Soil Transmitted Helminthes Prevalence among Pre-School Age Children in Elburgon Municipality, Kenya

Abstract

The prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes infection in pre-school age children was assessed in Elburgon Municipality, Kenya using Kato Katz as the standard parasitological survey diagnostic technique. Children between 6 months and 5 years were examined for STH infections. Out of 179 children examined, 154 (86%) were positive for the STH studied with Trichuris trichura accounting for the highest infection with 91 (50.84%), Ascaris, lumbricoides 45 (25.14%), and hookworm 18 (10.06%). Multiparasitism was evident with an overall 48 (28%) infection with a combination of two or three of the STH species studied. The high STH prevalence reported in this study was a result of unhygiene living environment with conditions that facilitate STH infections and transmission. T. Trichura had the highest prevalence because this is an urban STH species as compared to A. lumbricoides and hookworm. STH in pre-school age children is a virgin field in helminthes control. Mass deworming programs and parental education are required for effective STH control in this age group population that other is most vulnerable to helminthes infection.

Keywords: soil transmitted helminthes, pre-school age children, prevalence, kato katz