Nematode Parasitemia in School aged Children in Sapele, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Two hundred (200) faecal samples were collected from school aged children in four randomly selected primary schools in Sapele metropolis of Delta State,  Nigeria, to determine gastrointestinal nematode parasitemia. The
formal-ether concentration technique was used to analyse the specimens and data obtained revealed that 62% of the entire samples were infected. Sex-related parasitemia recorded 45.1% and 54.8% for females and males’ infections respectively (p<0.05). However, there was variability in age related parasitemia; 6-8years (29.2%); (40.3%) and (15.6%) for age groups 4-6years and >11years. Specific nematode parasitemia revealed four worms; Acasris lumbricoides;  Hookworm;  Trichuris trichura and  Strongyloides stercoralis.  The  study  also  recorded  great variability in overall specific nematode parasitemia;A. lumbricoides (38.7%); Hookworm (40.%); T. Trichura (12%) and S. stercoralis (8%). Polyparasitemia varied greatly within the age groups. The study revealed that the relatively high gastrointestinal nematode parasitemia in the sampled population may be due to the periodic flooding experienced in the study area. Regular antihelminths administration to school aged pupils and improved  environmental sanitation are recommended control measures.

Keywords:  Sex-related  parasitemia,  specific  nematode  parasitemia,  age  related  parasitemia, polyparasitemia.