Prevalence and intensity of helminths among inhabitants of the Chi River and Lahanna water reservoir areas of Northeastern Thailand

@#Helminth infections (HIs) are an important public health problem in tropical countries, and the associated problems have been neglected in rural areas of Thailand. Therefore, this study reports the prevalence and intensity of HIs among inhabitants of the Khon Sawan district, Chaiyaphum province, and Kaeng Samnam Nang district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, which are located near the Chi River and Lahanna water reservoir, northeastern Thailand. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between July 31, 2018, and June 30, 2019, among rural villagers from 40 rural villages in 4 subdistricts. The participants were selected from the village enrolment list after proportional allocation of the total sample size. Faecal samples from 691 inhabitants were prepared using solvent-free faecal parasite concentrator, and helminths were then detected using a light microscope. Statistical analysis included the Chi-square test with Yates correction, and multivariable logistic regression was performed. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The prevalence of HIs was 2.03%. The most prevalent helminths were Opisthorchis viverrini (1.31%), followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (0.44%), Ascaris lumbricoides (0.29%), hookworm (0.15%), Teania spp. (0.15%) and one minute intestinal fluke (0.15%). Coinfections were identified in 2 cases for S. stercoralis and hookworm and 1 case for O. viverrini and S. stercoralis infection. All infected participants had a light intensity of HI. There was no significant difference between general characteristics for all HIs. The prevalence of HIs was not significantly associated with general characteristics. This study indicates that the infections result mainly from foodborne helminths and skin-penetrating nematodes. Therefore, interventions should concentrate on the personal hygiene of the population and improving sanitation to reduce HIs in this area.

The prevalence of intestinal helminth infection in rural subdistricts of northeastern Thailand

@#This study aimed to determine the prevalence and intensity of intestinal helminth infections (IHIs) among rural villagers in Waeng Noi district, Khon Kaen Province, northeastern Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted between March 1 and July 30, 2018, among rural villagers from 30 rural villages in 2 subdistricts. The participants were selected from the village enrollment list after proportional allocation of the total sample size. The background characteristic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Specimens from patients with IHIs were prepared by concentration with a Faecal Parasite Concentrator–Solvent-Free (Mini Parasep® SF), and helminths were then detected using a light microscope. Of the 400 faecal specimens examined, 23 were positive for at least one intestinal helminth, resulting in a prevalence of 5.75%. The most prevalent helminths were Taenia spp., 10 (2.50%); followed by hookworm, 5 (1.25%); Trichuris trichiura, 4 (1.0%); Ascaris lumbricoides, 3(0.50%); and Opisthorchis viverrini, 1 (0.25%). All infected participants had a light intensity of IHI. Location (adjusted OR=2.52; 95% CI=1.30–3.52; P =0.042) showed a significant association with the prevalence of intestinal helminths. This study reveals that IHIs, particularly those with foodborne and soil-transmitted species of helminths, are prevalent in adults in rural subdistricts. A greater focus on interventions to improve personal hygiene and sanitation to prevent the spread of IHIs is required. Further studies should be performed to implement interdisciplinary research approaches in the study area