514 students surveyed, 46.7% had 1, or more, parasites. Prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides was highest (28.4%), followed by Giardia lamblia (7.2%), Trichuris trichiura (4.9%), and Taenia saginata (3.7%). Conditions most frequently associated with infection included the water source, defecation site, personal hygiene, and the extent of maternal education. The study shows a relatively high prevalence of intestinal parasites and suggests an imperative for the implementation of control measures.

Introduction:This paper is a part of the helminthological studies carried out on school-going children of the Kashmir Valley and deals with the status of intestinal helminths in the children of Gurez Valley and to assess epidemiological factors associated with the extent of endemic disease so that control measures are adopted.Material and Methods:Stool samples were collected from 352 children from Gurez Valley. The samples were processed using Kato-Katz thick smear technique, and microscopically examined for intestinal parasites.Results:Of the 352 children surveyed, 75.28% had one or more types of intestinal helminthes. Prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides was highest (71.18%), followed by Trichuris trichiura (26.42%), Enterobius vermicularis (13.92) and Taenia saginata (5.39%). Conditions most frequently associated with infection included the water source, defecation site, personal hygiene, and the extent of maternal education.Conclusion:The study shows a relatively high prevalence of intestinal helminths and suggests an imperative for the implementation of control measures.

A study was conducted to determine the effect of different types of acids viz., citric acid, tartaric acid and malic acid each at 2, 3 and 5% concentrations on the quality of paneer made using reconstituted milk. The moisture, total solid recovery and yield and sensory scores for flavour, body and texture and overall acceptability of paneer decreased with the increasing strength of acid. However, these parameters for paneer made using coagulants at 2 and 3% levels were statistically comparable (P>0.05). Fat and protein per cent increased with the increase in the concentration of the acid. No difference was observed in the levels of ash and fat on dry matter basis and pH and appearance scores at all the three concentrations of the coagulants. The type of coagulant also elicited variations in most of the constituents of paneer. The paneer samples made with citric acid and tartaric acid had significantly higher (P≤0.05) values for fat, protein, ash, total solids recovery, fat on dry matter basis, body and texture and overall acceptability scores than paneer made with malic acid at all concentrations. No significant difference was seen in appearance and flavour scores among all the samples. In order to produce paneer with the most desirable characteristics from reconstituted milk, it is suggested citric acid and tartaric acid at 2% concentration can be utilized as coagulants.

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) remain a major threat to the health of children throughout the world, mostly in developing nations. The aim of the present study was to determine any relationship between STHs and hemoglobin status in school children of Kashmir Valley (India). Stool and blood samples were collected from 382 male and female school children in the age group of 5-15 yr from all 6 school districts of the Kashmir Valley. Finger-prick blood samples were used to collect the hemoglobin, which was then measured on-site by Sahli's acid hematin method; stool samples were processed using both simple smear and zinc sulphate concentration methods. Of the 382 children surveyed, 299 (78.27%) were infected with Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, or both. Children infected by STHs were found to have lower mean values of hemoglobin than uninfected children. The present study reveals that STHs are abundant among school children of Kashmir Valley, creating a negative effect on the hemoglobin values and indicating the necessity of implementing control measures.