Vol. 13 No. 84-93 (2022): Occurrence of Intestinal Helminthic Infections among children: Case study of Nkalagu

Intestinal helminthes are threat to the health of rural communities of developing countries. School children are predisposed to the infection caused by these parasites. This study reported the presence of intestinal helminthes among school children in Nkalagu area of Ishielu Local Government Area. Concentration method was used for microscopic analysis of the faecal samples. Out of the 100 faecal samples examined, 62(62%) were infected. Of which 53 males examined, 33(62.2%) was infected; 47 females, 29(61.7%) were infected; School 1 had the highest prevalence 34(68%). Significant differences was recorded at p<0.05. The total prevalence of infection among schools sampled is as follows; Ascaris lumbricoides 38(61.3 %), Enterobius vermicularis 15(24.2%) and Trichuris trichiura 9(14.5%). The prevalence of these intestinal helminthic parasites also varied significantly between the gender with females having comparatively more Ascaris lumbricoides 20(69%), Enterobius vermicularis 4(13.8%) and Trichuris trichura 5(17.2%) and the males having Ascaris lumbricoides 18(54.5%), Enterobius vermicularis 11(33.3%) and Trichuris trichiura 4(12.1%). The prevalence of these helminthic infections varied significantly among the age groups, 57 years was highly infected 25(64.1%), Ascaris lumbricoides infection was high in all the age groups. Our study indicated that intestinal helminthiasis has high prevalence in the area. Control measures such as, provision of adequate sanitary facilities and potable drinking water, improved personal hygiene and health education campaign should increase in the study area.

5Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, KOMU Imo State, Nigeria.

Submitted: November, 2022; Accepted: December, 2022; Published: December, 2022