Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases andSchistosomiasis in Preschool Age Children in Mwea Division,Kirinyaga South District, Kirinyaga County, and Their PotentialEffect on Physical Growth

Abstract

Intestinal parasitic infections can significantly contribute to the burden of disease, may cause nutritional and energetic stress,and negatively impact the quality of life in low income countries of the world. This cross-sectional study done in Mweairrigation scheme, in Kirinyaga, central Kenya, assessed the public health significance of soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH),schistosomiasis, and other intestinal parasitic infections, among 361 preschool age children (PSAC) through fecal examination,by measuring anthropometric indices, and through their parents/guardians, by obtaining sociodemographic information. Bothintestinal helminth and protozoan infections were detected, and, among the soil-transmitted helminth parasites, there were Ascarislumbricoides (prevalence, 3%), Ancylostoma duodenale (<1%), and Trichuris trichiura (<1%). Other intestinal helminths wereHymenolepis nana (prevalence, 3.6%) and Enterobius vermicularis (<1%). Schistosoma mansoni occurred at a prevalence of 5.5%.Interestingly, the protozoan, Giardia lamblia (prevalence, 14.7%), was the most common among the PSAC. Other protozoanswere Entamoeba coli (3.9%) and Entamoeba histolytica (<1). Anthropometric indices showed evidence of malnutrition. Intestinalparasites were associated with hand washing behavior, family size, water purification, and home location. These findings suggestthat G. lamblia infection and malnutrition may be significant causes of ill health among the PSAC in Mwea, and, therefore, anintervention plan is needed.