Soil transmitted helminth infection in primary school children varies with ecozone in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

A study in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania, reveals significant variations in soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections among primary school children across different ecozones. The overall prevalence of STHs was 29.0% in low elevation ecozone (LEE) and 34.0% in high elevation ecozone (HEE), with notable differences in the distribution of specific helminths. Ascaris species were only found in HEE, while Trichuris and hookworms were significantly more prevalent there compared to LEE. Conversely, Strongyloides prevalence was lower in HEE. The study, involving 340 children from six schools, used stool sample analysis (Kato-Katz, Wisconsin, Baermann techniques) and socio-demographic questionnaires to assess infection intensity and sanitation practices. Findings suggest that the NCA should be classified as a medium-risk area for STH infections, warranting periodic anthelminthic interventions tailored to ecozone-specific prevalence.

Eltantawy, M., Orsel, K., Schroeder, A., Morona, D., Mazigo, H. D., Kutz, S., Hatfield, J., Manyama, M., & van der Meer, F. (2021). Soil transmitted helminth infection in primary school children varies with ecozone in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania. Tropical Medicine and Health, 49(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-021-00310-6