Parasitic infections in Black children in an endemic schistosomiasis area in Natal.

Urine and stool specimens from 856 school children aged from 7 to 20 years, and from 80 preschool children, were examined for Schistosoma haematobium and intestinal helminths and protozoa. S. haematobium was present in 57% with a peak of 81% in 13-14-year-old children. Peak intensity preceded peak incidence and egg loads gradually decreased with age. There was no clear-cut difference between boys and girls with regard to intestinal parasites, nor was there a close correlation between the incidence of Schistosoma spp. and that of the intestinal parasites. There was a considerable reduction in the incidence of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura infestation with age.