Prevalence and risk factors for enterobiasis among preschool children in a metropolitan city in Korea

The infection rate of Enterobius vermicularis was investigated in 1,191 preschool children in 25 daycare centers in Seoul, Korea by cellotape anal swab from July to August 1999. Both the directors of the daycare centers and the children's parents were asked to complete questionnaires that inqui...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Parasitology research (1987) 2003-09, Vol.91 (1), p.46-50
Main Authors: SONG, Hong-Ji, CHO, Chong-Hee, KIM, Joung-Soon, CHOI, Min-Ho, HONG, Sung-Tae
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
Child
Child Day Care Centers
Child, Preschool
Diseases caused by nematodes
Enterobiasis - epidemiology
Enterobiasis - parasitology
Enterobius - isolation & purification
Female
Helminthic diseases
Humans
Infectious diseases
Korea - epidemiology
Male
Medical sciences
Miscellaneous
Parasitic diseases
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Tropical medicine
Urban Population
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Summary:The infection rate of Enterobius vermicularis was investigated in 1,191 preschool children in 25 daycare centers in Seoul, Korea by cellotape anal swab from July to August 1999. Both the directors of the daycare centers and the children's parents were asked to complete questionnaires that inquired about the potential risk factors involved. The overall egg positive rate for E. vermicularis was 9.5%, and the prevalence in the daycare centers ranged from 0 to 31.1%. Children aged 6-7 years showed a significantly higher egg positive rate than younger children, but the infection rate was similar for boys and girls. The socioeconomic status of the family and personal hygiene were not associated with enterobiasis, but anthelmintic medication significantly reduced the infection rate. The daycare centers in residential areas showed significantly lower egg positive rates than those situated near traditional markets. The environment of daycare centers is an important factor in enterobiasis, and the mass screening and treatment of children at high risk is recommended.
ISSN:0932-0113
1432-1955
DOI:10.1007/s00436-003-0836-3