A longitudinal study of the persence of gastrointestinal tract parasitic infections in children of St. Kitts over the 15-year period, 1982-1997

ABSTRACT

When 188 (1962), 266 (1991) and 222 (1997) five and nine year old children in St. Kitts were assessed for the presence of parasitic infections, there were significant reductions in the prevalence of trichurias from 83 percent through 58 percent to 27 percent, of ascariasis from 24 percent through 8.6 percent to 0.9 percent and of giardiasis from 15 percent through 9.4 percent to 5 percent, respectively; over the 15 year period. 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. Piperazine citrate, which was used by 66 percent in 1982, had only 35 percent usage in 1991 and 11.3 percent in 1197. Albendazole, which was not used at all in 1982, was taken by 32 percent of the children in 1991 and 45.9 percent in 1997, and at the same time use of laevo-tetramisole increase by 20 percent in 1991 from 14 percent in 1982, to 42.9 percent in 1997. Details are given of a proposed island-wide parasitic infection with the assistance of identified private and public sector partners.(AU)