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Predisposition to Trichuris trichiura infection in humans

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 October 2009

D. A. P. Bundy
Affiliation:
Parasite Epidemiology Research Group, Department of Pure & Applied Biology, Imperial College, University of London, London SW7 2BB
E. S. Cooper
Affiliation:
Parasite Epidemiology Research Group, Department of Pure & Applied Biology, Imperial College, University of London, London SW7 2BB
D. E. Thompson
Affiliation:
Parasite Epidemiology Project, PO Box 306, Castries, St Lucia
J. M. Didier
Affiliation:
Parasite Epidemiology Project, PO Box 306, Castries, St Lucia
R. M. Anderson
Affiliation:
Parasite Epidemiology Research Group, Department of Pure & Applied Biology, Imperial College, University of London, London SW7 2BB
I. Simmons
Affiliation:
Victoria Hospital, Ministry of Health, Castries, St Lucia
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Summary

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The study examines the distribution of Trichuris trichiura infection in a village community in St Lucia, West Indies. The infection intensity of the same age-stratified population was assessed (by drug expelled worm burden and faecal egg count) at the initiation of the study, and after 17 months of reinfection following treatment. The frequency distribution of worm numbers per person was similar at both periods of sampling. There was a significant correlation between the initial infection intensity of an individual, and the intensity acquired by the same individual following the 17 month period of reinfection. This relationship was observed in a broad range of host age classes. The study provides firm evidence that individuals are predisposed to heavy (or light) T. trichiura infection.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1987

References

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