Incidence of parasitic infestation in black children at Livingstone Hospital
Freeman, A.; Grunewald, J.W.
South African Medical Journal 57(10): 358-360
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 7403985 Document Number: 163594
Stool samples were obtained from 200 Black or Coloured children attending Livingstone Hospital, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Half of the children (group 1) had a history of passing worms in the faeces or vomitus, the rest did not (group 2). Parasites (mostly helminths) were detected in 76% and 66%, respectively. Coloured children were significantly more commonly infected than Black children. No sex differences were apparent. The prevalence was highest in the age group one to 6 years. The commonest protozoan was Giardia lamblia which occurred in 8% and 18%, respectively. Amoebic cysts and trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica and Trichomonas hominis were rare. Stool samples were obtained from 200 Black or Coloured children attending Livingstone Hospital, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Half of the children (group 1) had a history of passing worms in the faeces or vomitus, the rest did not (group 2). Parasites (mostly helminths) were detected in 76% and 66% respectively. Coloured children were significantly more commonly infected than Black children. No sex differences were apparent. The prevalence was highest in the age group one to 6 years. Ascaris lumbricoides was found in 55% and 41% and Trichuris trichiura in 57% and 36%, respectively. Hymenolepis nana and Enterobius vermicularis were rare.