Soil transmitted helminth infections in three isolated communities in Sierra Leone

ABSTRACT

The prevalence and intensity of soil transmitted helminths (STH) in three isolated communities in Sierra Leone; Blama (near Bo); York Island Southern Province; and Magbil (Port Loko District) Northern Province was investigated in 1993. Trichuris trichuria prevalence was found to vary most both between and within sites being significantly higher amongst children 5 to 10 years-old. It was the only STH to show a variation with sex at the most heavily infected community; Magbil; where prevalence was significantly higher in males than females. There was no significant difference in overall prevalence of A. lumbricoides and hookworm between the sites. The prevalence and intensity of all three STH peaked either in the 5 to 10; or the 10 to 20 year olds at all three sites