Intestinal parasitosis, anaemia and risk factors among pre-school children in Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia

AbstractBackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) and anaemia are major health problems. This study assessed the prevalence of IPI, anaemia and associated factors among pre-school children in rural areas of the Tigray region, northern Ethiopia.Methodology/Principal FindingA community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 610 pre-school children in rural communities of Northern Ethiopia from June 2017 to August 2017. Stool specimens were examined for the presence of trophozoites, cysts, oocysts, and ova using direct, formal-ethyl acetate concentration, Kato–Katz, and Ziehl-Neelsen techniques. Haemoglobin was measured using a HemoCue spectrometer. Among the 610 pre-school children participated in the study, prevalence of IPIs and anaemia were 58% (95% CI: 54.1–61.9%) and 21·6% (95% CI: 18·5% to 25·1%), respectively. Single, double, and triple parasitic infections were seen in 249 (41%, 95% CI: 37% to 45%), 83 (14%, 95% CI: 11% to 17%), and 22 (3.6%, 95% CI: 2.4% to 5.4%) children, respectively. Of the seven intestinal parasitic organisms recorded from the participants,Entamoeba histolytica/disparwas the most prevalent 220 (36.1%) followed byGiardia lamblia128 (20.1%), andHymenolepis nana102 (16.7%). Mixed infections were common amongG. lamblia, E. histolytica/disparandCryptosporidiumspp. oocyst. Age 48-59 months prevalence ratio (PR = 1·078, P=0·009), child deworming (PR= 1.2; 95% CI=1.00-1.4, p= 0.045), and having two or more children aged under five (PR=0.76, 95% CI= 0.61-0.95, p=0.015) were independent predictors for IPIs. Anaemia was associated with proper disposal of solid waste (PR= 1.5, 95% CI=0.1.1-2.10, p=0.009). Eating raw meat (PR=0.49, 95% CI=0.45-0.54, p=0.000), any maternal education (PR=0.64 95% CI=0.52-0.79, p=0.000), and household water treatment (PR=0.75, 95% CI=0.56-1.0, p=0.044) were associated with lower prevalence of anaemia.ConclusionsMore than half of the children were infected with intestinal parasites and one in five were anaemic. This study has identified a number of potentially modifiable risk factors to address the significant prevalence of IPIs and anaemia in these children. Improvements in sanitation, clean water, hand hygiene, maternal education could address both short and long-term consequences of these conditions in this vulnerable population.Author SummaryIntestinal parasitic infection and anaemia are public health problems in developing counties. Children due to their immature immune systems and frequent exposure to unhygienic environments are at high risk which in turn put them at an increased risk of malnutrition and growth deficits. Similarly, childhood anaemia impairs physical growth, impairs immune function and weakens motor development. The finding of this study reveals more than half of the children were infected.Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia lambliaandHymenolepis nanawere dominant parasites. Multiple infections was common amongGiardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica/disparandCryptosporidiumspp. Oocyst. Children aged 48-59 months were more infected with intestinal parasites. Soli transmitted helminths in this study was low. 21.5% of the children were anaemic and was associated with disposal of solid waste and presence of domestic animals. However, Eating raw meat, maternal education and household water treatment were found preventive of anaemia in the study. It seems worth understanding the prevalence and effects of parasitic infection and anaemia in this vulnerable group to design an appropriate interventions. Finally, if parasite transmission and anaemia is to be significantly prevented control programs such as improving sanitation, clean water, maternal education may be critical in this vulnerable age groups.

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Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasites among Schoolchildren from Two Primary Schools in Rama Town, Northern Ethiopia

Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology ◽

10.1155/2020/5750891 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Yordanos Gizachew Yeshitila ◽

Hagos Zewde ◽

Tesfahun Mekene ◽

Aseer Manilal ◽

Serawit Lakew ◽

...

Keyword(s):

School Children ◽

Primary Schools ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Age Groups ◽

Primary School Children ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Northern Ethiopia ◽

Cross Sectional

Introduction. Worldwide, about 3.5 billion people are affected by intestinal parasitic infections, and the majority of them are children. A perusal of the literature indicates that in Ethiopia, nearly one-third of schoolchildren are found to be infected by some sort of intestinal parasites. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among schoolchildren in Rama town in Northern Ethiopia. Methods. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among primary school children from two schools in Rama town during June 2017. A structured questionnaire was used to identify environmental, sociodemographic, and behavioral factors while stool specimens were collected and examined for parasites using direct wet smear with saline preparation. Data analysis was completed using the Statistical Program for Social Sciences version 24 statistical software. Results. A total of 312 school children with a mean age of 11.3 years were included. Among them, 24.4% (76) were found to be positive for at least one of the parasites. The overall infection rate was the highest among the 10–14 age groups (26.7%). Females were predominantly infected (26.7%). Altogether, eight species of intestinal parasites were identified. The most predominant protozoan and helminths were E. histolytica/dispar (10.9%) and Schistosoma mansoni (7.4%), respectively, and infections were mostly mono-parasitic. Coinfections with two and three intestinal parasites were identified among 13 (4.2%, [13/302]) and 2 (0.6%, [2/302]) cases, respectively. Prevalence of intestinal parasites was higher among children who did not wash their hands regularly before meals (AOR: 2.30, CI: 1.32, 4.0, p < 0.001) and those who frequently swam in streams (AOR: 3.12, CI: 1.07, 9.08, p < 0.021). Conclusions. The study revealed a high prevalence of parasitic infection and inadequate personal hygiene practices like poor handwashing and also the habit of swimming by schoolchildren in contaminated water bodies, especially the study area. To minimize the burden caused by parasitic infection, periodic deworming programs and health education should be provided to enhance the awareness of concerned participants are also warranted.

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Intestinal parasitic infections among HIV infected patients on antiretroviral therapy attending Debretabor General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-81502/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ermias Alemayehu ◽

Alemu Gedefie ◽

Aderaw Adamu ◽

Jemal Mohammed ◽

Brhanu Kassanew ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Hospital ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Northern Ethiopia ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Concentration Technique

Abstract Background: Parasitic infections are known causes of morbidity among HIV infected patients with low CD4+ counts who are on antiretroviral therapy; mainly as a result of immune suppression. Thus, this study aimed to assess the extent of intestinal parasitic infection and its related risk factors among HIV infected patients attending ART clinic of Debretabor General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia.Patients and methods: A health facility based cross sectional study was conducted on a total of 383 HIV infected patients attending ART clinic of Debretabor General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia from December 2018 to March 2019. An interview based structured questionnaire were used to gather socio-demographic and risk factor data. About 5 grams of fresh stool specimen and 4 ml of venous blood sample were collected, then transported and tested in accordance with the laboratory standard operating procedures. The obtained data was entered into SPSS version 22.0; and analyzed. P-value <0.05 with 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant.Result: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 25.3%; with 18% and 23.8% by direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration technique respectively. 8 (2.1%) patients were infected by multiple parasites in concentration technique. Ascaris lumbricoides, 23(25.3%) was the most frequently identified parasite. Parasitic infection was significantly higher among illiterates (P=0.011); patients with a CD4 count of <200 cells/mm3 (P<0.001) and among patients who did not have latrine (P=0.049) than their counter parts.Conclusion: Relatively higher prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was found among HIV/AIDS patients. The distribution of intestinal parasites is greatly affected by illiteracy, reduced CD4+ counts and absence of toilet. Thus, HIV/AIDS patients with low CD4+ counts should be diagnosed consistently for intestinal parasites and routine stool examination and awareness creation should be advocated to be included as an essential component of the ART monitoring strategy for improved patient care.

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Intestinal parasite infections and associated factors among inmates of Arba Minch prison, southern Ethiopia: cross sectional study

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-019-4703-y ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Gemechu Ameya ◽

Zerihun Zerdo ◽

Mihret Tesfaye ◽

Chimdo Jabesa ◽

Abayneh Awaje ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Giardia Lamblia ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Southern Ethiopia ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Prevalence

Abstract Background Intestinal parasitic infection is one of the parasitic infections affecting people living in prison. Helminths and intestinal protozoan infections are the most common parasitic infection that may cause serious life-threatening diseases in inmates living in developing countries. This study was aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among inmates living in Arba Minch prison, southern Ethiopia. Methods Institutional based cross sectional study was conducted on Arba Minch inmates, southern Ethiopian. Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather the data of socio-demographic characteristics, hygiene status of the prisoners, sanitation condition of the prison, and associated factors for IPIs by face to face interview. Direct wet-mount examination and formol-ether sedimentation techniques were used to examine intestinal parasitic infection from stool specimens. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to see the association between different variables and the IPI. Odds ratio with 95% CI was computed to determine the presence association and strength of the associated factors. Result A total of 320 prisoners were participated in this study. Of these, 154(48.1%) of them were infected with one or more intestinal parasites. Eight different intestinal parasites species were identified and Giardia lamblia was the predominant parasite. Among infected inmates, nearly one out of four of them had multiple parasitic infections dominated by Giardia lamblia and E. histolytica/dispar co-infection. Sleeping in group [AOR = 1.9; 95% CI: (1.0–3.8)], married prisoners [AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: (1.1–2.9)], and hand washing habits after handling soil [AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: (1.0–5.6)] were independently associated with IPI. Conclusion High prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was detected in Arba Minch inmates, southern Ethiopian. Absence of hand washing, marital status, and way of sleeping were the factors associated with the IPI. Implementation of mass drug administration, education on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and periodic screening of intestinal parasitic infection is very important to reduce the high prevalence IPIs in prison.

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Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infestation Among Hearing and Speech Impaired Children of Banke, Nepal

Journal of Nepalgunj Medical College ◽

10.3126/jngmc.v16i2.24877 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. 44-46

Author(s):

Maya Rai ◽

Ganesh Prasad Neupane ◽

Dabal Bahadur Dhami ◽

Thakur Prasad Paudel

Keyword(s):

Entamoeba Histolytica ◽

Ascaris Lumbricoides ◽

Giardia Lamblia ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Life Quality ◽

Wet Mount ◽

The Common ◽

Impaired Children ◽

Prompt Diagnosis

Introduction: The parasites can cause different gastrointestinal disorders which have great impact on life quality. Hearing and speech impaired children are unable to maintain proper sanitation, making them more prone to intestinal parasitic infection. Aim and Objective: To know the prevalence of various parasitic infestations among hearing and speech impaired Children. Materials and Methods: Stool specimen were collected from 104 hearing and speech impaired children who were living in private rehabilitation school of chisapani village of Banke district Nepal for a period of 5 month from December 2017 to April 2018 and direct wet mount was prepared using normal saline (0.9%) and Lugol's iodine (0.5%). The wet mount was observed under microscope for parasites. Results: Among 104 individuals intestinal parasites were seen in 25.96 % of students. Giardia lamblia (37.04%) was the most common parasite followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (18.52%) and Entamoeba histolytica (14.82%). Conclusion: The study shows that although the speech and hearing impaired children are more prone to parasitic infection, the prevalence is same as normal people. Giardia lamblia, Ascaris lumbricoides and Entamoeba histolytica were the common parasites. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of infected children should be undertaken.

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Intestinal Protozoan Infections Shape Fecal Bacterial Microbiota in Children from Guinea-Bissau.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-41486/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Sebastian von Huth ◽

Louise B. Thingholm ◽

Poul-Erik Kofoed ◽

Corinna Bang ◽

Malte C. Rühlemann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gut Microbiota ◽

Giardia Lamblia ◽

Large Scale ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Rrna Gene ◽

Bacterial Phyla ◽

Guinea Bissau ◽

Bacterial Microbiota

Abstract Background: Intestinal parasitic infections, caused by helminths and protozoa, are globally distributed and major causes of worldwide morbidity. The gut microbiota may modulate parasite virulence and host response upon infection. The complex interplay between parasites and the gut microbiota is poorly understood, partly due to sampling difficulties in remote areas with high parasite prevalence and burden. Results: In a large study of children in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, we found high prevalence of intestinal parasites, including hookworms, Entamoeba spp. and Giardia lamblia. By high-quality sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene of fecal samples stored on filter paper from a total of 1,204 children, we demonstrate that the bacterial microbiota is more or less unaltered by helminth infections, whereas it is shaped by the presence of both pathogenic and non-pathogenic protozoa, including Entamoeba spp. and Giardia lamblia. Within-sample (alpha) diversity remains largely unaffected, whereas overall community composition (beta diversity) is significantly affected by infection with both nonpathogenic Entamoeba coli (R2=0.0131, P= 0.0001) and Endolimax nana (R2=0.00902, P= 0.0001), and by pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica (R2=0.0164, P= 0.0001) and Giardia lamblia (R2=0.00676, P= 0.0001). Heavy infection load with multiple parasite species induces more pronounced shifts in microbiota community than mild ones. A total of 31 bacterial genera across all four major gut bacterial phyla associates with protozoan infection, including increased abundance of Prevotella, Campylobacter and two Clostridium clades (IV and WIVb), and decreased abundance of Collinsella (associated with irritable bowel syndrome), Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, Veillonella and one Clostridium clade (XVIII). Further, we demonstrate that filter papers are usable for storage of samples at room temperature in large-scale studies where immediate freezing is not possible with minor alterations of microbiota composition. Conclusion: In the present largest-to-date study, we demonstrate that the fecal bacterial microbiota is shaped by intestinal parasitic infection, with most pronounced associations for protozoan species. Our results provide insights into the interplay between the microbiota and intestinal parasites, which are useful to understand infection outcome and design further studies aimed at optimizing treatment strategies.

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Prevalence of the common intestinal parasitic infections and predisposing factors among the asymptomatic primary school children in Finoteselam town, West Gojam Zone, Amhara region (Ethiopia).

World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews ◽

10.30574/wjarr.2020.8.2.0210 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 173-188

Author(s):

Maru Wassie Yenene ◽

Abayneh Unasho Gandile

Keyword(s):

Primary School ◽

School Children ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Age Groups ◽

Predisposing Factors ◽

Primary School Children ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

And Control

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) have been still quite common in developing countries including Ethiopia, particularly in children with low socio-economic and poor living conditions. Previous studies in Ethiopia have shown high burden of intestinal parasitic infections among the primary school children. The effective prevention and control of parasitic infections require research work based on the identification of intestinal parasites including associated predisposing factors. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of common intestinal parasitic infections and predisposing factors among the asymptomatic primary school children. Methods: A school based cross- sectional study was conducted from September, 2019- January, 2020 and a total of 422 asymptomatic primary school children were involved in the study. Specimens of the stool samples were examined using the standard parasite and ova method. Direct microscopy using saline and iodine wet mount preparation was used to examine the presence of eggs and larvae of helminthes and trophozoites and cysts of protozoan parasites and formalin ether concentration method was used for quality assurance. Structured questionnaires were also used to collect quantitative data on socio-demographic characteristics and predisposing factors. Analysis of the data was made manually using the thematic framework method including descriptive statistics. Results: Among the 422 students (aged 5-14 years) participated in the study, 245(58%) were positive for one or more intestinal parasites. Of the total infected participants, 192(45.5%) were single infections and 53(12.6%) were double infections identified. Seven types of intestinal parasitic infections were identified in the present study. The most prevalent parasite was Giardia lamblia 95(22.5%) followed by hook worm 58(13.7%). Age groups 5-9 years old were more infected, 173 (70.6%) than age groups 10-14 years old 72(29.4%). This result also showed parasitic infections were associated with predisposing factors related to infectious cycles. Concluding Remarks and Recommendations: The present study revealed that there was a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among students in the targeted primary schools. Therefore, all stakeholders should give attention to raise awareness about the prevention and control mechanisms of intestinal parasitic infections. Moreover, the health services of the local government should develop a habit of mass public health education and deworming intervention to improve the level of parasitic infection and environmental hygiene in the study area.

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Personal hygiene practices and socio-economic conditions as influential factors for intestinal parasitic infection in Dhaka city dwellers

Bangladesh Journal of Zoology ◽

10.3329/bjz.v47i1.42028 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 47 (1) ◽

pp. 129-136

Author(s):

Md Aminul Islam Bhuiyan ◽

Zannatun Nahar Jhinu ◽

Jaliluzzaman ◽

Mandira Mukutmoni

Keyword(s):

Entamoeba Histolytica ◽

Ascaris Lumbricoides ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Trichuris Trichiura ◽

Giardia Intestinalis ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Variable Degree ◽

Hygiene Practices

A total of 200 stool samples were examined and five species of intestinal parasites were identified. Two of them were protozoans (Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia intestinalis) and the rest of which three species were nematode parasites (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Strongyloids stercoralis). The overall prevalence of parasitic infection was 50%. Individually the prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, Trichuris trichiura and Strongyloids stercoralis was 25%, 13%, 6%, 3.5% and 2.5%, respectively. Patients of different age and sex had a variable degree of infection. Children aged under ten years showed the highest prevalence (73.97%) compared to other groups. Accordingly, male patients were found slightly more susceptible to the infection (50.38%) compared to the female (49.29%). People belonging to different occupation and educational qualification had various degree of infection. As expected patients who had no education and poor monthly income, showed the highest prevalence of infection, 77.77% and 90%, respectively. Personal hygiene practices of the patients had much influence on the parasitic prevalence and rate of infection. Respectively 58.82%, 91.42%, 80% and 63.55% prevalence were found among the patients who used to drink unsafe water, wash hands without soap, stay barefooted most of the time and do not trim their nails regularly. The present study supposed to reveal that socioeconomic conditions and behavioral factors may influence the prevalence of parasitic infections. Bangladesh J. Zool. 47(1): 129-136, 2019

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Enteric Parasitic Infections among School Children at Rupandehi, Nepal

Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences ◽

10.3126/jucms.v4i2.19089 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 30-34

Author(s):

Rita Khanal ◽

Sweety Upadhaya ◽

Pramila Lamichhane ◽

Subash Lal Karn ◽

Sandeep Pokhrel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

School Children ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Primary School Children ◽

Stool Examination ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Age Group ◽

Government School ◽

Intestinal Parasitosis

INTRODUCTION: Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), are the common intestinal parasites among school age children in Nepal. Periodic epidemiological studies and transmission dynamics in parasitic infections will provide accurate understanding. The aim of this study is to find out the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among primary school children at Rupandehi district Nepal.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a school based cross-sectional descriptive study including 217 students studying at primary level in two Government School in Rupandehi. The demographic data and anthropometric data was collected. Routine Stool examination was done and concentration techniques were used for maximum recovery of parasites.RESULTS: The prevalence of parasitic infection was 60% (130/217). Statistically significant association was found between parasitic infection and source of drinking water (p<0.05) A. lumbricoides was most common followed by Taenia spp, Hymenolepsis nana and others. Parasitic infection was highest 70% (21/30) in age group 13-15 years and lowest i.e. 38.1% (8/21) in age group 4-6 years. The mean height and weight of children was found to be 1.28 m and 26.5 kg respectively. Among total children 90.8% (197/217) of the children were malnourished (BMI<18.5 kg/m2) and among infected children 90% (117/130) were malnourished.CONCLUSION: The intestinal parasitosis was found comparatively higher in school children in this region. Higher rate of infection was found in malnourished children.Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2016) Vol.04 No.02 Issue 14, page: 30-34

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Relationships between anaemia and parasitic infections in adolescent girls of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Journal of Zoology ◽

10.3329/bjz.v42i1.23340 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 42 (1) ◽

pp. 91-103 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Hasina Banu ◽

Hamida Khanum ◽

Md Anwar Hossain

Keyword(s):

Socioeconomic Status ◽

Adolescent Girls ◽

Giardia Lamblia ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Parasite Infection ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Parasitic Infestation ◽

Slum Area ◽

Level Of Education

A total of 1570 adolescent girls (aged 10-19 years) of rural, urban and slum areas in and around Dhaka city were investigated to determine the association of anaemia with parasitic infection. About one third (33.50%) of the adolescent girls were found to be infected with one or more protozoans (Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia) and helminths (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichura, Strongyloieds stercoralis, hookworms). Anaemia (32.22%) was reported among the adolescent girls and 39.52% anaemic girls were infected with intestinal parasites against the 30.63% non anaemic cases. Anaemia was significantly associated with parasitic infestation (?2 =11.76, p<0.000). Percentage of anaemic cases was higher in slum area (38.75%) and lower in urban area (24.11%) respectively. Socioeconomic status of the adolescent girls had also impact on the prevalence of parasites and anaemia. Parasitic infestation was much lower (16.10%) among the literate compared to the illiterate respondents (47.58%). The prevalence of parasite infection was positively associated with illiterate adolescent girls (?2=171.27, OR=4.73, p<0.000). The level of education was inversely related (r = -0.98, p<0.01) with the prevalence of anaemia. Unhygienic latrine users were associated with parasite infection (OR=2.80) and anaemia (OR=2.16) respectively. The present study revealed that parasitic infection and socioeconomic status may be responsible for anaemia among the adolescent girls.Bangladesh J. Zool. 42(1): 91-103, 2014

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Detection of Hookworm (Necator Americanus) and Other Intestinal Parasitic Infection among Primary School Children in Sokoto Metropolis

South Asian Journal of Research in Microbiology ◽

10.9734/sajrm/2021/v10i130219 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 13-24

Author(s):

K. Mohammed ◽

E. Emeagubor ◽

M. U. Iduh ◽

M. K. Garba ◽

S. U. Nataala ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary School ◽

School Children ◽

Prevalence Rate ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Primary School Children ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽

The Government

Background: Hookworm is an intestinal parasite of human and is one of the major public health burdens in developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is estimated that about 3.5 billion people globally and 450 million people are thought to be ill as a result of such infections, the majority being children. Aims: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of Hookworm and other intestinal parasitic infection among primary school children Study Design: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in among patients attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto state, between March to November, 2017. Methodology: A total of 224 participants were enrolled for the study. Standard parasitological examination was carried out on stool samples using microscopy followed by formal ether concentration methods Results: Finding revealed, an overall prevalence of 4.5% out of 224 samples examined recorded for both Hookworm and other intestinal parasitic infection. There was high prevalence rate of Hookworm and other intestinal parasitic infection among males (5.3%) than females (3.6%).29 (12%) were positive for intestinal parasitic infections. Males recorded higher prevalence than the females with 19 (11.9%) and 10 (11.8%) respectively Conclusion: The total low prevalence rate of Hookworm and other intestinal parasitic infection may be as a result of improved standard of living and awareness of the Hookworm and other intestinal parasites in the study area. The government, non-governmental agencies and private individuals should help in the provision of social amenities to ensure total eradication of these diseases. The teaching of health education in both private schools should be encouraged by the government which will go a long way in reducing prevalence and intensity of Hookworm infections among the study community.

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