Association between soil-transmitted helminthiasis and hemoglobin concentration in primary school children
ABSTRACT: To determine the
association between intestinal helminthiasis and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration
and to observe the effect of single dose albendazole treatment on Hb
concentration.
Methods An experimental study was carried out from March to July 2002 on
primary school children at Suka Village, Tiga Panah Subdistrict, Karo Regency,
North Sumatera Province. From 366 children who suffered from helminthiasis, 113
were selected as subjects by simple random sampling. Subjects were treated with
a single oral dose of 400 mg albendazole. Hb concentration was examined using
the cyanide method twice i.e., prior to and three months after treatment with
albendazole.
Results It was found that among 113 subjects, the prevalences of Ascaris
lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and mixed infestation were 18.3%, 40.4%, and
41.3%, respectively, while the prevalence of anemia was 33.0%. There was no
significant difference in age, gender, nutritional status, and mean Hb
concentration between children suffering from the different types of worm
infestation ( P>0.05). For each type of infestation, there were significant
differences in mean Hb concentration and anemia prevalence before and after
treatment ( P<0.05).
Conclusions There was no difference between the Hb concentrations of
children suffering from Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and
mixed-type worm infestations. Single dose 400 mg albendazole was beneficial in
increasing Hb concentration and reducing the occurrence of anemia.
Author: Rita Angraini, MD; Y
Dimyati, MD Bidasari Lubis, MD; Syahril Pasaribu, MD; Chairuddin P Lubis, MD
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg050057
