Neha Kumari & Pooja Agrahari*
Department of Zoology, C. M. Science College, Darbhanga, Bihar, India
Received : 29th May, 2023 ; Revised : 30th June, 2023
DOI:-https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12533803
Abstract– To determine the prevalence of Soil Transmitted Helminths (STHs) Ascaris lumbricoides (Roundworm), Trichuris trichiura (Whipworm) and Ancyclostoma duodenale (Hookworm) infection in population of Darbhanga district of Bihar. During the period of January to December 2022, we conducted a random epidemiological survey of STH infection. Stool samples were examined in the Pathological labs for STH eggs. We examined the prevalence of infection and its relationship with age and sex. 1777 persons were tested positive for STH eggs out of 2100 examined. The overall prevalence rate of various STH infections was 84.62 %. The prevalence of STH infection was highest in the 0-10 yrs age group (92.06%) followed by 11- 20 yrs (90.26%). In both these age groups maximum of the subjects were infected by Ascaris lumbricoides. Prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Ancyclostoma duodenale was 31.71%, 29.76% and 23.14% respectively. Ascaris was most prevalent causing infection in all age groups except 41-50 yrs age group in which Trichuris was most prevalent (31.40 % in comparison to Ascaris 25.60 % and Ancyclostoma 23.89%). In 0-10 yrs age group, number of males infected by Ascaris lumbricoides was little more than females infected by the same. Such a high rate of infection results from contaminated drinking water, open air defecation, poor socio-economic condition, and poor sanitation, bare-foot movement and warm humid conditions. Washing vegetables in contaminated water of ponds can spread the eggs of STHs. Supplying pure drinking water, providing better sanitation facilities and constructing toilets in rural areas so as to curb the menace of open air defecation can significantly reduce the burden of this disease. We should also concentrate on providing efficient health education at district level.
Key words: Soil transmitted helminths, prevalence, infection, poor socio-economic condition, sanitation facilities, parasitic nematode
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