Worm treatment program in “Long Neck” hill tribes

Abstract

Background: Helminth infection is a worldwide problem and prevalent in low income areas. The costs for prevention, treatment and eradication have so far frustrated budgets of global public health systems. Objective: The present study was to determine the epidemiologic characteristics of worm infections in two “Long Neck” hill tribe villages in Mae Hong Son Province of Thailand. We evaluated how epidemiologic characteristics of infection could be used for control and eradication in a cost effective manner. Materials and methods: In January 2002, investigators visited two “long neck” villages. The team explained the purpose of the study and how to collect specimens in the Karen language. The population in the two villages was 300 in 2002. Results: Stool samples were collected from 133 subjects (age range: 1 to 67 years old), 54.1 % (72/133) of the subjects were female. The parasites rate was 11 % (15/133). Parasites included 8 cases of Trichuris trichiura and 6 cases of hookworm. Conclusion: Most infections (69 %) occurred in the 21-30 age-group. By using the present data, the Provincial Health Office in Mae Hong Son conducted mass treatment and was able to target high risk individuals.