Detection of Intestinal Helminthic Infection in Rural Communities Using Concentration Method

Abstract

This study was aimed to determine the intestinal helminthic infections (IHIs) among rural communities of Bua Yai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeastern Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019 among rural villagers from 22 rural villages of 2 sub-districts. The participants were randomly selected from village enrollment list after proportional allocation of the total sample size. IHIs were prepared by the mini parasep sf faecal concentrator; concentration method, and then were detected using light microscope. Data were analyzed using STATA for windows version 13 and p-value less than 5% was considered as statistically significant. Of the total 454 faecal specimens examined, 6 were positive for at least one intestinal helminthes making the prevalence 1.32%. The most prevalent helminthes were Opisthorchis viverrini (1.26%) and followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (0.39%), Strongyloides stercolaris (0.19%), and Taenia spp. (0.19%), respectively. No significant association was found between IHIs and socio-demographic characteristics (P >0.05). This study reveals that the decreased infection rate is under control and elimination is possible through the prevention and control campaign from Ministry of Public Health in collaborated with network teams in this areas. However, IHIs are found in adults that were particularly apparent regarding the food borne and soil transmitted species of helminthes. A greater focus on intervention is required by improving personal hygiene and sanitation to prevent the spread of IHIs. Using MPFC indicates that concentration method is useful in the rural communities, increasing the yield of parasites with greater processing time and cost.