Abstract:
The present study deals with the status of intestinal diseases in an urban slum
situated in Matara municipal council area. The status of these diseases in three age
groups; pre school children, school children and adults were considered and
compared with other studies and the existing situation was explained in relation to
their education and living conditions. The prevalence and intensities of intestinal
diseases in different age groups of the population was investigated by taking egg
and cyst counts of stool sample using direct smear method.
Necalor americanus (Hook worm), Trichuris irichiura (Whip worm), Ascaris
lumbricoicles (Round worm) eggs as well as Giardia inlestinalis and E. coli cysts
were present in samples. Unlike in other urban slums the hook worm infection was
most prevalent (34%) while whip worm infection has the second highest (31%). Of
the geo-helminthic diseases round worm infection has only 19% prevalence. Mixed
infections of two or three combinations of geo-helminthic diseases were common
as well as single infections. Of them hook worm and whip worm double infections
were most prevalent. The prevalence of protozoan infections were very low
compared to geo-helminthic diseases.
Hook worm infection has a significant age differences making adults more
vulnerable for disease. Giardia has a high preference to school children group.
There were no significant differences between the age groups in other diseases.
However, a visible high prevalence.is evident with the school children group for
round worm infection.
When the intensities (severity) of geo-helminthic diseases are considered it can be
said that all three diseases are in a state of diminishing their severity. The distance
between the houses, the considerable educational status of parents, some
improvements in hygienic conditions and the use of anti-helminthic drugs seen to
be contributing factors.
