[Prevalent trend of the infection of soil-transmitted nematodes in Fujian Province].

OBJECTIVE

To understand the endemic situation of soil-transmitted nematodes in Fujian Province.

METHODS

According to the national guidelines, the survey spots were determined by clustered random sampling in nine prefectures (cities) of Fujian Province from 2007 to 2009. Residents of 3 years old and above were investigated. The eggs of roundworm, hookworm and whipworm in feces were checked by Kato-Katz method. Eggs per gram (EPG) in feces were calculated. The gender, age and education status of the investigated subjects were recorded. The results were evaluated in comparison to those in 1992 and 2003.

RESULTS

Altogether 93 833 residents in 610 villages of 184 towns from 49 counties were investigated. The overall infection rate of soil-transmitted nematodes was 10.14% (9 511/93 833), decreased by 86.88% and 71.84% compared to that in 1992 and 2003, respectively. The prevalence of roundworm, hookworm and whipworm was 1.32%(1 234/93 833), 7.31% (6 863/93 833) and 1.73% (1 622/93 833), respectively. The average EPG of roundworm, hookworm and whipworm was 9 556, 526 and 156, respectively. The prevalence in males and females was 9.48% (4 385/46 246) and 10.77% (5 126/47 587), respectively, with a statistical difference (chi2 = 42.84, P < 0.01). There was also a statistical difference among the age groups (chi2 = 1 626, P < 0.01). The higher education level of the people, the lower prevalence (chi2 = 1 107, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of soil-transmitted nematodes is on a downward trend in Fujian Province, but remained high in the underdeveloped areas. The hookworm infection rate is higher than the average of the nation.