Changes of Ascaris lumbricoides infection in rural residents of Jiangsu Province and its influencing factors / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate and analyze the changes of Ascaris lumbricoides infection in rural residents of Jiangsu Province during 13 years and its influencing factors in order to provide the basis of making practical policies for ascariasis control in future. Methods The data were analyzed about the rates of Ascaris infection and mass chemotherapy, per capita income, and the rates of the use of running water and hygienic toilets in the southern part, the middle part and the northern part of Jiangsu Province from 1990 to 2002, and the main influencing factors for Ascaris infection were explored. Results The prevalence rate of Ascaris infection decreased continuously during 13 years, from 39.51% to 2.14%, and the decrease rate was 94.58%. In 2002, the infection rate was the lowest, only 0.41%, decreased by 98.92% in the middle part of Jiangsu Province, and the infection rate was the highest, 5.09%, decreased by 89.97% in the northern part of Jiangsu Province. The accumulated rates of mass chemotherapy were 159.00% in middle part of Jiangsu Province,103.00% in the southern part of Jiangsu Province and 105.00% in the northern part of Jiangsu Prvince.The per capita income, the use of running water and hygienic latrines increased gradually from the northern part to the southern part and there were significant differences in the 3 survey regions. Conclusion The Ascaris infection rate is influenced by mass chemotherapy, economics and health conditions in rural residents, especially the mass chemotherapy.