Impact of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections on Haematobiochemical Profile in Children

The present study was a cross-sectional community-based study carried out amongst rural children of district Ganderbal aged between 2-16 years old. The aim of the study was to characterize demographic and clinical presentations of children with intestinal helminthiasis and also assess the effects of ascariasis on some plasma biochemical parameters. One stool and blood sample per child was collected and examined by direct smear and zinc sulphate floatation technique for parasites. Stool smear positive children were studied and evaluated for clinical signs and symptoms. Blood samples were analyzed for the determination of total protein, serum albumin, packed cell volume and Vitamin E. Of the 573 children surveyed, 381 (66.49%) were infected by either Ascaris lumbricoides or Trichuris trichiura or both. Biochemically, the plasma total protein, albumin, Vitamin E as well as the packed cell volume (PCV) were significantly reduced in children with moderate and heavy Ascaris infection than controls but higher mean values of globulin than uninfected children. Heavy and moderate ascariasis were associated with various morbidities evident by both clinical and biochemical findings. Our findings should re-emphasize the need for all stakeholders to support and implement community-based control programmes of intestinal helminthiasis in Kasmir valley.