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A Simple Intervention to Prevent Cutaneous Larva Migrans among Devotees of the Nallur Temple in Jaffna, Sri Lanka

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  • Selvam Kannathasan
  • Arumugam Murugananthan
  • Nadarajah Rajeshkannan
  • Nilanthi Renuka de Silva

Abstract

Background: A cross sectional study conducted during the annual festival at Nallur temple in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, in 2010, showed that the prevalence of cutaneous larva migrants (CLM) among the devotees who performed the side roll ritual was 58.2% (95%CI: 51.2%–65.0%). Objective: To test the hypothesis that the deworming stray dogs around the temple premises effectively reduces the prevalence of CLM among devotees. Methodology/Principal Findings: All stray dogs (8) in the vicinity of the temple were treated, with mebendazole (100 mg) crushed and filled into sausages, 10 days before the commencement of festival in 2011. The same procedure was repeated a week later to ensure complete coverage. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 systematically selected devotees in August 2011 using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and the clinical examination of the skin. Baermann's technique was used for the recovery of nematode larvae from 40 soil samples collected from the temple premises. Ten samples of dog faeces collected from the same premises were also examined for nematode eggs. Prevalence of CLM among devotees in 2010 (Pre intervention) and 2011(Post intervention) were compared to test the hypothesis. Prevalence of CLM declined from 58% to 8% (Chi-square = 112.90, p

Suggested Citation

  • Selvam Kannathasan & Arumugam Murugananthan & Nadarajah Rajeshkannan & Nilanthi Renuka de Silva, 2013. "A Simple Intervention to Prevent Cutaneous Larva Migrans among Devotees of the Nallur Temple in Jaffna, Sri Lanka," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(4), pages 1-4, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0061816
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061816
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    1. Selvam Kannathasan & Arumugam Murugananthan & Nadarajah Rajeshkannan & Nilanthy Renuka de Silva, 2012. "Cutaneous Larva Migrans among Devotees of the Nallur Temple in Jaffna, Sri Lanka," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(1), pages 1-5, January.
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