Significant changes in gastrointestinal tract parasitic infections in children of St. Kitts over the 9-year period 1982-1991

ABSTRACT

When 239 (1982) and 361 (1991) five-year and nine-year-old children in St. Kitts were assessed for the presence of parasitic infections, there were significant reductions in the prevalence of trichuriasis from 83 percent to 58 percent, of ascariasis from 24 percent to 8.6 percent and of giardiasis from 15 percent to 9 percent. Anthelminthic use, which appeared to be the most important responsible intervention tool, remained roughly at the same level at 59-51 percent. However, the types of anthelminthics used changed over the period. Pizerazine citrate, which was by 66 percent in 1982, only had 35 percent usuage in 1991. Albendazole which was not used at all in 1982 was taken by 32 percent of the children in 1991 and at the same time the use of laevo-tetramisole increased by 20 percent from 14 percent. Suggestions are made for an island-wide mass intervention programme to manage parasitic infections. (AU)