26 Ara 2024 Perşembe
Studies on intestinal helminthiasis among school children in Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State, South-Western Nigeria
Abstract :Intestinal helminthiasis is one of the neglected
parasitic diseases currently receiving attention from the international
organization. This study was conducted in six selected primary schools in
Osogbo town, southwestern Nigeria. Faecal samples from 336 pupils were examined
using direct smear and formol either concentration method. Out of the 336
samples examined, 103 (30.1%) were positive for one or more intestinal
parasites. Three helminth parasites were identified in the feacal samples
namely; Ascaris lumbricoides (24%),
hookworm (6%) and Trichuris trichura
(3%) with cases of mixed infection; A.
lumbricoides and hookworm (1.20%), A
lumbricoides and T. trichura (0.3%), Hookworm and T. trichura (0.3%). None of the
parasites was sex – dependent since the parasites were found in both sexes and
all age groups. The infections were school dependent as public schools have
significantly higher prevalence (p<0.05) than the private schools. The study
revealed that poor socio economic status, large family size, low education
level and poor environmental situation are the major contributory factors to
the relatively high prevalence of helminthiasis recorded. Level of prevalence
and intensity can be reduced by children targeted treatment program and school
based deworming programmes
Intestinal helminthes, school-aged children, mixed
infection, Nigeria