Tunga penetrans, Pediculus capitis and Sarcopte scabei infestations among Children <15yrs in Kamagut Location, Uasin Gishu District, Kenya

Abstract

Tunga penetrans, Pediculus capitis and Sarcopte scabei can cause itching and irritation on affected human skin, hence predisposing to secondary bacterial infections particularly serious in children. The study was carried out in a rural medical clinic in a semi-arid location with poverty-stricken population in Kamagut location, Uasin Gishu District, Rift Valley Province, Kenya. The target group consisted of School-going and non-school-going children aged fifteen and below, enrolled in the study, while they underwent treatment in the rural medical clinic. The objectives concurrently were to determine the prevalence and the predictors of T. penetrans, S.scabei and P. capitis infestations among the children aged 15 and below who were affected by the parasites. The prospective cross-sectional study was done between June, 2006 and December, 2006. When143 children aged 15yrs and below were enrolled for the study as they received the appropriate medical attention. The results of the study showed that the prevalence of S. scabei, T. penetrans and P. capitis infestations were 34.3%, 21% and 15.4%, respectively. Inadequate water for bathing and domestic use was a significant predictor of high S. scabei infestation (OR=7.446, p= 0.015) and the same applied to overcrowding (OR=7.584, p=0.011) as a significant predictor of high P.capitis infestation (OR=2.287, p=0.04). Prevalence of the ectoparasites was significantly higher among non-school than school-going children (p < 0.05). T. penetrans infestation was significantly common among children without shoes and those more exposed to overcrowding (p<0.05). S.scabei, T.penetrans and P.capitis infestations are significantly high among children in the study area, partly due to overcrowding that predisposes them to the spread of the parasites. Children without shoes were more predisposed to T. penetrans infestation than those with shoes. Measures to avoid overcrowding among children and to encourage them to wear shoes should be instituted. Research to establish the effects and/or consequences of the high prevalence of ectoparasites in the study area is recommended.

Keywords: Pediculosis capitis, prevalence and S. scabei; T. penetrans