Soil-transmitted helminth infections and nutritional status in Ecuador: findings from a national survey and implications for control strategies.

ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE:The estimation of prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections at a country-level is an essential prerequisite for the implementation of a rational control programme. The aim of this present study was to estimate the prevalence and distribution of STH infections and malnutrition in school-age children in rural areas of Ecuador. DESIGN:Cross-sectional study from October 2011 to May 2012. SETTING:Eighteen rural schools were randomly selected from the three ecological regions of Ecuador (coastal, highlands and Amazon basin). PARTICIPANTS:920 children aged 6-16 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Prevalence and intensity of STH infections associated with malnutrition (thinness/wasting or stunting). RESULTS:The results showed that 257 (27.9%) children were infected

SUBMITTER: Moncayo AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5931300 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature