Prevalence Of Intestinal Helminths infections among schooling children in tropical semi urban communities

Abstract

Prevalence of intestinal helminths infections among school children in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria were studed between July and December 2005 Significantdifferences (P < 0.05) were recorded among the 1,296 school chidren (ages 4 – 15) randomly sampled and examined for intestina helminthes. The prevalence of intestinal helminths varied significantly among schools sampled (P < 0.05). Central Schoo, Ovoko had the highest percent prevalence for Ascaris lumbricoides (9.3 %), hookworm (6.0 %) and Trichuris trichiura (2.3 %). The least per cent prevalence of A. lumbricoides was recorded in Community Primary School, Iheakpu-Awka (2.3 %), while the least per cent prevalence of hookworm occurred in Community Primary School 3 Itchi. T. trichiura was not recorded in community primary schools in Itchi, Unadu and Iheakpu-Awka. Similarly, the prevalence of these parasitic helminths varied signiicantly among the age groups (P < 005), with age groups 4– 6 highly infected wth A. lumbricoides (7.0 %), 13 – 15wh hookworm (3.7 %) and 7 – 9 wth T. trchiura (1.2 %). T. trchiura was absent instool sampes of 4 – 6 and 13 – 15 age groups. The prevalence of these intestinal parasites also varied significantly between the sexes with femaes having comparatively more A. lumbricoides (5.4 %), hookworm (3.2 %) and T. trichiura (0.8 %) than males. Our study indicated that intestinal helminthiasis was prevalent in the area, and as such, control measures such as chemoherapy, provision o adequate sanitary facilties and potable drinking water, improved personal hygiene andhealth educaion should be the focus of non-governmental and governmental health institutions in Nigeria.

Keywords: Prevalence, Intestinal helminths, Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, Helminthiasis Schooling children