Hookworm infection and reinfection following treatment among Orang Asli children
Norhayati, M.; Oothuman, P.; Fatmah, M.S.; Muzain Minudin, Y.; Zainuddin, B.
Medical Journal of Malaysia 50(4): 314-319
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-5283 PMID: 8668049 Document Number: 443739
In a study in 6 villages in Dengkil, Selangor, Malaysia, 31% (60) of 193 children (1 to 13 years old) were found to be infected with hookworm (predominantly Necator americanus). The infected children were treated, under supervision, with a single dose of 400 mg albendazole. 33 of the treated children provided stool samples at 2 weeks, and 2 and 4 months after treatment. Reinfection was detected in 8 children at 2 months, and in a further 2 children at 4 months. Reinfection did not occur in children >8 years old. 112 of the children in the initial survey provided stool samples after 2 months, and 138 after 4 months. Overall, at 2 months, there were 2 new cases, 3 treatment failures, and 8 cases of reinfection. Corresponding figures at 4 months were 7, 3 and 2. All reinfected children showed light infections.