Soil-transmitted Helminthiases in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, 1991-2001

Abstract

Abstract

Between 1991-2001, a total of 8,569 fecal samples of primary school children and villagers in Muang, Chian Yai, Ron Phibun, Sichon and Tha Sala districts of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province were examined for eggs of soil-transmitted helminths using Katz’s modified thick smear technique. The overall prevalence rates were 87.0% (1991), 81.4% (1993), 81.0% (1994), 55.4% (1995), 76.1% and 91.6% (1998), 46.8% (1999), 58.3% (2000) and 48.3% (2001). These included Ascaris lumbricoides 3.7%-18.5%, Trichuris trichiura 28.5%-66.9%, hookworm 18.0%-80.0% and Enterobius vermicularis 0.7%. As for Strongyloides stercoralis, using a culture technique, the infection rates in 1991 and 1999 were 0.3% and 1.8%, respectively. High rates of infection were found in all schools in Muang, Chian Yai and Ron Phibun districts. In Muang District, a consistently high prevalence was found, especially in Islamic Thai who were fishermen and lived in villages with clustered housing. Decreasing prevalence rates, especially in hookworm infection, were found in villagers who earned their living by working in rubber plantations.