Korean J Parasitol.  2018 Feb;56(1):33-39. 10.3347/kjp.2018.56.1.33.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Associated Risk Factors for Infection among Rural Communities of Chachoengsao Province, Thailand

• Suntaravitun P
• Dokmaikaw

• KMID: 2408522
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2018.56.1.33

Abstract

Intestinal parasitic infections remain a major public health problem in many parts of Thailand, particularly in rural areas. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among the people living in Huai Sai sub-district, Bang Khla district, Chachoengsao Province, central Thailand. A cross-sectional survey was carried out from June 2017 to August 2017 which included a total of 224 participants. Stool samples were examined using a simple direct smear and formalin ethyl acetate concentration technique. Association between risk factors and intestinal parasitic infections was assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 16.1%. Soil-transmitted helminth infections (14.3%) were more common than protozoan infections (1.8%). The most common intestinal parasites were hookworms (6.7%) followed by Strongyloides stercoralis, (5.0%), Ascaris lumbricoides (1.3%) and Trichuris trichiura (1.3%). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (1.0%), Giardia intestinalis (0.4%), and Blastocystis hominis (0.4%) were the protozoans identified. A high prevalence of infections was found in male participants of ≥40 years who raised dogs in the households and did not wear boots while working fields. Multivariate analysis showed a significant association of intestinal parasitic infections with gender with the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.4 and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.1-5.2 (P=0.020). The results showed a high prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections among adults in rural communities which were particularly apparent regarding the skin-penetrating species of nematodes. A greater focus on intervention is required by improving sanitation and personal hygiene to prevent the spread of intestinal parasitic infections.

Keyword

Strongyloides stercoralis; hookworm; Ascaris lumbricoides; Trichuris trichiura; Entamoeba histolytica; Entamoeba dispar; Giardia intestinalis; Blastocystis hominis; risk factor; Thailand

MeSH Terms

Adult
Ancylostomatoidea
Animals
Ascaris lumbricoides
Blastocystis hominis
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dogs
Entamoeba
Entamoeba histolytica
Family Characteristics
Formaldehyde
Giardia lamblia
Helminths
Humans
Hygiene
Logistic Models
Male
Multivariate Analysis
Odds Ratio
Parasites*
Prevalence*
Protozoan Infections
Public Health
Risk Factors*
Rural Population*
Sanitation
Strongyloides stercoralis
Thailand*
Trichuris
Formaldehyde