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Seroprevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in a South Indian adult population

Author

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  • Saravanan Munisankar
  • Anuradha Rajamanickam
  • Suganthi Balasubramanian
  • Satishwaran Muthusamy
  • Chandra Kumar Dolla
  • Pradeep Aravindan Menon
  • Ponnuraja Chinnayan
  • Christopher Whalen
  • Paschaline Gumne
  • Inderdeep Kaur
  • Varma Nadimpalli
  • Akshay Deverakonda
  • Zhenhao Chen
  • John David Otto
  • Tesfalidet Habitegiyorgis
  • Harish Kandaswamy
  • Thomas B Nutman
  • Subash Babu

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection is estimated to be 30–100 million worldwide, although this an underestimate. Most cases remain undiagnosed due to the asymptomatic nature of the infection. We wanted to estimate the seroprevalence of S. stercoralis infection in a South Indian adult population. Methods: To this end, we performed community-based screening of 2351 individuals (aged 18–65) in Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu between 2013 and 2020. Serological testing for S. stercoralis was performed using the NIE ELISA. Results: Our data shows a seroprevalence of 33% (768/2351) for S. stercoralis infection which had a higher prevalence among males 36% (386/1069) than among females 29.8% (382/1282). Adults aged ≥55 (aOR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.25–2.18) showed higher adjusted odds of association compared with other age groups. Eosinophil levels (39%) (aOR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.19–1.74) and hemoglobin levels (24%) (aOR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.11–1.53) were significantly associated with S. stercoralis infection. In contrast, low BMI (aOR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.82–1.61) or the presence of diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.83–1.69) was not associated with S. stercoralis seropositivity. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence for a very high baseline prevalence of S. stercoralis infection in South Indian communities and this information could provide realistic and concrete planning of control measures. Author summary: Strongyloidiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by a parasite which is endemic to parts of Latin America, Asia and Africa. Due to its characteristic life cycle, individuals can carry the infection lifelong with few or no symptoms. With the aim of knowing the prevalence of S. stercoralis at the community level, a population in the rural area of South India was studied using serologic assessments. There was a seroprevalence of S. stercoralis infection in this study of 33%. This suggests a need to revise control programs in order to avoid continued transmission.

Suggested Citation

  • Saravanan Munisankar & Anuradha Rajamanickam & Suganthi Balasubramanian & Satishwaran Muthusamy & Chandra Kumar Dolla & Pradeep Aravindan Menon & Ponnuraja Chinnayan & Christopher Whalen & Paschaline , 2022. "Seroprevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in a South Indian adult population," PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(7), pages 1-13, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pntd00:0010561
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010561
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    1. Anuradha Rajamanickam & Bindu Dasan & Saravanan Munisankar & Sujatha Nott & Pradeep A Menon & Fayaz Ahamed Shaik & Ponnuraja Chinnaiyan & Thomas B Nutman & Subash Babu, 2024. "Impact of Strongyloides stercoralis infection on complement activation in Type 2 diabetes mellitus: Insights from a clinical and anthelmintic intervention study," PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Public Library of Science, vol. 18(4), pages 1-11, April.
    2. Phattharaphon Wongphutorn & Kulthida Y Kopolrat & Chanika Worasith & Chatanun Eamudomkarn & Nuttanan Hongsrichan & Opal Pitaksakulrat & Jiraporn Sithithaworn & Patcharaporn Tippayawat & Anchalee Techa, 2024. "Diagnostic value of urinary and serum IgG antibodies in evaluating drug treatment response in strongyloidiasis assessed by fecal examination and digital droplet PCR," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(12), pages 1-18, December.

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