Intestinal Parasitic Infection Responsible for Undernourishment and Stunted Growth in Children of School Going Age

Aim: To discuss about the specific characteristics of intestinal parasitic infection that contributes to the formation of stunting.

Discussion: Intestinal parasites infection (IPI) are one of the global utmost health dilemmas, because they put certain vulnerable member of the population, e.g., children, in danger. Global prevalence rate of IPI varied from 30-60%, especially in developing countries located within the region of tropical and subtropical zone that create a definite public health burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, including Indonesia. Basically, IPI divided into helminths- and protozoans; each have different and unique characteristics with helminths have a more sophisticated life cycle compare to protozoan. IPI tends to be chronic and sub-clinical, due to the evasion the host's immune system. This chronic IPI affects the host, directly and indirectly, and in long term when it happen during toddlerhood, it contributes to the formation of undernourishment and stunting via certain pathways. Transmission occurs mainly via food contamination; and it is usually always related with daily socio-economic activity. Persistent transmission exists when source of infection available and practice of poor hygiene supports continuous contamination in the environment. By knowing the details of the life cycle of each gastrointestinal parasite, all stake holder can participate in communal effort to break the chain of transmission.

Conclusion: The presence of infected individuals with poor hygiene practice is the main contributor to the existence of persistent transmission in certain environment and this can then play a role in the formation of stunting.