Intestinal parasitic infections and malnutrition

Results of three studies in different communities aimed at measuring the impact of intestinal parasitic infections upon growth of children have been described. In the first study in an urban slum, the degree of PEM in children was found to be associated with the history of passing roundworms during preceding one year, but not with the presence of ascaris ova in the stools. In the second study in rural India, tetramisole administration every four months was found to significantly improve the weight gain during one year in 74 preschool children compared to the 84 receiving placebo. In the third study in rural Guatemale, Central America, metronidazole administration every two months to preschool children for one year significantly improved weight and height gain but no significant effect was found in those receiving piperazine or placebo. Possible explanations for these observations are presented. The public health importance of intestinal parasitic infections is emphasiseo and a case is made to regard the control of these infections as a strategy of nutrition intervention.