Enterobius vermicularis infection in schoolchildren: a large-scale survey 6 years after a population-based control

Abstract

SUMMARYPinworm infection remains prevalent in children in many parts of the world. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of this infection in schoolchildren in Taiwan after the termination of the 15-year population-based control project in 2001. Our results showed that 2·4% of 118 190 children in 385 primary schools were found to have enterobiasis by two-consecutive-day adhesive cellophane perianal swabs. The prevalences were significantly different in the 25 counties/cities surveyed (0·6–6·6%). A significantly higher prevalence was found in boys (2·6%) than in girls (2·2%) and the prevalence decreased by grade from 3·8% in grade 1 to 1·0% in grade 6. In the primary schools, 9·1% had positive rates ⩾10%. In addition, pinworm infection was found to be significantly associated with the socioeconomic status, personal hygiene and sanitary conditions of the children. The results indicate that the overall prevalence of enterobiasis remains at a low level after the control programme was transferred to the local governments.