Prevalence of Intestinal Helminthic Parasites in School Going Children in Rural Area of Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

This paper presents the status of intestinal helminthiasis in public school children aged 5 – 14 years in a rural area of Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh. A total of 135 school children (69 girls and 66 boys) were included in this study. A protocol was filled out regarding hygienic and other habits, including factors predisposing to helminthic infections. Fecal samples from the children were examined by direct method and concentration techniques. The overall prevalence of helminthiasis was 15.55%. The most common helminthes were Hook worm, Ascaris and Hymenolepis nana. The frequency of parasitic infection is high in Kuppam, possibly due to low socio-economic status, lack of health education, poor sanitation and warm climate in this area and should be regarded as an issue of public health priority