[Pathogen spectrum and epidemic status of major human parasites in Chenzhou City, Hunan Province].

OBJECTIVE

To understand the pathogen spectrum and epidemic status of major human parasites in Chenzhou City, Hunan Province, so as to provide the evidence for parasitic diseases control.

METHODS

The survey sites were selected by the stratified cluster sampling method. The intestinal helminthic eggs were detected by Kato-Katz technique. The trophozoites or cysts of intestinal protozoa were detected by saline smear and iodine staining methods. The eggs of Enterubius vermicularis of children from 3 to 6 years old were detected by the cellophane anal swab method. The species of hookworm were identified by the filter paper strip culture method.

RESULTS

A total of 7 031 people were detected with the intestinal helminthic infective rate of 1.83% (129 cases). The major parasite was hookworm and there was a statistically significant difference of the infection rates among various parasites (χ2 = 107.77, P < 0.01). All the hookworm larvae were Necator americanus. No intestinal protozoon was detected. There were statistically significant differences of the infection rates among the counties (χ2 = 25.77, P < 0.01). The age of the patients was mainly focused on 30 and above years old and the infection rate was increased with the growth of age (χ2 = 26.21, P < 0.01). Farmers were the main population of the patients and there was a statistically significant difference of the infection rates between farmer and others (χ2 = 29.67, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The infection rates of parasites are low and hook-worm is the main parasite in the pathogen spectrum in Chenzhou City. However, the infection factors still exist, therefore, effective and scientific measures should be taken to consolidate the achievement.