Abstract: Objective  To understand the endemic status and the influencing factors of soil-transmitted nematode (STN) infection in Quanzhou City for data to support formulating of prevention and control measures. Methods  By the requirements specified in the National Surveillance Program for Liver Fluke Disease and STN (Trial document) and Surveillance Program for Human Key Parasitic Diseases of Fujian Province (Trial document), we established 30 mobile surveillance sites in the 30 administrative villages under Anxi County, Jinjiang City, Nan'an City, Shishi City, Yongchun County and Quangang District of Quanzhou City from 2017 to 2021, and collected the fecal samples from permanent residents over 3 years old living in mobile surveillance sites. Modified Kato-Katz thick smear (one sample for two tests) was used to microscopically count the parasite eggs, and the infection rate was calculated. The species of hookworms were identified by culture method (tubes with filter paper). Enterobius vermicularis infection was additionally detected among children aged 3 to 9 years old using cellophane anal swab. Results  In total, 6 021 people were surveyed from 2017 to 2021, which revealed infection with STN in 32, with a total infection rate being 0.53%. The infection rate of hookworm, Trichuris trichiura and E.vermicularis was 0.35%, 0.03% and 0.15% respectively. There were no mixed infection and Ascaris infection. There was significant difference in the infection rate among different regions, genders, ages and occupations (χ²=13.552, 5.170, 18.551, 18.073, respectively, all P<0.05). The highest infection rate was seen in females, population aged over 60 years and farmers. For population with different degree of education, the illiterate or semi-illiterate were the most affected, and the infection was free in population with degree of college or above. Anal swab tests in 1 042 children aged between 3 and 9 years showed that the infection rate was 5.95% (62/1 042), and the difference was significant in children from different districts (χ²=105.122, 16.950, both P<0.05), in which the infection rate was the highest in Jinjiang City. No infection was detected in Yongchun County. Children aged 6 years had the highest infection rate, yet the infection was free in children of 9 years. Conclusion  The prevalence of soil-transmitted nematodiasis remains at a low level in Quanzhou City from 2017 to 2021. The children and the left-behind elderly over 60, as a key population for the prevention and control of STN, should be continuously strengthened in surveillance and health education. 

Key words: Soil-transmitted nematodes, Surveillance, Quanzhou City