Efficacy of albendazole and re-infection rates of soiltransmitted helminths among school children in jimma Town, southwest, ethiopia

Abstract

Background:- Schoolchildren (SC) are at higher risk of infection with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) throughout the world. The STHs remain major public health problem in the poorest communities causing poor school performance and reduced productivity. In Ethiopia, STHs infections in SC remain high despite the fact that periodic administrations of anthelmintic drugs have been underway for the last five years. Moreover, little information is available regarding re-infection rates & current efficacy of albendazole (ALB) among SC at national and local level Objectives:- To assess efficacy of single dose (400mg) ALB against STHs infection and re - infection rates of STHs among SC in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia Methods: - Prospective cohort study design was employed involving 393-SC attending 4 primary schools in Jimma Town between April to September 2017. Socio-demographic data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire. Stool specimens were collected at baseline, after 3 and 18- weeks post treatment. To express infection intensities; stool sample examined using double Kato Katz smear technique and quantify the number of eggs per gram (EPG). The efficacy of 400mg ALB and re-infection rates of STHs was determined after three and eighteen weeks respectively. Results: - The overall prevalence of STHs infection at baseline was 35.1%. The prevalence of A. lumbricoides, T.trichiura and hookworm infection were 14.5%, 22.4% and 5.3%, respectively. After 3 weeks post-treatment higher efficacy of ALB found on A. lumbricoides (ERR=99.9%) followed by low efficacy against hookworm (ERR=54.4%) and T. trichiura (ERR=38%). The overall prevalence of the three STHs at 18-weeks post-treatment was 23.4% and the re –infection rates was 26.3%. Re -infection rates of A. lumbricoides was 14.5%; whereas re infection rates of T. trichiura and hookworm was 27% and 19%, respectively. Conclusions and recommendation: - There is a high re-infection rate of STHs and poor efficacy of 400mg ALB against T. trichiura and hookworm infection among SC in our study area. Strong and integrated prevention and control method is mandatory to alleviate the problem.