Epidemic characteristics of human intestinal helminth infection in Guangzhou city, 1998 to 2010

ObjectiveTo study epidemic characterastics of helminth infection in Guangzhou and to provide basis for prevention and control of the disease. MethodsBased on the geographic distribution,residents of different occupations,gender,and age groups were selected for the study from 1998 to 2010.Helminth ova in stool samples were detected by improved Kato's thick smear method. ResultsTotally 41 280 stool samples were tested and 6 211 positive infections were identified with an infection rate of 15.0%.The infection rate was 7.3% for clonorchis sinensis,3.3% for hookworm,3.4% for ascarid,and 1.1% for whipworm,respectively.The infection rate of intestinal helminth increased from 1998 to 2009,and decresed in 2010.Industrial workers and commercial staff had the highest infection rate,followed by farmers,govermment staff and doctors.The infection rate of the males was higher than that of females. ConclusionThe Clonorchis sinensis and rural soil nematodes are still the major parasites for prevention and control.Effective measures should be taken to reduce the infection rate of intestinal helminth.