Parasitic infections in finger-sucking school age children

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2011 Sep;30(9):791-2. doi: 10.1097/INF.0b013e31821e8449.

Abstract

Prevalence of parasites, acquired by the fecal-oral route, was recorded in 80% of primary school children with a finger-sucking habit, which was higher than that in nonfinger-sucking children. About 85% of the children did not wash their hands after defecation. The toilet facility available to the children also affected the infection pattern in finger-sucking children who used pit latrines recording higher prevalence of parasites.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Fingersucking / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parasitic Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Parasitic Diseases / parasitology
  • Parasitic Diseases / transmission
  • Prevalence
  • Toilet Facilities