Helminth Transmission in Simple Pit Latrines

This short communication by Baker and Ensink (2012), published in Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene summarises the findings of a study exploring the presence of helminth eggs in simple pit latrines in Tanzania. Simple pit latrines often represent the cheapest form of sanitation for poor communities. However, they lack a concrete slab and are therefore classified by the JMP as an unimproved form of sanitation. The study found that 71% of all collected soil samples were positive for eggs and that the only factor associated with lower egg concentrations was the absence of a roof from the latrine. This therefore supports the JMP;s classification of simple pit latrines as an unimproved form of sanitation.

PDF icon Download (123.3 KB)

BUILDING KNOWLEDGE. IMPROVING THE WASH SECTOR.

SHARE contributes to achieving universal access to effective, sustainable and equitable sanitation and hygiene by generating evidence to improve policy and practice worldwide.