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.
