most serious helminthic infections occur in tropical regions, particularly in lesser-developed
countries, including outreach rural communities in Thailand. This study investigated the
prevalence of helminthic infections in the people of Ban Chat Trakan Village in Chat Trakarn District,
and Ban Mung Village, Noen Maprang District, Phitsanulok Province, in northern Thailand. The
formalin ethyl acetate concentration technique was used to detect parasites in fecal samples. In total,
286 people were recruited for this study: 153 from Ban Mung Village and 133 from Ban Chat Trakan.
The percentage of helminthic infections in both communities was low, with an overall infection rate
of 5.6%; which comprised 2.4% Strongyloides stercoralis, 1.6% hookworm, and 0.8% Taenia spp and
Hymenolepis nana. In addition, the ‘Scotch tape’ method was used to recover pinworm (Enterobius
vermicularis) eggs, giving an overall enterobiasis infection rate of 10.5%. All positive cases were
treated with an anthelminthic drug. Health-education campaigns for the prevention of helminthic
infections, and selective treatment, are needed for these two communities.