Jonathan W Andereck1, Aaron M Kipp2, Michael Ondiek3, Sten H Vermund4. 1. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. 2. Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Nashville, Tennessee, USA Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA aaron.kipp@vanderbilt.edu. 3. Lwala Community Alliance, Lwala, Kenya. 4. Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Nashville, Tennessee, USA Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) prevalence in children is high in rural southwestern Kenya, but adult prevalence data are scarce. A 2010 study of a village in Nyanza province found a pediatric STH prevalence of 44% using a direct stool-smear method. Adult STH prevalence and associated predictors was measured in the same village. METHODS: Adults (≥18 years) presenting at the out-patient department of the small hospital or community outreach events completed a short questionnaire and provided stool samples. Light microscopy for ova and larvae was conducted using a stool concentration technique to improve sensitivity. Multivariable regression models were used to identify predictors of STH prevalence. RESULTS: Among 344 adults, STH prevalence was 15.7% (54/344). Hookworm was most common (13.1%; 45/344), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (6.1%; 21/344) and Trichuris trichiura (0.6%; 2/344). Twelve participants (3.5%; 12/344) had multiple STHs and three (0.9%; 3/344) had Schistosoma mansoni. Female sex, older age and lower education level were significant STH predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Adult STH prevalence was lower than previous studies of children from the same village. Adults with the identified risk factors had a prevalence of ≥20%, which may warrant periodic, targeted deworming of adults with these risk factors given the low cost and low toxicity of anthelmintic drugs.
BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) prevalence in children is high in rural southwestern Kenya, but adult prevalence data are scarce. A 2010 study of a village in Nyanza province found a pediatric STH prevalence of 44% using a direct stool-smear method. Adult STH prevalence and associated predictors was measured in the same village. METHODS: Adults (≥18 years) presenting at the out-patient department of the small hospital or community outreach events completed a short questionnaire and provided stool samples. Light microscopy for ova and larvae was conducted using a stool concentration technique to improve sensitivity. Multivariable regression models were used to identify predictors of STH prevalence. RESULTS: Among 344 adults, STH prevalence was 15.7% (54/344). Hookworm was most common (13.1%; 45/344), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (6.1%; 21/344) and Trichuris trichiura (0.6%; 2/344). Twelve participants (3.5%; 12/344) had multiple STHs and three (0.9%; 3/344) had Schistosoma mansoni. Female sex, older age and lower education level were significant STH predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Adult STH prevalence was lower than previous studies of children from the same village. Adults with the identified risk factors had a prevalence of ≥20%, which may warrant periodic, targeted deworming of adults with these risk factors given the low cost and low toxicity of anthelmintic drugs.
Authors: Katherine E Halliday; William E Oswald; Carlos Mcharo; Emma Beaumont; Paul M Gichuki; Stella Kepha; Stefan S Witek-McManus; Sultani H Matendechero; Hajara El-Busaidy; Redempta Muendo; Athuman N Chiguzo; Jorge Cano; Mary W Karanja; Leah W Musyoka; Tuva K Safari; Lennie N Mutisya; Idris J Muye; Maureen A Sidigu; Roy M Anderson; Elizabeth Allen; Simon J Brooker; Charles S Mwandawiro; Sammy M Njenga; Rachel L Pullan Journal: PLoS Negl Trop Dis Date: 2019-08-09