Ectoparasites are responsible for a heterogenous group of infections affecting the external layers of the skin. Scabies and pediculosis (capitis, corporis and pubis) are among the most common in the group. These parasites have a worldwide prevalence and induce skin lesions either directly such as with urticarial papules and indirectly as result of itching and hypersensitivity to parasite antigens and in some instances skin superinfections. Transfer of these ectoparasites from person to person occur via intimate personal contact and is facilitated by overcrowding, uncleanliness and sexual promiscuity. Outbreaks commonly occur in nursing homes mental institutions and hospitals.               

More importantly, the itchiness causes scratching of the skin leading to secondary bacterial infection of the lesions. School life is the foundation for the future and have a major effect on host of issues including health. Providing easy access to hygiene, nutrition and health education and services to school children is a simple and cost effective tool that can go a long way in the prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases. A health survey done in 1999 among children under 12 years of age living with their imprisoned mothers at the Welikada Prison in Sri Lanka reports a scabies and pediculosis prevalence of 25% and 10% respectively. Also the risk factors for spread of scabies such as overcrowding, and socio-economic factors have not been studied in Sri Lanka.

• Investigate the prevalence of ectoparasitic infections among school children in the Gampaha district/ Sri Lanka

• Determine the prevalence of scabies infection among school children in the district of Gampaha.
• Determine the prevalence of pediculosis among school children in the district of Gampaha/ Sri Lanka.

Dr. Nayana Gunathilaka
Department of Parasitology
Faculty of Medicine
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lanka.

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Tel- 071- 8733816

Prof. Nilmini Chandrasesna
Department of Parasitology,
Faculty of Medicine,
University of Kelaniya,
Sri Lanka.