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Objective To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of soil-transmitted nematode infections in Ningbo City from 2016 to 2021, so as to provide insights into the development of targeted control measures against soil-transmitted nematodiasis. Methods Permanent residents at ages of 3 years and older were sampled in Ningbo City using a multi-stage sampling method each year during the period from 2016 to 2021. Soil-transmitted nematode eggs were detected in stool samples using a modified Kato-Katz thick smear method (two slides for each stool sample), and Enterobius vermicularis eggs were additionally identified among children at ages of 3 to 12 years using the adhesive cellophane-tape perianal swab method. The time- and regions-specific prevalence of soil-transmitted nematode infections was calculated, and the factors affecting hookworm infections were identified using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results A total of 11 573 person-times were detected for soil-transmitted nematode infections in Ningbo City from 2016 to 2021, and 296 egg-positives were detected, with a mean prevalence rate of 2.56% [95% confidential interval (CI): (2.28%, 2.87%)]. Hookworm was the predominant species of soil-transmitted nematode among egg-positives in Ningbo City (98.31%, 291/296), and there was a significant difference in the prevalence of hook-worm infections among years (χ2 = 190.27, P < 0.01). The highest prevalence of hook-worm infections was observed in Ninghai County (4.06%), and there was a region-specific prevalence rate of hookworm infection in Ningbo City (χ2 = 148.43, P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that elderly residents at ages of over 60 years [odds ratio (OR)= 1.94, 95% CI: (1.07, 3.54), P < 0.05], males [OR = 2.19, 95% CI: (1.72, 2.80), P < 0.01], farmers [OR = 6.94, 95% CI: (3.37, 14.29), P < 0.01] and residents with a low education level [illiteracy or semi-illiterate: OR = 3.82, 95% CI: (1.56, 9.35), P < 0.05; primary school: OR = 2.70, 95% CI: (1.11, 6.59), P < 0.05] were at a higher risk for hookworm infections. Conclusions The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted nematode infections was low among residents in Ningbo City from 2016 to 2021. The surveillance and health education for human hookworm disease remain to be reinforced among male farmers with a low education level at ages of over 60 years in Ninghai County.
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Objective To investigate the prevalence of thyroid nodules among residents of Ningbo City and to explore the risk factors for thyroid nodules.Methods Totally 3 596 residents aged 6-70 were selected by multistage stratified cluster random sampling in Ningbo City,2011.Thyroid ultrasound examination was performed in all participants,while salt iodine and urinary iodine were measured.Possible risk factors for thyroid nodules were analyzed by single factor and multi-factor logistic regression.Results The prevalence rate of thyroid nodules in residents of Ningbo City was 22.66％ (815/3 596),with standardized prevalence rate of 17.69％.Female [(odds ratio (OR) =2.06,95％ confidence interval (CI) =1.74-2.43],groups of aged 18-(OR =3.42,95％ CI =1.22-9.61),aged 40-(OR =13.06,95％ CI =4.80-35.51),aged 65-(OR =16.67,95％ CI =5.97-46.54) and occasional consumption of seafood habits (less than twice per week,OR =1.23,95％ CI =1.02-1.49) were significant associated with thyroid nodules.Conclusions There is no link Letween iodine nutrition and thyroid nodules.It is demonstrated that female and aged ≥ 18 groups have higher risk of thyroid nodules; frequent consumption of seafood seems to be a protective factor.
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Objective To investigate the iodine nutritional status,thyroid function and the prevalence of thyroid nodules of residents using non-iodized salt in Ningbo City,Zhejiang Province.Methods In 2011,using typical sampling method,6 villages/communities consumption of non-iodized salt were selected as study fields and residents aged 6-70 were selected as study subjects in Ningbo.Urinary iodine detection,thyroid ultrasound examination and tests of thyroid function [free triiodothyronine (FT3),free thyroxine (FT4),thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH),thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb)] were performed in all participants.Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was determined by arsenic cerium catalytic spectrophotometry,and thyroid function was monitored by chemiluminescence method.Results A total of 1 177 residents agreed to participate in the study,482 were male,and 695 were female (including 2 pregnant women).The participants' mean age was (48.54 ± 13.98) years.The median UIC in all participants was 90.36 μg/L,and the proportions with a UIC ＜ 100μg/L was 56.07％ (660/1 177).Furthermore,the median UIC in male was 97.05 μg/L and in female was 83.84 μg/L,there was a significant difference in UICs between male and female (Z =-2.99,P ＜ 0.05).Similarly,significant difference in UICs was observed among age groups (x2 =99.34,P ＜ 0.01).Among the participants,19.88％ had thyroid nodules,with standardized prevalence rate of 13.95％.Furthermore,in male,11.83％ had thyroid nodules,with standardized prevalence rate of 8.11％,and in female was 25.47％,with standardized prevalence rate of 19.83％,there was a significant difference in the detection rate of thyroid nodules between male and female (x2 =33.25,P ＜ 0.01).Likewise,significant difference in the detection rate of thyroid nodules was observed among age groups (x2=49.65,P＜ 0.01),and there was a positive and significant correlation between the detection rate of thyroid nodules and increasing age (x2trend =44.22,P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions The residents who using non-iodized salt in Ningbo City are in the status of iodine deficiency.The detection rate of thyroid nodules is higher in female than in male and it has increased with age.
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0.05).The infection rate in first intermediate host(snails), second intermediate host(crabs) and animal reservoir hosts was 0.05%(9/19 368), 31.1%(15 627/50 313) and 11.9%(52/438) respectively.Evidently, natural nidi for Paragonimus spp.still exist in Ningbo City.