[Investigation of prevalence of soil-transmitted nematode infections among Lahu Ethnic residents in Xiaojie Township, Jinghong City, Yunnan Province].

OBJECTIVE

To understand the prevalence of human intestinal parasite infections in Lahu Ethnic residents so as to provide the evidence for effective control.

METHODS

The prevalence of soil-transmitted nematode infections in local people was determined by Kato-Katz technique and individual sanitary behaviors and habits were requested by a standardized questionnaire in 3 villages of Xiaojie Township, Jinghong City, Yunnan Province. The relationship between intestinal parasite infections and behavioral characteristics was analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 289 subjects, 255 individuals were infected with soil-transmitted nematodes; the prevalence was 88.24%. Among the infected individuals, 210 were found infected with hookworm and the infection rate was 72.66%; 154 subjects were infected with Ascaris lumbricoides and the infection rate was 53.29%; 13 were infected with Trichuris trichura, and the infection rate was 4.50%; 16 were infected with other parasites and the infection rate was 5.54%. The percentages of people with light infection of hookworm, A. lumbricoides and T. trichura were 90.48%, 97.40% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

There is high prevalence of soil-transmitted nematode infections in Lahu Ethnic residents in Jinghong City, but the infection intensity was generally low. The control and monitoring of soil-transmitted parasite infections should be strengthened in this area.