Current prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and their impact on hematological and nutritional status among Karen hill tribe children in Omkoi District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
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Abstract
Intestinal parasitic infection represents a substantial problem for children living
in rural or limited resources areas and significantly relates to anemia and nutritional
status. This study aimed to determine the current prevalence of intestinal parasitic
infections among school-age children of Karen hill tribe population in Omkoi District,
Chiang Mai Province, Thailand and assess the impact of intestinal parasitic infection
on hematological and nutritional status in those children. A total of 375 Karen hill
tribe children, 6-14 years of age, in Omkoi District were randomly selected to participate
in this study. Stool samples were collected and examined for intestinal parasitic
infection through formalin-ether concentration method. Blood samples were collected
for hematological and iron analysis. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic
infection was 47.7% (179/375), with single infections (29.3%) and polyparatism (18.4%).
The most common pathogenic parasite was Trichuris trichiura (16.0%), followed by Ascaris
lumbricoides (13%) and Giardia lamblia (3.5%). In addition, non-pathogenic amoeba,
Entamoeba coli was observed with a high prevalence rate (31.2%). Anemia and eosinophilia
prevalence were 6.40% (24/375) and 74.7% (280/375), respectively. Eosinophilia was
significantly more prevalent in children with intestinal parasitic infection compared
to uninfected children. Among 249 children, 13.7% were iron deficiency, 9.6% were
thalassemia and hemoglobinophathy and 8% were G-6-PD deficiency. A high prevalence
infection rate was significantly associated with eosinophilia, but independently related
to anemia and iron deficiency. Intestinal parasitic infections are endemic in school-age
children of Karen hill tribe population in Omkoi District. These data highlight the
need for an integrated approach to control transmission of intestinal parasites and
improve the health and sanitation status of Karen hill tribe children in Thailand.