Prevalence and intensity of helminthic infections in adults among the ethnic groups in Singapore

300 patients (185 males, 115 females) were examined for intestinal parasites. About 40% of these patients was infected, 14% of which was heavily infected. The highest prevalence and intensity of infection with soil-transmitted helminths was found among Malays and Indians of different ages. Heavy infections with these helminths were also frequently encountered in young Chinese. Helminthic infections in patients over 60 years of age was significantly lower. There was no significant differences in the prevalence and degree of infection among males and females. The commonest helminth encountered was Trichuris trichiura, which usually occurred as trace single infections. Mixed infections with Ascaris and Trichuris, usually with the former as the predominating parasite, were also frequently observed.