Human Intestinal Parasite Burden and Poor Sanitation in Rural Alabama.

ABSTRACT: Hookworm infection affects 430 million people worldwide, causing iron deficiency, impaired cognitive development, and stunting in children. Because of the environmental conditions needed for the hookworm life-cycle, this parasite is endemic to resource-limited countries. Necator americanus was endemic in the southern United States before improvement of sewage disposal systems and eradication programs. With continued poverty, poor sanitation, and an environment suitable for the hookworm life-cycle in some regions of the southern United States, a current prevalence study using modern molecular diagnostics is warranted. Lowndes County, Alabama, was chosen as the study site given previous high hookworm burdens, degree of poverty, and use of open-sewage systems. Participants were intervi

SUBMITTER: McKenna ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5817782 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature