Patterns of soil-transmitted helminth infection and impact of four-monthly albendazole treatments in preschool children from semi-urban communities in Nigeria: a double-blind placebo-controlled randomised trial

Abstract

BackgroundChildren aged between one and five years are particularly vulnerable to disease caused by soil-transmitted helminths (STH). Periodic deworming has been shown to improve growth, micronutrient status (iron and vitamin A), and motor and language development in preschool children and justifies the inclusion of this age group in deworming programmes. Our objectives were to describe the prevalence and intensity of STH infection and to investigate the effectiveness of repeated four-monthly albendazole treatments on STH infection in children aged one to four years.MethodsThe study was carried out in four semi-urban villages situated near Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. The study was a double-blind placebo-controlled randomised trial. Children aged one to four years were randomly assigned to receive either albendazole or placebo every four months for 12 months with a follow-up at 14 months.ResultsThe results presented here revealed that 50% of the preschool children in these semi-urban communities were infected by one or more helminths, the most prevalent STH being Ascaris lumbricoides (47.6%). Our study demonstrated that repeated four-monthly anthelminthic treatments with albendazole were successful in reducing prevalence and intensity of A. lumbricoides infections. At the end of the follow-up period, 12% and 43% of the children were infected with A. lumbricoides and mean epg was 117 (S.E. 50) and 1740 (S.E. 291) in the treatment and placebo groups respectively compared to 45% and 45% of the children being infected with Ascaris and mean epg being 1095 (S.E. 237) and 1126 (S.E. 182) in the treatment and placebo group respectively at baseline.ConclusionResults from this study show that the moderate prevalence and low intensity of STH infection in these preschool children necessitates systematic treatment of the children in child health programmes.Trial RegistrationCurrent controlled trials ISRCTN44215995.

Sporadic Cryptosporidium infection in Nigerian children: risk factors with species identification

“…This cross-sectional study was carried out in four semi-urban villages, Ipetumodu, Akinlalu, Edunabon and Moro, situated within 15 km of Ile-Ife town, Osun state, Nigeria [15]. The area is characterized by a tropical climate, with the rainy season extending from April to October (with a dip in precipitation during August) and the dry season from November to March.…”

“…There is no organized sewage disposal system, and refuse and human faeces are dumped in the bush behind the houses or burned [16]. The main source of water is from shared community taps and/or wells located in each village [15]. Animals roam freely throughout the villages.…”

Identification of a High Diversity of Cryptosporidium Species Genotypes and Subtypes in a Pediatric Population in Nigeria

“…These villages (Ipetumodu, Akinlalu, Edunabon, and Moro) are located within 15 km of Ile-Ife town. 27 The study was part of a parallel project set up in May 2006 that investigated the interactions between Ascaris and malaria infections. 27 A total of 2,332 children (age range = 6 months-6 years) were enrolled into the study during May and September 2006 after informed consent was obtained.…”

“…27 The study was part of a parallel project set up in May 2006 that investigated the interactions between Ascaris and malaria infections. 27 A total of 2,332 children (age range = 6 months-6 years) were enrolled into the study during May and September 2006 after informed consent was obtained. Temporary clinics were set up in the center of each village, and mothers from the surrounding area were asked to bring their children for screening of malaria and intestinal worms.…”

Effects of Annual Mass Treatment with Ivermectin for Onchocerciasis on the Prevalence of Intestinal Helminths

“…[1][2][3][4] They are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, causing an estimated loss of 39 million disability adjusted life years (DALYs). 5 This disability burden is greater than that due to malaria (35.7 million DALYs), 5 yet in comparison, STH are among the most neglected of the "neglected tropical diseases."…”