Soil-transmitted helminthiases in Sri Lanka

Abstract

During the period 2000 – 2015, the Dept of Parasitology has conducted several studies to assess the prevalence of STH infections in Sri Lanka. Three studies in particular will be highlighted. In 2003, a national study on the health status of primary schoolchildren included assessment of the prevalence of STH infections among approximately 2500 primary schoolchildren in all 9 provinces. The island-wide cumulative prevalence of STH was estimated to be 6.9%. In 2009, a study was carried out to assess the status of STH infection among approximately 2000 school children in the estate sector. At 29.0%, the prevalence rates were above the level at which the WHO recommends introduction of annual mass de-worming. In 2012, the prevalence of STH infections was assessed in the inland and coastal areas of Gampaha district along with a transmission assessment survey for lymphatic filariasis (LF). The STH rates were very low: 0.8% (inland) and 2.8% (coastal). These results also suggested that it is feasible to integrate school-based surveillance for STH and LF.