Height, zinc and soil-transmitted helminth infections in schoolchildren: a study in Cuba and Cambodia.

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections and zinc deficiency are often found in low- and middle-income countries and are both known to affect child growth. However, studies combining data on zinc and STH are lacking. In two studies in schoolchildren in Cuba and Cambodia, we collected data on height, STH infection and zinc concentration in either plasma (Cambodia) or hair (Cuba).

Impact of periodic selective mebendazole treatment on soil-transmitted helminth infections in Cuban schoolchildren.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of periodic selective treatment with 500 mg mebendazole on soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections in Cuban schoolchildren.

Methods: We followed up a cohort of 268 STH-positive schoolchildren, aged 5-14 years at baseline, at six-month intervals for two years and a final follow-up after three years. Kato-Katz stool examination was used to detect infections with Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm.

Childhood atopic diseases and early life circumstances: an ecological study in Cuba.

Background: Children are especially vulnerable during periods of resource shortage such as economic embargoes. They are likely to suffer most from poor nutrition, infectious diseases, and other ensuing short-term threats. Moreover, early life circumstances can have important consequences for long-term health.

Associations between atopic markers in asthma and intestinal helminth infections in Cuban schoolchildren.

Total serum IgE (tIgE), allergen-specific IgE (sIgE), and skin prick test (SPT) are commonly used markers for atopy and atopic disease. The association between these measures and their relationship to clinical symptoms differs in affluent and non-affluent countries. We investigated the role of intestinal helminth infections in observed variations in atopic markers and asthma, and possible diagnostic and epidemiological consequences.

Association of atopy, asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis and intestinal helminth infections in Cuban children.

Objective: To examine the relationship of past and current intestinal helminth infections with asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis and atopy.

Methods: Cross-sectional study of 1320 children aged 4-14 years from two Cuban municipalities. Helminth infections were determined by stool examination and parental questionnaire.

Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasites in Cuban children.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections and their risk factors in children in urban and rural settings in two Cuban municipalities.

Methods: A total of 1320 Cuban schoolchildren aged 4-14 were tested by stool examination for intestinal parasite infections and evaluated by parental questionnaire for a number of common environmental, sanitary, socioeconomic and behavioural risk factors. Multivariate regression was applied to examine the relationship between the respective parasite infections and the risk factors.