Helminthic infection in Jiri, Nepal: Analysis of age and ethnic group effects.

Abstract

Helminthic infection affect 25% of the world's population and are responsible for over million cases of disease per year worldwide. Parasitic worms, such as roundworm (Ascaris), hookworm (Ancylostoma and Necator), and whipworm (Trichuris), are thus major international health concerns. These three infections are found in both temperate and tropical regions of Nepal. The purpose of this paper is to present new data on helminthic infections for three ethnic groups (Jirels, Sherpas, and high caste Hindus) resident in the Jiri region of eastern Nepal. There are significant differences between the groups for prevalence of hookworm, with Jirels having the overall highest infection rates. Significant age effects were observed for both whipworm and hookworm in all three ethnic groups. The results of this study suggest that helminthic infections are major causes of morbidity in the Jiri region, particularly for the Jirel ethnic group.