Abstract
(1) Background: soil-transmitted helminths are a problem worldwide, largely affecting disadvantaged populations. The little data available indicates high rates of infection in some remote Aboriginal communities in Australia. Studies of helminths were carried out in the same remote community in the Northern Territory in 1994–1996 and 2010–2011;
(2) Methods: fecal samples were collected from children aged <10 years
and examined for helminths by direct smear microscopy. In the 2010–2011 study,
some fecal samples were also analyzed by agar plate culture and PCR for Strongyloides
stercoralis DNA.
Serological analysis of fingerprick dried blood spots using a S.
stercoralis NIE antigen
was also conducted;
(3) Results and Conclusions: a reduction in fecal samples positive for S. stercoralis,
hookworm and Trichuris trichiura was seen between the studies in 1994–1996 and
2010–2011, likely reflecting public health measures undertaken in the region to
reduce intestinal helminths. Comparison of methods to detect S. stercoralis
showed that PCR of fecal samples and serological testing of dried blood spots
was at least as sensitive as direct smear microscopy and agar plate culture.
These methods have advantages for use in remote field studies.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 51 |
Pages (from-to) | 1-9 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease |
Volume | 2 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2017 |