Prevalence of Pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) and other Intestinal Parasitic Infections among the Children of Barbhanjyang VDC, Tanahun District, Nepal

Abstract

Enterobius vermicularis infection is neglected but a major health problem in children of developing countries including Nepal. The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of E. vermicularis along with other intestinal parasites in children of Barbhanjyang VDC, Tanahun, District, Nepal. A total of 110 Scotch tape (Cellophane tape) samples along with stool samples of children aged between 1-12 years were collected for detection of E. vermicularis and other intestinal parasites. Among them, 56 were male while 54 were female. Out of 110 samples examined, 14 (12.72%) were infected by E. vermicularis. Sexwise prevalence showed male (16.1%) were more infected than female (9.25%). Agewise prevalence showed among the age group 5-8 years old (5.45%). The infection rate was significantly associated with ethnic groups (Chi-square=11.824, df=2, P=0.003) since the prevalence rate was highest in Dalit children (64.28%) compared to others. Itching behaviour of children around the perianal region was directly associated with the prevalence rate of the E. vermicularis (P=0.0325). Nail biting habit of children also found to be statistically significant (P=0.024) with the prevalence of E. vermicularis. Other intestinal parasites by stool examination revealed seven different species of intestinal parasites. Among the protozoan parasites Entamoeba coli (29.62%) was most prevalent followed by Entamoeba histolytica (24.07%) and Giardia lamblia (11.11%) while in case of helminthes parasites, Ascaris lumbricoides (16.66%) was found to be most prevalent followed by Trichuris trichiura (11.11%), Hymenolepis nana (3.07%) and Hymenolepis diminuta (3.07%). The prevalence of intestinal parasites showed significant association with habit of use of toilet (P=0.037), methods of cleaning vegetables and fruits (P=0.05) and intake of anti-helminthic drugs (P=0.0091). The prevalence rate of intestinal parasites was increased due to lack of knowledge, poor sanitary condition and improper night soil disposal.