gms | German Medical Science

10. Kongress für Infektionskrankheiten und Tropenmedizin (KIT 2010)

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Infektiologie,
Deutsche AIDS-Gesellschaft,
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Tropenmedizin und Internationale Gesundheit,
Paul-Ehrlich-Gesellschaft für Chemotherapie

23.06. - 26.06.2010, Köln

Epidemiology of tungiasis in Nigerian schoolchildren

Epidemiologie der Tungiasis bei nigerianischen Schulkindern

Meeting Abstract

Suche in Medline nach

  • L. Ariza - Post-Graduation Program in Medical Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
  • U.S. Ugbomoiko - Department of Zoology, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
  • J. Heukelbach - School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil

10. Kongress für Infektionskrankheiten und Tropenmedizin (KIT 2010). Köln, 23.-26.06.2010. Düsseldorf: German Medical Science GMS Publishing House; 2010. DocP82

doi: 10.3205/10kit137, urn:nbn:de:0183-10kit1375

Veröffentlicht: 2. Juni 2010

© 2010 Ariza et al.
Dieser Artikel ist ein Open Access-Artikel und steht unter den Creative Commons Lizenzbedingungen (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/deed.de). Er darf vervielfältigt, verbreitet und öffentlich zugänglich gemacht werden, vorausgesetzt dass Autor und Quelle genannt werden.


Gliederung

Text

Objectives: To describe the epidemiology and severity of the parasitic skin disease tungiasis (jigger flea infestation) in Southwest Nigerian schoolchildren.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in two schools of a semi-rural community located 60 km from Lagos city. Students were examined for the presence of embedded parasites and associated signs and symptoms.

Results: In total, 545 schoolchildren aged 3–16 years were included. Overall prevalence of tungiasis was 24,4% (133/545; 95% confidence interval: 20,9-28,2%). Prevalence in boys (30,6%) was statistically higher than in girls (17,6%; p<0,0001). The majority of infested schoolchildren (84,2%) presented with mild infestation (<5 embedded parasites). The maximum number per individual was 44 lesions. 56% (277/494) of lesions on the feet were localized on the toes in the periungueal area. Most lesions (63,2%; 312/494) were manipulated with a needle or a thorn. Most common signs were desquamation of skin (90,2%), erythema (54,9%), oedema (43,6%) and deformation of nails (40,6%). Only one case of persistent pain was observed.

Conclusions: Tungiasis is highly prevalent among schoolchildren in semi-rural Southwest Nigeria, and control programmes should focus on this age group. Schoolchildren can be used as sentinels to identify endemic communities.