Abstract:

Objective　To understand the prevalence status of soil-transmitted nematodes in Fujian Province for scientific evidence to develop prevention and control measures for this infection. Methods　According to the requirements specified in the National Surveillance Program for Liver Fluke Diseases and Soil-transmitted Nematodes(Trial) and prevalence status of parasitic diseases in history in Fujian Province,46 counties(cities/ districts) were included as surveillance sites for soiltransmitted nematodes from 2016 to 2020. Modified Kato-Katz thick smear method was used to measure the helminth eggs,and culture method (tubes with filter paper) was used to identify species of hookworms. Anal swab test with cellophane tape was performed to screen pinworm eggs in children aged between 3 and 9 years old. Results　Totally,48 103 persons from the 46 counties(cities/ districts) underwent the survey. Modified Kato-Katz thick smear test revealed infection with hookworm, roundworm and whipworm in 604. The total infection rate was 1. 26%,in which infection with hookworm,roundworm and whipworm and was 1. 11%,0. 01% and 0. 13%,respectively. Anal swab test with cellophane tape showed that 497 of the 7 813 children aged from 3 to 9 years old were infected with pinworm,with an infection rate of 6. 36%. Of the 9 cities surveyed, the infection rate of soil-transmitted nematodes was 0. 49% (31/6 269) in Fuzhou,0. 19% (10/5 249) in Xiamen, 1. 11% (46/4 127) in Zhangzhou,0. 51% (31/6 083) in Quanzhou,0. 63% (27/4 256) in Putian,1. 33% (55/4 125) in Nanping,4. 16% (352/8 470)in Sanming,0. 31% (13/4 210)in Ningde,and 0. 73% (39/5 314) in Longyan. The difference was significant among cities (χ 2 = 735. 44, P < 0. 05) . Females had higher infection than males ( 1. 49%vs. 1. 00%;χ 2 =22. 92,P<0. 01). Of the population aged over 80 years and aged between 70 and 79 years,the infection rate was 4. 31% and 3. 71%,respectively,and the highest in population aged 80 years or above. As far as the educational level was concerned,the infection rate was 1. 82% for elementary school students,2. 92% for illiterates and semiliterates (χ 2 =277. 13,P<0. 01). Infection with pinworm was dominant in children and students,yet infection with hookworm was more common in farmers. Conclusion　Total infection rate of soil-transmitted nematodes tends to decrease in population in Fujian Province,and remains in relatively lower status. However,the infection of pinworm is still higher in low grade of primary school students and preschoolers,which suggests that strengthened prevention and control is necessary.

Key words: Soil-transmitted nematodes, Infection, Surveillance, Fujian Province