The 2013-2015 Nationwide Prevalence Survey of Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) and Schistosomiasis among School-Age Children in Public Schools in the Philippines

• DOI: 10.56964/pidspj20222301010
• Publication Date: 2022-12-04T09:24:46Z
• Authors: Dave Tangcalagan; Chona Daga; Alvin Tan; Ralph Reyes; Ma. Lourdes Macal...; Mary Lorraine Mat...; Portia Alday; Sherwin Galit; Jennifer Luchavez; Edgardo Erce; Ella Cecilia Nali...; Winston Palasi; Leda Hernandez; Mario Jiz; Veronica Tallo; Fe Esperanza Espino
• Keywords: Neglected Tropical Diseases; Cross-sectional study

Objectives: The Department of Health (DOH) aims to reduce the prevalence intestinal parasitism and proportion heavy intensity infection in country by 2022. Among interventions is school-based mass drug administration (MDA). Regular assessment MDA gives guidance DOH. aim this survey was determine soil transmitted helminthiasis histosomiasis among public school children ages 5 16 years old. Methodology: A cross-sectional, study using multi-stage stratified cluster sampling conducted from 2013 2015, covering National Capital Region (NCR), all provinces, except Maguindanao Sulu. Stool samples were examined duplicate Kato Katz (KK). Results: Of 26,171 with stool examined, 7,440 (28.4%) infected at least one soil-transmitted helminth (STH). Infections male students significantly higher than female (31.0% versus 26.0%). Heavy, moderate, light infections 3.2%, 29.0% 67.7%, respectively. STH cumulative per province ranged between 0.5% 89.5%. Schistosomiasis detected known non-endemic provinces: Ilocos Norte, Biliran, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Dinagat Islands. Majority (68%) single parasites but as many five child. heterophyids also observed. Conclusion: While national schistosomiasis less 1.0%, school-aged global figure 24.0%.