SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN GASTROINTESTINAL-TRACT PARASITIC INFECTIONS INCHILDREN OF ST KITTS OVER THE 9-YEAR PERIOD 1982-1991

When 239 (1982) and 361 (1991) five- and nine-year-old children in St. Kitts were assessed for the presence of parasitic infections, there w ere significant reductions in the prevalence of trichuriasis from 83% to 58%, of ascariasis from 24% to 8.6% and of giardiasis from 15% to 9 .4%. Anthelminthic use, which appeared to be the most important respon sible intervention tool, remained roughly at the same level at 59-51%. However, the types of anthelminthics used changed over the period. Pi perazine citrate, which was used by 66% in 1982, only had 35% usage in 1991. Albendazole which was not used at all in 1982 was taken by 32% of the children in 1991 and at the same time use of laevo-tetramisole increased by 20% from 14%. Suggestions are made for an island-wide mas s intervention programme to manage parasitic infections.