Positive rates for Enterobius vermicularis eggs among preschool children in Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, Korea (2017-2021)

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the positive rates for <i>Enterobius vermicularis</i> eggs among preschool children in Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, the Republic of Korea (Korea) over a period of 5 years (2017-2021). Perianal swab samples, obtained using cellotape, from 10,392 preschool children in 26 districts were examined microscopically for <i>E. vermicularis</i> eggs. The test results were notified through the local health center, and the families of children who tested positive were advised to provide them anthelmintics treatment. The annual positive rates were 5.0%, 5.2%, 4.4%, 2.2%, and 1.0% in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. The overall positive rate was higher in boys than in girls (<i>P</i>< 0.05), and children aged 5-7 years were at a higher risk of being infected than those aged 0-4 years (<i>P</i>< 0.05). Although the rates of infection by <i>E. vermicularis</i> in the survey area, Yeosu-si, were still in the 1% range , the results of this study suggest that they can be significantly reduced through continuous intervention centered around the test–treatment strategy.