Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis in Sapele Local Government, Delta State

Abstract

Studies on neglected tropical common infections human parasites, Soil Transmitted Helminths (STHs) were carried out in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. Faecal samples from 600 subjects were  examined, using standard parasitological methods.Three helminth  parasites were identified in the faecal samples; Ascaris lumbricoides,  Hookworm and Trichuris trichiura. The overall prevalence of STHs was  19.1% (p<0.001). Ascaris lumbricoides recorded the highest prevalence of (50.4%) followed by hookworm (30.4%) and Trichuris trichiura (13%).  Mixed infections 6.2% showed a presence of at least two different helminth ova. Subjects between the ages of 16 and 20 years old recorded the  highest prevalence of 27.7% (p<0.005), age group 26-30 year old  recorded the highest mean egg count of 820.6 +128.1 eggs/g of faeces. There was no statistical difference between the prevalence rate of STHs in males and females. Occupational related prevalence showed that farmers were mostly at risk (27.3%, p>0.005) followed closely by primary school children (26.7%, p>0.005). Factors influencing the prevalence of STHs in the study population included poor sanitation, inadequate portable water, age and occupation. The prevalence of STHs in this study was statistically significant. Based on these results, mass treatment of school children, health education campaign, improved sanitary conditions and personal hygiene were recommended as control measures for Sapele Local Government Community.

Key words: Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis, Prevalence, Sapele, Delta State Nigeria.