The neglected cestode infection: Epidemiology of Hymenolepis nana infection among children in rural Yemen

Abstract

SummaryHymenolepis nana is the most common cestode reported in humans worldwide. It is prevalent among children in the tropics and subtropics, particularly in rural poor communities where sanitation is inadequate or lacking. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence and significant risk factors of H. nana infection among children in rural Yemen. Faecal samples were collected from 498 children and screened for intestinal parasites by using wet mount, formalin-ether concentration and Kato–Katz techniques. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect demographic, socioeconomic, housing condition, and personal hygiene information. Overall, 77.5 % (386/498) of the children were found to be infected by at least one intestinal parasite species. The overall prevalence of H. nana was 17.5 % (87/498). Multivariate analysis confirmed that an age of < 6 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.28; 95 % (confidence interval [CI] = 2.04, 8.98), presence of other family members infected with H. nana (AOR = 2.48; 95 % CI = 1.45, 4.24), living in the highlands (AOR = 2.87; 95 % CI = 1.56, 5.26), living in a house without improved toilet facilities (AOR = 2.19; 95 % CI = 1.23, 3.88), not washing vegetables before consumption (AOR = 2.11; 95 % CI = 1.06, 4.19), and not washing hands after defecation (AOR = 1.88; 95 % CI = 1.08, 3.27) were the key factors significantly associated with H. nana infection among the studied children. In conclusion, H. nana is prevalent among children in rural Yemen, particularly among preschool-aged children. Thus, an integrated and effective programme to control intestinal parasitic infections should include preschool-aged children. Such a programme should focus on providing health education on hygienic practices, providing adequate sanitation and improved sources of drinking water, and screening and treating other infected family members.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Risk Factors Among Schoolchildren in Ibb Governorate, Southwest Yemen: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In general, the rates of 1.4–17.5% for H. nana and <0.5–13% for E. vermicularis were reported among schoolchildren from different Yemeni governorates. 5 , 9–11 , 13–15 , 26 The presence of T. saginata among the participants of the present study was compatible with the findings of other studies in the country, with prevalence rates of 0.5–3%. 10 , 14 , 15 Generally, the low rates of helminthic infections in the study area could be attributed to the annual campaigns, which are effective in lowering the prevalence and transmission of the helminthic infections.…”

Zoonotic Helminths and Their Influences on Humans

“…Two common cestodes that have been studied are Hymenolepis nana and Taenia solium. H. nana, known as dwarf tapeworm, is highly prevalent in poor rural regions as high as 55%, and infects over 75 million people worldwide [10]. Usually, H. nana uses beetles and fleas as intermediate hosts.…”

Tunable Polymeric Mixed Micellar Nanoassemblies of Lutrol F127/Gelucire 44/14 for Oral Delivery of Praziquantel: A Promising Nanovector against Hymenolepis nana in Experimentally-Infected Rats

“…Infection with H. nana in humans occurs via ingestion of contaminated foodstuffs with eggs or feces from infested humans/rodents. As well, it could be accidentally attained through arthropods ingestion such as fleas and flour beetles, which represent the intermediate hosts harboring cysticercoid stages with subsequent development into mature worms within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) [ 3 ]. Furthermore, H. nana depicts the sole cestode directly transmitted from an individual to another besides frequent incidence of endogenous autoinfection, a hallmark that might evoke implications into the infection prognosis among patients [ 4 ].…”