Intestinal parasites and bacteria in Aboriginal children in South West Australia

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
In a study of intestinal parasites in 697 Aboriginal children under the age of 6 yr in southwestern Australia, Giardia lamblia was recorded in 26% and Hymenolepis nana in 13.9%. G. lamblia infections occurred above 4 mo. of age and H. nana infections above 18 mo. of age. There was a close correlation between infection with these 2 species (.chi.2, P < 0.001). Campylobacter jejuni, the predominant bacterial species recorded, was isolated in 2.3% and was related to bowel symptoms in 1 child. G. lamblia was more prevalent in the country areas than in the Perth metropolitan area (.chi.2, P < 0.05). H. nana was more prevalent in children whose weight was below the 3rd percentile (.chi.2, P < 0.02) and in those with diarrhea (.chi.2, P < 0.01). There were strong correlations btween low weight (below 3rd percentile), a history of recent diarrhea and discharging ears.

This publication has 9 references indexed in Scilit: