Investigate the Relationship between STH Infection and Blood Eosinophil Levels

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 84 views

The Hidden Threat: Relationship between Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) Infections and Blood Eosinophil Levels in Waste Department of Sanitation and Beauty Officers of the City of Banda Aceh

Introduction

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) or worms transmitted through the land are serious public health problems that affect millions of people worldwide. In Indonesia, the prevalence of worm infections is still high, with a significant number of cases reported in children and vulnerable populations. Garbage transport officers, who deal directly with land and waste, are high-risk groups to be infected with STH. Their work environment is often dirty and full of germs, increasing the likelihood of infection. This study aims to investigate the relationship between STH infection and blood eosinophil levels in officers carrying the waste and beauty of the city of Banda Aceh.

Background

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are a significant public health problem worldwide, with over one billion people affected. In Indonesia, the prevalence of worm infections is still high, with a significant number of cases reported in children and vulnerable populations. The infection often occurs in children, but can survive until adulthood due to continuous exposure to contaminated environment, causing chronic health problems, especially in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene.

Garbage transport officers, who deal directly with land and waste, are high-risk groups to be infected with STH. Their work environment is often dirty and full of germs, increasing the likelihood of infection. This study aims to investigate the relationship between STH infection and blood eosinophil levels in officers carrying the waste and beauty of the city of Banda Aceh.

Methodology

This study design is observational with the cross-sectional method, where stool and blood samples are taken from 60 officers who are willing to participate. The kato-katz method is used to identify STH infections, while absolute eosinophil calculations are done using blood preparations in the counting room.

Results

The results show that the prevalence of STH infection among these officers is 23.3%, with 21.7% caused by infections trichuris trichiura and 1.6% are mixed infections. Interestingly, there are no cases of a single infection from ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm. In addition, the prevalence of eosinophilia in this sample was also recorded at 21.7%. However, this study found that there was no significant relationship between the intensity of STH infection and blood eosinophil levels, with a P value of 1.00.

Discussion

The results of this study provide an important insight into the prevalence of worm infections among janitors, a group that is often ignored in the context of public health. Although there is a prevalence of STH infection that is detected, the high prevalence of eosinophilia which does not indicate a significant relationship with STH infection shows that other factors may play a role in increasing levels of eosinophils in the blood, such as allergies or other parasitic infections that are not detected.

Eosinophils are types of white blood cells that function in immune responses, especially for parasitic infections. Eosinophilia can occur due to various conditions, including allergies, infections, and several autoimmune diseases. This discovery triggers the need for further research to understand complex interactions between STH infections and body immune responses, especially in vulnerable groups such as waste transport officers who have high exposure to pathogens.

Conclusion

Although this study found no significant relationship between STH infection and blood eosinophil levels, the prevalence of existing infections is still a concern. This underlines the importance of more effective prevention programs and health education for janitors to minimize the risk of infection and improve their health and welfare.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Health Education: Health education programs should be implemented to raise awareness among janitors about the risks of STH infection and the importance of proper hygiene and sanitation practices.
Prevention Programs: More effective prevention programs should be implemented to minimize the risk of STH infection among janitors, including regular deworming and health checks.
Research: Further research is needed to understand the complex interactions between STH infections and body immune responses, especially in vulnerable groups such as waste transport officers.
Policy Development: Policies should be developed to protect the health and welfare of janitors, including provision of personal protective equipment and regular health checks.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small Sample Size: The sample size of this study is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Cross-Sectional Design: The cross-sectional design of this study may not allow for the establishment of causality between STH infection and blood eosinophil levels.
Limited Data: The data collected in this study may not be comprehensive, which may limit the interpretation of the findings.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to:

Investigate the Relationship between STH Infection and Blood Eosinophil Levels: Further studies should investigate the relationship between STH infection and blood eosinophil levels in more detail, including the use of larger sample sizes and more comprehensive data collection.
Understand the Complex Interactions between STH Infections and Body Immune Responses: Further research is needed to understand the complex interactions between STH infections and body immune responses, especially in vulnerable groups such as waste transport officers.
Develop Effective Prevention Programs: More effective prevention programs should be developed to minimize the risk of STH infection among janitors, including regular deworming and health checks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) Infections and Blood Eosinophil Levels

Q: What is Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) infection?

A: Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) infection is a type of parasitic infection that occurs when humans come into contact with contaminated soil, usually through walking barefoot or through poor sanitation and hygiene practices. The infection can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Q: What is the relationship between STH infection and blood eosinophil levels?

A: The relationship between STH infection and blood eosinophil levels is complex and not fully understood. While some studies have found a correlation between STH infection and increased blood eosinophil levels, others have found no significant relationship. This study found no significant relationship between STH infection and blood eosinophil levels.

Q: What are eosinophils?

A: Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune system. They are involved in the body's response to parasitic infections, including STH infections. Eosinophilia, or an increase in eosinophil levels, can occur due to various conditions, including allergies, infections, and autoimmune diseases.

Q: Who is at risk of STH infection?

A: Anyone who comes into contact with contaminated soil is at risk of STH infection. However, certain groups are at higher risk, including:

Children
People living in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices
People who work with soil, such as farmers and construction workers
People who walk barefoot or wear sandals in areas with contaminated soil

Q: How can STH infection be prevented?

A: STH infection can be prevented through a range of measures, including:

Practicing good hygiene and sanitation practices
Wearing shoes or sandals in areas with contaminated soil
Avoiding walking barefoot in areas with contaminated soil
Using proper waste disposal and management practices
Implementing regular deworming and health checks for high-risk groups

Q: What are the symptoms of STH infection?

A: The symptoms of STH infection can vary depending on the type of infection and the individual's immune response. Common symptoms include:

Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Fatigue
Itching or discomfort around the anus

Q: How is STH infection diagnosed?

A: STH infection is typically diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests, including:

Stool examination to detect the presence of eggs or larvae
Blood tests to detect the presence of antibodies or eosinophils
Imaging studies, such as X-rays or ultrasound, to detect any complications or damage to the digestive system

Q: What is the treatment for STH infection?

A: The treatment for STH infection typically involves a combination of medications and lifestyle changes, including:

Anthelmintic medications to kill the parasites
Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce symptoms
Dietary changes to improve nutrition and reduce symptoms
Lifestyle changes, such as practicing good hygiene and sanitation practices, to reduce the risk of reinfection.

Q: Can STH infection be cured?

A: Yes, STH infection can be cured with proper treatment and lifestyle changes. However, it is essential to follow up with regular health checks and deworming to prevent reinfection.

Q: What is the importance of health education in preventing STH infection?

A: Health education is crucial in preventing STH infection, as it raises awareness about the risks and symptoms of the infection and promotes good hygiene and sanitation practices. Health education programs should be implemented to target high-risk groups, including children, farmers, and construction workers.

Q: What is the role of policy development in preventing STH infection?

A: Policy development plays a critical role in preventing STH infection, as it provides a framework for implementing effective prevention and control measures. Policies should be developed to protect the health and welfare of high-risk groups, including provision of personal protective equipment and regular health checks.

Q: What are the future directions for research on STH infection?

A: Future research should focus on:

Investigating the relationship between STH infection and blood eosinophil levels in more detail
Understanding the complex interactions between STH infections and body immune responses
Developing effective prevention programs and health education initiatives to target high-risk groups
Implementing policy development to protect the health and welfare of high-risk groups.