Enterobius vermicularis Infection among Preschool Children: A 12-Year (2008-2019) Survey in Large Cities and Provinces of the Republic of Korea
10.3347/kjp.2021.59.4.421
- Author:
Hyejoo SHIN
1
;
Bong-Kwang JUNG
;
Seungwan RYOO
;
Sooji HONG
;
Taehee CHANG
;
Jiyeon PARK
;
Keon Hoon LEE
;
Jeonggyu LEE
;
Jae Young PARK
;
Hoo-Gn JEOUNG
;
Jae Hyun CHO
;
Jong-Yil CHAI
Author Information
1. Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Korea Association of Health Promotion (KAHP), Seoul 07649, Korea
- Publication Type:Brief Communication
- From:The Korean Journal of Parasitology
2021;59(4):421-426
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
A 12-year nationwide survey (2008-2019) was performed to investigate the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infection among preschool children in Seoul, 4 large cites (Busan, Incheon, Daegu, and Ulsan), and 9 provinces (grouped into 5 localities) in the Republic of Korea (=Korea). The survey was carried out once a year by 16 regional offices of the Korea Association of Health Promotion. The cello-tape perianal swab method (1 smear per child) was applied to detect eggs of E. vermicularis and other helminths. According to the results, the egg positive rate of E. vermicularis infection in 2008-2009 was 1.8-2.0%, but it decreased gradually to 0.6% in 2019 (P<0.05). The prevalence was significantly higher in boys (0.7-5.0%, mean 1.8%) than in girls (0.5-2.8%, mean 1.3%) (P<0.05). The 2 most southern localities, Jejudo (Province) and Jeolla-do (inclusive of Jeollabuk-do and Jeollanam-do) and a mid-western province, Gyeonggi-do, revealed higher prevalences, whereas Seoul and Gangwon-do showed lower prevalences. The results indicate that a low-grade prevalence of E. vermicularis infection (less than 4%) has been maintained for the recent 12 years among preschool children in Korea. Continuous monitoring of enterobiasis in the child age group is necessary in Korea.
