Detection of enterobiasis in kindergarten children of Ulaanbaatar city by using adhesive tape

Abstract

Background: Enterobiasis is a widely prevalent parasitic infection affecting a significant number of children worldwide, with 5-12-year-olds accounting for 70-90% of cases. Although most countries utilize adhesive tapes to diagnose infection of Enterobius vermicularis, traditional swabbing methods in our country pose challenges, including time consumption and causing undue stress and discomfort for children. Therefore, introducing adhesive tape methodology for Enterobius vermicularis detection is necessary. Aim: To detect enterobiasis using the adhesive tape method in kindergarten children in Ulaanbaatar city and evaluate risk factors. Materials and Methods: The research employed a cross-sectional survey design that involved 207 children from 42 groups in six kindergartens located in six districts of Ulaanbaatar city. Additionally, 70 kindergarten teachers and doctors participated in the study, examining risk factors that affect infections and satisfaction with diagnostic methods. To detect Enterobius vermicularis infections, the adhesive tape method involved placing the tape on the anal swab of the child after they wake up or the organs’ relaxation. After the pinworm actively compresses its eggs, the tape adheres without gas, and the child’s code and age are noted. The laboratory uses a microscope with 100x and 400x magnification to detect Enterobius vermicularis eggs. The study was conducted with the support of the Parasitology Laboratory of the National Center for Communicable Disease and the School of Bio-Medicine, Department of Biology. Results: This study investigated the infection rate and risk factors of E.vermicularis infections among children attending various kindergartens and daycare centers in six districts of Ulaanbaatar city. Of the 207 children studied, 56% were male, and 44% were female. E.vermicularis infection was found in 15% of the children, with Chingeltei (39%) and Songinokhairkhan (16%) districts reporting the highest rates. The infection of E.vermicularis varied across kindergarten types, with rates of 24% in 24-hour daycare centers and 12% in home-based kindergartens and portable water centers. Children aged five years had the highest infection rates, while 0.05% of children attending special and middle-of-thebuilding kindergartens were affected. The study identified several risk factors for E.vermicularis infection, including poor personal and environmental hygiene, substandard living and learning environments, inadequate parental attention, and heavy workloads for kindergarten teachers. Additionally, the adhesive tape method for diagnosing enterobiasis was highly satisfactory among 80-90% of the teachers surveyed, as it was less invasive, more practical, and less time-consuming than alternative diagnostic techniques. Conclusions: The adhesive tape method detected E.vermicularis eggs in 15% (31) of the children studied. Poor personal and environmental hygiene, inadequate parental attention, substandard living and learning environments, high workload for kindergarten teachers, non-early detection of infection, and using specific, less-sensitive detection techniques were identified as major risk factors for infection of E.vermicularis spread.