Ascaris and Trichuris do not contribute to growth retardation in primary school children.

Abstract

To access the effectiveness of the treatment of soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) on the growth of primary school children, 353 children were block stratified to receive either mebendazole plus pyrantel oxantel pamoate every three months or a placebo. The children were followed for two years with 89% completing the trial. Follow-up stools indicated that the treatment was efficacious for ascariasis and trichuriasis. There was virtually no hookworm infection. The children were malnourished as measured by the number below -2 SD of height and weight standards. There was no difference in height or weight between the treatment and control groups by sex initially or at the end of two years of follow-up. The treatment of Ascaris and Trichuris had no effect on growth parameters. The effect of STH on growth may be mediated through hookworm infections.

• Authors: K P Lai, H Kaur, R G Mathias, C K Ow-Yang
• Journal: The Southeast Asian journal of tropical medicine and public health (Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health) Vol. 26 Issue 2 Pg. 322-8 (Jun 1995) ISSN: 0125-1562 [Print] Thailand
• PMID: 8629068 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Topics

• Ascariasis (complications, drug therapy)
• Body Height
• Body Weight
• Child
• Cohort Studies
• Female
• Growth Disorders (epidemiology, parasitology)
• Humans
• Malaysia (epidemiology)
• Male
• Nutrition Disorders (complications, epidemiology, parasitology)
• Parasite Egg Count
• Single-Blind Method
• Trichuriasis (complications, drug therapy)