THE PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL HELMINTHS IN RELIGIOUS GROUPS OF A RURAL COMMUNITY NEAR CALCUTTA1

Abstract

The results of a parasitological survey, designed to assure more equivalent representation of Muslims and Hindus in sampling the population of Bandipur Union, confirmed a tentative conclusion, drawn from an earlier study, that the prevalence of ascariasis was significantly greater in Muslims. In contrast, hookworm infections were more prevalent among Hindus. A comparison, according to age classes in the two religious groups, revealed that the prevalence of ancylostomiasis during early childhood was similar in both groups, but in late childhood the prevalence in Hindu children exceeded that in Muslims. This difference was maintained in the older age classes, but the magnitude of the difference diminished.