[Epidemiology of anguillulosis among public school children in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire].

PURPOSE: Strongyloides stercoralis is a neglected soil-transmitted helminth species. In Cote d'Ivoire, as elsewhere, there is a lack of parasitologic and epidemiologic data pertaining to this parasite. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and impact of sociodemographic factors on anguillulosis among public school children in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.

METHODS

Testing for Strongyloides stercoralis was performed in a random sample of 411 children from 10 public primary schools in Abidjan. Detection methods included direct examination of stool smears, the Baermann test and helminth coproculture study.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of anguillulosis was 2.7% (N=411) (IC95% = 1.34-4.73). The M/F sex-ratio was 1. No correlation was found between prevalence and sex (p = 0.12). Prevalence was higher among children who reported contact with swamps and rivers (respectively 80% and 7.9%) than those who did not report such contact (respectively 1.7% and 1.5%) (p <0.01).

CONCLUSION

Contact with swamps and rivers is correlated with an increase in anguillulosis prevalence. Avoiding these areas and proper sanitation could help to reduce the prevalence of anguillulosis in Abidjan.