Reinfection by soil-transmitted helminths in Sumbawa Island

Indonesia six or seven months after albendazole therapy

Abstract

A post-treatment survey of intestinal helminth infection was conducted in three villages on Sumbawa Island, Indonesia in August 1997. A total of 199 subjects, who were given a dose of albendazole in December 1996 and / or January 1997, took part in this study by submitting fecal samples. The overall prevalence of infection was 31%, with no significant differences between males (32%) and females (30%), or between children (30%) and adults (over 15 years) (32%). The highest prevalence was seen in Utan village (42%) followed by Labanka village (39%) and Penyaring village (16%). Trichuris trichiura was the most common parasite detected, followed by hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides and others. The mixed infection rate was very low (5%), as was the infection intensity.