Association between geohelminth infections and physical growth in schoolchildren

Silva, Rita de Cássia Ribeiro; Assis, Ana Marlúcia de Oliveira

doi:10.1590/s1415-52732008000400003

Cited by 4 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Similarly, despite the fact that trichuriasis prevalence was at a moderate level and that the majority of infections were light, a significant association was documented between stunting and both T. trichiura infection and infection intensity. This finding aligns with observations from other studies conducted in Honduras [30], Ethiopia [31], Mexico [32], and Brazil [33, 34]. …”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 93%

Immune Profile of Honduran Schoolchildren with Intestinal Parasites: The Skewed Response against Geohelminths

Gabrie

Rueda

Rodríguez

et al. 2016

Journal of Parasitology Research

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Soil-transmitted helminth infections typically induce a type-2 immune response (Th2), but no immunoepidemiological studies have been undertaken in Honduras, an endemic country where the main control strategy is children's annual deworming. We aimed to characterize the immune profile of Honduran schoolchildren harbouring these parasitoses. Demographic and epidemiological data were obtained through a survey; nutritional status was assessed through anthropometry; intestinal parasites were diagnosed by formol-ether and Kato-Katz; and blood samples were collected to determine immunological markers including Th1/Th2 cytokines, IgE, and eosinophil levels. A total of 225 children participated in the study, all of whom had received deworming during the national campaign five months prior to the study. Trichuriasis and ascariasis prevalence were 22.2% and 20.4%, respectively. Stunting was associated with both age and trichuriasis, whereas ascariasis was associated with sex and household conditions. Helminth infections were strongly associated with eosinophilia and hyper-IgE as well as with a Th2-polarized response (increased levels of IL-13, IL-10, and IL4/IFN-γ ratios and decreased levels of IFN-γ). Pathogenic protozoa infections were associated with a Th1 response characterized by elevated levels of IFN-γ and decreased IL10/IFN-γ ratios. Even at low prevalence levels, STH infections affect children's nutrition and play a polarizing role in their immune system.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 93%

Immune Profile of Honduran Schoolchildren with Intestinal Parasites: The Skewed Response against Geohelminths

Gabrie

Rueda

Rodríguez

et al. 2016

Journal of Parasitology Research

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“…This is due to chronic nature of Trichuris trichiura infection; in which it can stay in a human gut for more than three years [ 22 , 23 ]. Similar to this finding, other studies conducted elsewhere among schoolchildren found that infection with Trichuris trichiura is associated with stunting [ 24 - 26 ]. However, a study done in different areas of Ethiopia reported that there is no significant association between Trichuris trichiura infection and stunting [ 27 - 29 ].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Determinants of underweight, stunting and wasting among schoolchildren

2015

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BackgroundThe cause of under-nutrition in schoolchildren is complex and varying from region to region. However, identifying the cause is the basic step for nutritional intervention programs.MethodsSchool based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 450 schoolchildren aged 7-14 years, using multi-stage sampling techniques in Dale Woreda, southern Ethiopia.A structured questionnaire and 24-hour recall methods were administered to determine the sociodemographic and dietary intake of participants. Stool microscopic examination was done. Weight and height were measured using a standard calibrated scale. Odds ratio generated from logistic regression was used to determine the strength of variables association.ResultsOlder age group (10-14 vs. 7-9) (AOR = 3.4; 95% CI, 1.7-6.6) and having Trichuris Trichura infection (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI, 1.4 -11.6) increased the risk of being stunted. Children whose mothers have completed primary education are less likely to be stunted than children whose mothers do not have formal education (AOR = 0.3; 95% CI, 0.2-0.8).Having large family size (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI, 1.4-7.9) and inadequate intake of carbohydrate (AOR = 3.1; 95% CI, 1.4-6.8) were independent predictors of wasting. Children whose mothers completed primary education are less likely to be underweight (AOR = 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.9). Children live in food insecure households are more likely to be stunted, under-weight and wasted than children live in food secure households (AOR = 2.5; 95%, 1-5.6; AOR = 3.9; 95% CI, 1.2-12.0; AOR = 4.8; 95% CI, 1.7-13.6;).ConclusionHousehold food insecurity, low maternal education and infection with Trichuris trichura were some of the major factors contributing to under-nutrition in the study area.

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“…The magnitude of the burden of geohelminthiasis is grossly underestimated, but it deserves to be given special attention because of its broad geographical distribution [18], its deleterious effects on nutrition [19], and its impairment of immune functions [20,21]. The important harmful factors in helminth infections include the direct pathogenic effect by the worms and the modulatory role of the parasite on the host immune system, altering the response to other antigens or pathogens and causing additional immunopathology [22].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Geohelminths: public health significance

Ojha

Jaide

Jinawath

et al. 2014

J Infect Dev Ctries

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The worldwide prevalence of geohelminths and their unique place in evolutionary biology have attracted research focus. These major soiltransmitted intestinal nematodes that cause human diseases are the nematode roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), the whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) and the two hookworms (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus), often collectively referred as geohelminths. Studies of geohelminthiasis in poorly nourished children in developing regions report that geohelminths contribute to stunted growth and cognitive impairment. Insights into immunology have shed light on the modulatory role of the parasite on the host immune system and have defined the role of T cells in controlling geohelminthic infection. Recent molecular biological techniques have created an opportunity to analyse the interaction between parasites and their hosts at the molecular level. This paper is a review of the recent literature that examined the prevalence of geohelminthiasis in developing countries, the association between geohelminths in relation to public health, parasitological/diagnostic features, and therapeutic and preventive aspects of these major soil-transmitted helminth (STH) pathogens in humans.

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Association between geohelminth infections and physical growth in schoolchildren

Cited by 4 publications

References 16 publications

Immune Profile of Honduran Schoolchildren with Intestinal Parasites: The Skewed Response against Geohelminths

Immune Profile of Honduran Schoolchildren with Intestinal Parasites: The Skewed Response against Geohelminths

Determinants of underweight, stunting and wasting among schoolchildren

Geohelminths: public health significance

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