Reinfection rates of successfully treated cases of ascariasis

ABSTRACT

A total of 373 successfully treated cases of ascariasis among school children with ages ranging from 9-14 years were periodically examined for reinfection rates. At the first follow-up which was 4 1/2 months after treatment, 68.63 per cent were found positive for ascaris ova while at the end of the period of observation which was approximately nine months after treatment, 89.54 per cent were reinfectedThis study indicates that children involved in mass treatment, where only a minimum amount of preventive measures and control have been undertaken, became reinfected at a fast rate thus wasting the efforts and medicines expended. (Summary and Conclusions)