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. 2009 Sep 24;2(1):44.
doi: 10.1186/1756-3305-2-44.

The control of hookworm infection in China

Qi Zheng  1 , Ying Chen, Hao-Bing Zhang, Jia-Xu Chen, Xiao-Nong Zhou
Affiliations

The control of hookworm infection in China

Qi Zheng et al. Parasit Vectors. .

Abstract

Background: Hookworm is still one of the three main soil-transmitted helminths prevalent in China, and 39 million cases infected with hookworm were estimated in China in 2006.

Results: The main approach to the control of hookworm infections in China consists of large-scale deworming, rebuilding sanitation systems in rural areas and health education. The availability of low-cost, safe and single-dose albendazole make large-scale deworming programs possible in China. Currently, sanitary latrines with three-cells are recommended by government for the control of soil-transmitted helminths, since 35% of helminth infections and 83% of worm eggs could be reduced after using this kind of sanitary latrine. In addition, economic prosperity contributes greatly to the reduction of hookworm prevalence, but the inequity of economic and social development among different regions of China provides a scenario that the worst threat of hookworm infection is located in the poorest areas of southern and central China. Therefore, it is necessary to put more investments into prophylaxis and treatment of hookworm in these poor regions.

Conclusion: Although the prevalence of hookworm infection has fallen significantly in the last 15 years in China, the current strategy for controlling hookworm infections still needs to be strengthened along with the three-pronged approach, e.g. distributing anthelmintic drugs in schools and undertaking large-scale of hookworm deworming, improving water supplies and sanitation, and proper health education.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The number of hookworm infected cases in China and worldwide (unit: million).
Figure 2
Figure 2
The coverage rate of hygienic sanitary latrine, sanitary latrine and piped water in rural area of China from 1985 to 2007 (Data of 1997-2007 from the official website of Ministry of Health of People's Republic of China).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Photo of local children without footwear in daily life (Sichuan province, China).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Annual net income of farmer in China from 1980 to 2008 (April 2009 Exchange Rate: 1 US dollar = 6.85 RMB).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Percentage urbanization of the world and China in 1980-2010.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Population of migrating workers in China from 1990 to 2003.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Total investment in safe water supplies and sanitation in the Tenth Five-Year Program (2001-2005) in China.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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