Soil Transmitted Helminthic Infestation in Children of Kashmir Valley

Worm infestation is a major problem in children from developing countries due to bad hygienic conditions. It produces nutritional deficiencies and anaemia in children when present in large numbers. The present study deals with the investigation of the frequency of intestinal helminth parasites in children of Kashmir valley in the age group of 4-15 years. 312 children were examined for different intestinal helminths in three schools located in rural areas of Kashmir valley. Negative cases were re-examined and if found free of intestinal helminthes were labelled as negative. Of the 312 children examined 222 (71.15%) tested positive for various intestinal helminths. The various helminth parasites found include Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Enterobius vermicularis and Taenia saginata. By for the highest frequency of 69.23% (216/312) was noted for Ascaris lumricoides followed by Trichuris trichiura 30.76% (96/312), Enterobius vermicularis 7.69% (24/312) and Taenia saginata 7.69% (24/312). Single infection was found in 33.65 %( 105/312) where as mixed infection was seen in 37.5% (117/312) children. This study emphasizes the need for improved environmental hygiene i.e. clean water supplies, enhanced sanitation and chemotherapy of all school age children in all the rural areas.