The Bioscientist (Aug 2022)
INTESTINAL HELMINTH INFECTIONS IN PUPILS OF A RURAL COMMUNITY IN NIGERIA
Abstract
Helminth parasites are endemic in rural communities in Nigeria that lack adequate water and sanitary facilities, so this study was focused on intestinal helminth infections and associated risks amongst pupils at Ebenebe in Anambra State Nigeria. This cross-sectional study was approved by Ministry of Basic Education Awka (Ref: MOBE/SCHD/1583/T9/8) while ethical permit (Ref: ASUBEB/ADM/14/VOL.III/232 of 21/11/2019) was granted by Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board. The 110 pupils enrolled in Umuji, Obuno, Umuoye, and Umuogbuefi public primary schools at Ebenebefor 2018/2019 school year constituted study population, while sample size of eighty (twenty pupils from each school) were systematically chosen. Pupils’ schools, age, gender, parents’ main occupation and toilet-use were obtained through visits, observations and oral interviews. Direct faecal smears and formalin-ether concentration techniques were used for stool samples analysis while parasitological keys were used for helminth parasites identifications. Data were summarized with bar charts using Microsoft Excel13Chart wizard, and standard error bars indicated significant differences (p<0.05) among variables. Overall prevalence of intestinal helminth infection was 45% (boys 44.2% and girls 45.9%). Species-specific prevalence of infection was Ascaris lumbricoides(36.2%), Hookworm (6.3%), and Trichuris trichiura(2.5%). Observed inadequate toilet facility and safe water supply are potential risks for intestinal parasitism in Ebenebe. Provision of these facilities, periodic deworming and good hygiene practices will help to control infection and re-infection of intestinal parasites in Ebenebe.
