Prevalence and clustering of soil‐transmitted helminth infections in a tribal area in southern India

Abstract

Objectives To estimate the prevalence, spatial patterns and clustering in the distribution of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, and factors associated with hookworm infections in a tribal population in Tamil Nadu, India. Methods Cross-sectional study with one-stage cluster sampling of 22 clusters. Demographic and risk factor data and stool samples for microscopic ova/cysts examination were collected from 1237 participants. Geographical information systems mapping assessed spatial patterns of infection. Results The overall prevalence of STH was 39% (95% CI 36%–42%), with hookworm 38% (95% CI 35–41%) and Ascaris lumbricoides 1.5% (95% CI 0.8–2.2%). No Trichuris trichiura infection was detected. People involved in farming had higher odds of hookworm infection (1.68, 95% CI 1.31–2.17, P < 0.001). In the multiple logistic regression, adults (2.31, 95% CI 1.80–2.96, P < 0.001), people with pet cats (1.55, 95% CI 1.10–2.18, P = 0.011) and people who did not wash their hands with soap after defecation (1.84, 95% CI 1.27–2.67, P = 0.001) had higher odds of hookworm infection, but gender and poor usage of foot wear did not significantly increase risk. Cluster analysis, based on design effect calculation, did not show any clustering of cases among the study population; however, spatial scan statistic detected a significant cluster for hookworm infections in one village. Conclusion Multiple approaches including health education, improving the existing sanitary practices and regular preventive chemotherapy are needed to control the burden of STH in similar endemic areas.

Intervention strategies to reduce the burden of soil-transmitted helminths in India

“…Additional school-based surveys in multiple States have been carried out in SAC in Madhya Pradesh (14.76%, Ascaris 9.84%, hookworm 4.92%), Rajasthan (21.10%, Ascaris 20.20%, hookworm 1.00%, Trichuris 0.20%) and Chhattisgarh (74.60%, Ascaris 70.40%, hookworm 10.50%, Trichuris (0.05%)252627. In the south, studies showed a higher prevalence for hookworm both in SAC (6.30%) and when all age groups were surveyed (38.00%) than Ascaris (1.50 and 1.20%)2028. Taken together, there are sufficient data to demonstrate that the current STH prevalence is high and both control of morbidity and strategies to potentially interrupt transmission are of high public health significance in India.…”

Soil‐transmitted Helminthiasis in India

“…However, this goal has yet to be achieved. Common reasons for not meeting the target goal are poor healthcare infrastructure, lack of manpower, absence of essential medicines, and a deficiency of political will (Kaliappan et al, 2013 …”

“…For example, infection with roundworm is greater than with hookworm and whipworm. India did not meet the WHO target of 75% coverage of preventive treatment for preschool-and school-aged children by the year 2010-only 38% was achieved (Kaliappan et al, 2013).…”

“…However, this goal has yet to be achieved. Common reasons for not meeting the target goal are poor healthcare infrastructure, lack of manpower, absence of essential medicines, and a deficiency of political will (Kaliappan et al, 2013). In 2012, the London Declaration was established by the WHO, World Bank, global charities, pharmaceutical companies, and international leaders from developed and developing countries to reiterate their pledge to eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs; Anderson, Hollingsworth, Truscott, & Brooker, 2012).…”

Understanding wetlands reclamation and soil-transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis incidence patterns in Rwanda (2001-2012)

“…Abera & Nibret, 2014) are ignored. It has been demonstrated that the spatial distribution of different types of STH infections is very heterogeneous in neighbouring countries of Rwanda (Pullan, Kabatereine, Quinnell, & Brooker, 2010) and in other endemic areas in tropical and sub-tropical conditions (Kaliappan et al, 2013). Also, Clements, Deville, Ndayishimiye, Brooker, and Fenwick (2010) revealed different spatial patterns for different STH types in the East African Great Lakes region, with ubiquitous hookworm infection, and highly focal prevalence patterns of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura.…”