Helminthic Infections in School Children in Puducherry

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Intestinal parasites are widely prevalent in developing countries, probably due to poor sanitation and inadequate personal hygiene. It is estimated that as much as 60% of the world’s population is infected with intestinal parasites, which may play a significant role in morbidity due to intestinal infections. This study was designed to estimate the prevalence of helminthic infections among school children in Puducherry, South India. METHODS: The prevalence of helminthic infections was studied in 1,172 children in public schools in Puducherry (Pondicherry), South India, between March and September 2006. The stools collected were concentrated using the formol–ether sedimentation technique, screened using conventional iodine and saline wet mounts, and examined by direct microscopy. RESULTS: The prevalence of helminthic infection was found to be 34.56% in school children; Ascaris lumbricoides constituted 43.21% of total infections; Ancylostoma duodenale (hookworm), 28.89%; Trichuris trichiura, 10.87%; Hymenolepis nana, 7.66%; Taenia spp., 7.41%; and Enterobius vermicularis, 1.98%. Coinfections were also common; dual infections accounted for 8.40% and multiple infections for 2.47%, respectively, of total infection. The stool samples found to be positive for hookworm ova were further processed for culture using the Harada–Mori culture technique. Sixty-five (55.56%) hookworm ova-positive stools were found to be culture positive. CONCLUSION: The infection prevalent in school children in this area is Ascariasis.