Analysis on Current Status of Human Intestinal Helminth Infections in Anhui Province

Objective To understand the current status of human intestinal helminth infections and their characateristic feature in rural areas of Anhui Province. Methods According to the methods of national investigation scheme, 29 sampling sites were selected from 10 counties via stratified and clustered random sampling. Modified Kato-Katz thick smear and filter paper fecal culture in test tube methods were applied to identify intestinal helminthes eggs and larvae. The Enterobius vermicularis egg of children aged lower 12 was examined by cellophane anal swab technic. Results A total of 14 874 persons were investigated and 13 species of intestinal helminthes were detected out. The average infection rate was 21.43%(3 187/14 874). The female infection rate (23.37%) was higher than that of male (19.63%)(P0.05). 91.28% of the infections were infected with Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm. The infection rates of major intestinal helminthes were as follows: Ascaris lumbricoides 9.77%, Trichuris trichiura 3.14%, hookworm 9.65%, Enterobius vermicularis 5.39% (163/3 022) and Clonorchis sinensis 0.67% (100/14 874). The infection rates in different age-groups ranged from 19.08%~22.99%. The highest infection rates in southern plain region were ascaris and tapeworm while in northern plain region hookworm and Clonorchis sinensis. Conclusion The infection rate and the infected species of human intestinal helminthes in Anhui Province decreased remarkably as compared with that in first investigation 10 odd years ago. The infection rate in persons over 60 years (especially in females) was relatively higher indicating these persons were neglected in the past control program.