Intestinal parasitoses and the nutritional status of Veddah children in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study describes and compares the intestinal parasitoses and nutritional statuses of primary school children of Veddah (local indigenous population) and Sinhalese (more advanced society) in rural Sri Lanka. Children attending years 1-3 (age range 6-15 years) at Dambana Primary School (Veddah) and Wewatta Primary School (Sinhalese) were included in the study. Stools and blood samples were examined for evidence of intestinal parasites and anemia. The heights and weights of the children were measured and anthropometric indices calculated. There was a high prevalence of G. intestinalis and B. hominis (Giardia 7.8.percent and 6.2.percent; Blastocystis 17.2.percent and 17.3.percent at Dambana and Wewatta, respectively) in both communities, the predominant helminth being N. americanus (20.3.percent at Dambana and 14.8.percent at Wewatta; pgreater than 0.05). Other geohelminth infections were scarce in both communities. A greater proportion of boys than girls were underweight and stunted in both communities. Wasting and anemia was significantly high among the Veddah children.