scholarly journals Evaluation of the Diagnostic Utility of Geohelminths from Environmental and Stool Samples in Nnewi Metropolis

2021 ◽  
pp. 34-41
Author(s):  
Chioma Maureen Obi ◽  
Anikpe Chinwoke Akunna ◽  
Ifeanyi Onyema Oshim ◽  
Bright Unaeze ◽  
Okeke Monique Ugochukwu
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Diagnostic Performance ◽  
Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Recovery Rates ◽  
Concentration Technique ◽  
Wet Mount ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Positive Results

Background: Geohelminths are groups of four intestinal soil transmitted parasites.They are of public health concern due to their serious morbidity they cause in children which are the major groups affected. Aim/Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of wet mount and concentration techniques of stool and soil samples for identification of geohelminths. Methodology: Eighty stool samples were collected from four primary schools, while forty soil samples were collected from the important sites (playground, and classroom areas) in each of the school accessed. The stool samples were examined with the wet preparation and formol-ether concentration technique, while the soil samples were examined with the formol-ether concentration technique. Ethical approval was sought from the Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology. Results: The results of geohelminths showed an overall prevalence of 6.25% (5/80) from the stool samples, and 27.5% (11/40) obtained from the soil. Recovery rates from the stool showed the presence of only two geohelminth;Hookworm (5%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (1.25%). Out of the four schools examined only three showed positive results with geohelminth infections, while the remaining school showed positive results with only Giardia.lamblia. The recovery rates from the soil also showed the same pattern of distribution as with the stool but with a higher prevalence of Hookworm (20.7%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (7.5%) with the toilet areas showing the highest prevalence (50%). The dominant specie of geohelminth observed in both stool and soil was Hookworm. The results also showed that both male (6%) and female (6.7%) are susceptible to the infection with no significant difference between their prevalances (p>0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of Hook worm was poorly reported by wet mount technique.The diagnostic performance of concentration methods for the diagnosis of Hook worms in the samples was notably high as compared to wet mount techniques.

scholarly journals Agar Plate Culture: An Alternative Sensitive Routine Laboratory Detection Method for Strongyloides stercoralis and Hookworm Parasites

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tadesse HAILU ◽  
Endalkachew NIBRET ◽  
Arancha AMOR ◽  
Abaineh MUNSHEA ◽  
Melaku ANEGAGRIE
Keyword(s):  
Detection Rate ◽  
Agar Plate ◽  
Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Diagnostic Agreement ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Concentration Technique ◽  
Kappa Value ◽  
Stool Samples

Background: Human infection with Strongyloides stercoralis and hookworm parasites is usually under reported due to less sensitive diagnostic methods. Agar plate culture (APC) is the most sensitive technique for parasites having larval stage. However, using APC in routine diagnosis is uncommon. This study aimed to determine the detection rate and sensitivity of APC in comparison with formal ether concentration technique (FECT) and spontaneous tube sedimentation techniques (STSTs) for S. stercoralis and hookworm larvae. Methods: Stool samples collected from 844 schoolchildren in Amhara Regional State, northwestern Ethiopia in 2019, transported to nearby health institutions and processed by APC, FECT and STSTs. The prevalence of S. stercoralis and hookworm was computed by descriptive statistics and Chi-square. The diagnostic agreement among the three techniques was evaluated using Kappa value. Results: The overall prevalence of S. stercoralis and hookworm infections by combining the three methods was 13.2% (111/844) and 33.8% (277/844), respectively. Using APC alone, the prevalence of S. stercoralis and hookworm were found to be 10.9% (92/844) and 24.5% (207/844), respectively. Agar plate culture was 5.4 and 2.7 times respectively more sensitive than FECT and STST, with slight and fair agreement in the detection of S. stercoralis. Hookworm diagnostic agreement was moderate between APC and FECT, and APC and STST. The Kappa value between STST and FECT diagnostic methods was substantial. Conclusion: APC has a better detection rate of S stercoralis and hookworm larvae. Therefore, APC can be used as an alternative routine diagnostic method to S. stercoralis and hookworm co-endemic countries.

scholarly journals Improved Cryptosporidium case findings using immunofluorescent microscopy on concentrated stool

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 300-303
Author(s):  
D. Cox ◽  
F.J.L. Robberts
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Yield ◽  
Fluorescent Microscopy ◽  
Simultaneous Detection ◽  
Microbiological Analysis ◽  
Diagnostic Laboratory ◽  
Wet Mount ◽  
Cryptosporidium Oocysts ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Stool Specimens ◽  
Positive Results

Background: Diarrhoea is a major cause of morbidity in Cape Town, South Africa, and mortality is attributed to a failure to recognize the severity of the condition. Cryptosporidium and Giardia are increasingly recognized as important causes of diarrhoea in Africa however, suboptimal diagnostic techniques may lead to underappreciation of their significance. Our objectives are to compare the diagnostic yield of direct immunofluorescent antigen (DFA) microscopy on concentrated stool samples for Cryptosporidium and Giardia, with the current approach of wet mount microscopy for Giardia and auramine fluorescent stain for Cryptosporidium on unconcentrated stool.Methodology: Stool specimens (n=104) received at our hospital laboratory for routine microbiological investigations were used for the study. Direct wet-mount auramine-phenol fluorescent microscopy (auramine) detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts and wet mount iodine microscopy for Giardia detection, were performed on unconcentrated stool samples, while DFA stain for simultaneous detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia was performed on sodium-acetate formalin concentrated stool samples. The diagnostic yields of the tests were compared using the MEDCALC® version 18.0Results: Of the 104 stool specimens received for microbiological analysis, only 66 (63.5%) had specific Cryptosporidium requests while 38 (36.5%) had no Cryptosporidium specific requests. Of the 66 specimens, 9 (13.6%) were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts with DFA while only 1 (1.5%) was positive with auramine staining (p=0.013). The one auramine-positive specimen was also positive by DFA. Auramine stain microscopy gave a sensitivity of 11.1% (95%CI: 0.28-48.25%) and specificity of 100% (95%CI: 93.7%-100%) when compared to DFA. Of the 38 stool specimens without specific Cryptosporidium request, DFA yielded 5 (13.2%) additional positive results. Taken together, Cryptosporidium was detected in 14/104 (13.5%; 95%CI: 8.36–21.7%) specimens and only 1 of 14 (7.1%) specimens with the current routine laboratory testing approach. Giardia was detected by DFA in 3/104 (0.9%) specimens, while direct iodine wet mount microscopy did not yield any positive results (0%). All 3 Giardia-positive specimens had Cryptosporidium oocysts detected by DFA.Conclusion: These data suggest that a large proportion of Cryptosporidium cases remain undetected by the laboratory due to suboptimal testing methods, and failure by clinicians to specifically request for Cryptosporidium detection. There is need to periodically assess the effectiveness of diagnostic microbiology laboratory approaches to diarrhoea, and access to improved diagnostic laboratory techniques will contribute to more accurate differential diagnosis and a broadened understanding of local aetiology of diarrhoea diseases in Africa. Keywords: Cryptosporidium, Giardia, diarrhoea, stool concentration, DFA, microscopy French Title: Amélioration des découvertes de cas de Cryptosporidium à l'aide de la microscopie immunofluorescente sur des selles concentrées Contexte: La diarrhée est une cause majeure de morbidité au Cap, en Afrique du Sud, et la mortalité est attribuée à l'incapacité de reconnaître la gravité de la maladie. Cryptosporidium et Giardia sont de plus en plus reconnus comme des causes importantes de diarrhée en Afrique, cependant, des techniques de diagnostic sous-optimales peuvent conduire à une sous-estimation de leur importance. Nos objectifs sont de comparer le rendement diagnostique de la microscopie à antigène immunofluorescent direct (DFA) sur des échantillons de selles concentrées pour Cryptosporidium et Giardia, avec l'approche actuelle de la microscopie à montage humide pour Giardia et la coloration fluorescente auramine pour Cryptosporidium sur des selles non concentrées.Méthodologie: Des échantillons de selles (n=104) reçus au laboratoire de notre hôpital pour des examens microbiologiques de routine ont été utilisés pour l'étude. La détection directe par microscopie fluorescente auramine-phénol à montage humide (auramine) des oocystes de Cryptosporidium et la microscopie à l'iode à montage humide pour la détection de Giardia, ont été effectuées sur des échantillons de selles non concentrées, tandis que la coloration DFA pour la détection simultanée de Cryptosporidium et de Giardia a été réalisée sur de l'acétate de sodium formaline concentré échantillons de selles. Les rendements diagnostiques des tests ont étécomparés à l'aide de MEDCALC® version 18.0Résultats: Sur les 104 échantillons de selles reçus pour l'analyse microbiologique, seuls 66 (63,5%) avaient des demandes spécifiques de Cryptosporidium tandis que 38 (36,5%) n'avaient pas de demandes spécifiques de Cryptosporidium. Sur les 66 échantillons, 9 (13,6%) étaient positifs pour les oocystes de Cryptosporidium avec DFA tandis que seulement 1 (1,5%) était positif avec coloration à l'auramine (p=0,013). Le seul échantillon positif à l'auramine était également positif au DFA. La microscopie à l'auramine a donné une sensibilité de 11,1% (IC 95%: 0,28-48,25%) et une spécificité de 100% (IC 95%: 93,7% -100%) par rapport au DFA. Sur les 38 échantillons de selles sans demande spécifique de Cryptosporidium, le DFA a donné 5 (13,2%) résultats positifs supplémentaires. Pris ensemble, Cryptosporidium a été détecté dans 14/104 (13,5%; IC à 95%: 8,36–21,7%) et seulement 1 des 14 échantillons (7,1%) avec l'approche actuelle des tests de routine en laboratoire. Giardia a été détecté par DFA dans 3/104 (0,9%) échantillons, tandis que la microscopie directe à l'iode sur monture humide n'a donné aucun résultat positif (0%). Les 3 échantillons positifs à Giardia avaient des oocystes deCryptosporidium détectés par DFA.Conclusion: Ces données suggèrent qu'une grande proportion des cas de Cryptosporidium ne sont pas détectés par le laboratoire en raison de méthodes de test sous-optimales et de l'échec des cliniciens à demander spécifiquement la détection de Cryptosporidium. Il est nécessaire d'évaluer périodiquement l'efficacité des approches de laboratoire de microbiologie diagnostique pour la diarrhée, et l'accès à des techniques de laboratoire de diagnostic améliorées contribuera à un diagnostic différentiel plus précis et à une compréhension élargie de l'étiologie locale des maladies diarrhéiques en Afrique. Mots clés: Cryptosporidium, Giardia, diarrhée, concentration des selles, DFA, microscopie

scholarly journals A demographic survey on the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites based on socioeconomic determinants in Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 1738-1743
Author(s):  
Shumaila Irum ◽  
Arbab Ahsan ◽  
Haroon Ahmed ◽  
Aisha Khan ◽  
Guan Yayi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Contaminated Water ◽  
Demographic Information ◽  
Protozoan Parasites ◽  
Public Health Concern ◽  
Surrounding Environment ◽  
Wet Mount ◽  
Stool Samples

Introduction: The present study was conducted to investigate prevalence of intestinal parasites and the risk factors related to socio-demographic characteristics of patients admitted in pathology ward, General Hospital, Gujranwala. Methodology: 318 stool samples were collected from patients and examined under light microscope by using wet mount technique. While socio-demographic information was collected in the form of a questionnaire. Results: The results showed seven (n = 7) species of intestinal parasites were prevalent in stool samples of patients. Among them, four (n = 4) were helminth and three (n = 3) were protozoan parasites causing single and mixed infections. Overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 78.3% (n = 249/318) considering both male and female patients. Highest prevalence was recorded for A. lumbricoides (n = 125, 39.3%) followed by H. nana (n = 10, 3.1%), S. stercoralis and T. saginata (n = 6, 1.9%). Among protozoan parasites, higher prevalence was recorded in G. lamblia (n = 23, 7.2%) followed by E. histolytica (n = 21, 6.6%). Among single infections, the most prevalent parasite was A. lumbricoides and less prevalent parasites were S. stercoralis and T. saginata. The factors that had significant effect (p < 0.05) on prevalence of parasitic species were contaminated water, food, soil, and surrounding environment. Conclusions: The present study determined that the parasite helminth (A. lumbricoides, H. nana, S. stercoralis, T. saginata) and protozoan (G. lamblia and E. histolytica) are common that pose an important public health concern in Pakistan.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Geohelminths in Garden Soil in Emohua Local Government Area in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 48-56
Author(s):  
Adedokun Ambali Amudatu ◽  
Gboeloh Lebari Barine ◽  
Elele Kingsley
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Local Government Area ◽  
Garden Soil ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Concentration Technique ◽  
Microscopy Data ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Rivers State

Introduction: Geohelminths are parasites which perform part of their life cycle in the soil, where eggs are embryonated and then larvae become viable, being in both stages able to infect their hosts, depending on the species and can affect humans. Aim: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of geohelminths in garden soil in Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State in Nigeria. Methods: Soil samples from the cultivated area of Rumuakunde and Isiodu district were selected for the study. 164 soil samples were examined for a period of April to May 2019. Geohelminth concentration technique was carried out using zinc sulphate floatation technique and under light microscopy. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and Chi square (X2) test. Results: The overall prevalence rate of geohelminths found was 20(12.2%) out of 164 soil samples examined from the selected farm lands. Isiodu Farm F had the highest prevalence of 60% (12/20) followed by   Rumuakunde Farm B, C and E of prevalence 20% (4/20), 15% (3/20) and 5% (1/20) respectively. This distribution among the farm lands were found to be statistically significant (p - <0.05). Hookworm laevae 70% (14/20) and Strongyloides stercoralis 30% (6/20) were geohelminths identified. Other geohelminths were not implicated. Conclusion: This result of this study has shown that, geohelminths are more prevalent in Isiodu farm lands. The risk of contracting infection is high in these farm locations despite its low prevalence. There is need for zero tolerance to soil contamination.

scholarly journals Occurrence of Strongyloides stercoralis in rural areas adjacent to Dhaka city

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 313-320
Author(s):  
Laila Fahria ◽  
Aleya Begum ◽  
Mandira Mukutmoni
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Educational Status ◽  
Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Financial Condition ◽  
Concentration Technique ◽  
Potential Risk Factors ◽  
Stool Samples

The present study was designed to investigate Strongyloides stercoralis infection in rural communities of Savar and Gazipur. A total of 160 stool samples were collected from the inhabitants of the study areas during December 2016 to November 2017. The samples were processed by direct smear, formol-ether concentration technique and Harada-Mori culture. The overall prevalence of S. stercoralis was 10.63%; 11% in Savar and 10% in Gazipur. The elderly people were more prone to S. stercoralis infection. No respondent belonging to age group of 11-20 years was found positive for infection. Poor educational status, inferior financial condition and inadequate hygiene practice were found as potential risk factors (P<0.05). Noticeable prevalence was observed among the respondents living in mud floored house (13.46%), irregular nail clippers (22.73%), bare footers (14.89%) and laborers (27.27%) in Savar. Prevalence was high among the respondents deprived of institutional education (17.86%) in Gazipur. Bangladesh J. Zool. 48(2): 313-320, 2020

scholarly journals Prevalence and Transmission of Soil Transmitted Helminths among Farmers Living Along the Metropolitan Section of River Kaduna, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 88-97
Author(s):  
Salamatu Abdulmalik Mohammed ◽  
Philip Anthony Vantsawa ◽  
A. A. Haroon ◽  
Karderam Bukar Dikwa ◽  
Adam Musa Bature ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Health Maintenance ◽  
Soil Transmitted Helminths ◽  
Wet Mount ◽  
Male Farmer ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
And Gender

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are one of the world’s most important causes of physical and intellectual growth retardation. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence and transmission of soil-transmitted helminths among farmers living along the metropolitan section of river Kaduna, Nigeria. Two billion people are infected globally and four billion at risk of infection to STH. Nigeria ranking first globally, accounts for about 156 million cases of STH. A total of 210 stool samples were randomly collected from farmers of seven (7) different farms located along the riverbank. The stool samples collected were examined for STHs using direct wet mount and formal ether sedimentation techniques. Questionnaires were administered to the farmers to assess their hygiene, sanitation, and health maintenance. The prevalence of STH based on the farmers' age and gender was also determined. Out of the total stool samples collected, 81(38.6%) were infected with at least one out of the four STH eggs. The eggs of hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides were the only helminths eggs detected. Hookworm was found to have a prevalence of 54.3% while A. lumbricoides have a prevalence of 45.7%. Strongyloides stercoralis and Trichuris tichuira both were found to have 0% prevalence. The risk factors such as personal hygiene, sanitation and health maintenance were found to have a significant influence on the prevalence (38.6%) (P<0.05) of STH among the farmers. The age prevalence shows that group 10 – 25 have the highest prevalence of 81.3% while age 36 – 45 shows the lowest prevalence of 2.4%. The gender prevalence shows that male farmers have the highest prevalence of 41.4% out of the total infected farmers (81). The findings could be as a result of farmers’ hygiene, sanitation and health maintenance on their various farms and their use of contaminated farm tools which acts as a medium for the transmission of the parasite eggs, while the younger age group work more hours than the older age group and the male farmer spends more time in the farm than the female.

scholarly journals The Prevalence Of Intestinal Parasitic Infestation In A Tertiary Care Hospital-A Retrospective Study

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ganesh Kumar Singh ◽  
Kamal Prasad Parajuli ◽  
Medhavi Shrestha ◽  
Santwana Pandey ◽  
Shekhar Chandra Yadav
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
College Teaching ◽  
Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Concentration Technique ◽  
Intestinal Parasitosis ◽  
Stool Samples

Intestinal parasitosis is highly prevalent among the general population in Nepal. This study aimed to evaluate the distribution of intestinal parasites among patients attending Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal. A total of 5,524 stool samples examined by direct smear and Formal-Ether concentration technique were reported. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was found to be 15.17% (M=15.65% vs F=14.62%). The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was found to be highest among patients aged 5-14 years (20.66%), followed by elderly people aged > 45 years (16.20%) and least among children aged < 5 years (9.09%). Among various parasites detected, the most common was Entamoeba histolytica (44.86%) followed by Giardia lamblia (33.65%), hookworm (10.50%), Ascaris lumbricoides (5.72%), Strongyloides stercoralis (4.77%), Hymenolepis nana (3.34%), Trichuris trichiura (0.95%) and Enterobius vermicularis (0.23%) respectively. Journal of Nobel Medical College Vol. 2, No.1 Issue 3 Nov.-April 2013 Page 13-17 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jonmc.v2i1.7666

Covid-19: A review of its clinical features, effects on gastrointestinal system and possibility of faecal transmission

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 623-627
Author(s):  
Kanishk K Adhit ◽  
Anjankar Ashish P ◽  
Siddhaarth K
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Throat Swab ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Gastrointestinal System ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Significant Evidence ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
High Possibility ◽  
Positive Results

In China, Wuhan in the province of China, COVID-19 a patient suffering from pneumonia was tested and to identify the cause, the throat swab of the patient was tested. On 7th January 2020 WHO declared the identification as COVID-19. And then it was proclaimed as a pandemic. It classically causes a respiratory illness presenting as a mild cough, fever and . However, several investigators have advocated the involvement of the gastrointestinal tract and liver in COVID-19 infection similar to other infections. Further research studies have shown results that are expanding the possibility of transmission because RT-PCR assessment has shown significant evidence for the presence of virus not only in samples but also in stool samples. Studies have shown that virus in stool samples have got positive results even after the illness has resolved, and two respiratory tests were done 24 hours after COVID-19 being tested negative. The review article the different findings of the clinical presentation of COVID-19. It sheds light on the effects of COVID-19 in the gastrointestinal system along with the reasons for the high possibility of transmission of COVID-19 through the route.

scholarly journals Strongyloides stercoralis Infestation in a Child: How a Nematode Can Affect Gut Microbiota

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 2131
Author(s):  
Stefania Pane ◽  
Anna Sacco ◽  
Andrea Iorio ◽  
Lorenza Romani ◽  
Lorenza Putignani
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Alpha Diversity ◽  
Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽  
Pulmonary Involvement ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Parasite Infection ◽  
Intestinal Nematode ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Stool Samples

Background: Strongyloidiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the intestinal nematode Strongyloides stercoralis and characterized by gastrointestinal and pulmonary involvement. We report a pediatric case of strongyloidiasis to underline the response of the host microbiota to the perturbation induced by the nematode. Methods: We performed a 16S rRNA-metagenomic analysis of the gut microbiota of a 7-year-old female during and after S. stercolaris infection, investigating three time-point of stool samples’ ecology: T0- during parasite infection, T1- a month after parasite infection, and T2- two months after parasite infection. Targeted-metagenomics were used to investigate ecology and to predict the functional pathways of the gut microbiota. Results: an increase in the alpha-diversity indices in T0-T1 samples was observed compared to T2 and healthy controls (CTRLs). Beta-diversity analysis showed a shift in the relative abundance of specific gut bacterial species from T0 to T2 samples. Moreover, the functional prediction of the targeted-metagenomics profiles suggested an enrichment of microbial glycan and carbohydrate metabolisms in the T0 sample compared with CTRLs. Conclusions: The herein report reinforces the literature suggestion of a putative direct or immune-mediated ability of S. stercolaris to promote the increase in bacterial diversity.

Current status of soil-transmitted helminthiases among pre-school and school-aged children from Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

2010 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 234-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
O.A. Sowemimo ◽  
S.O. Asaolu
Keyword(s):  
Private Schools ◽  
Private School ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Government Schools ◽  
Government School ◽  
Soil Transmitted Helminths ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Stool Samples

AbstractA cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminths among pre-school and school-aged children attending nursery and primary schools in Ile-Ife. Single stool samples were collected between January and March, 2009 from 352 children randomly selected from a total of 456 children attending both private and government schools. The stool samples were processed using the modified Kato–Katz technique, and then examined for the eggs of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs). One hundred and twenty-one (34.4%) samples were positive for STH eggs. The overall prevalences of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm were 33.2%, 3.7% and 0.9%, respectively. The prevalence of STH infection in government schools (47.8%) was significantly higher than in private schools (16.1%) (P < 0.001). The most common type of mixed infection was the combination of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura (6.8%). The prevalence and intensity of A. lumbricoides rose with age. The lowest prevalence and intensity (7.7%; 0.240 ± 0.136 eggs per gram (epg)) were recorded in the 2- to 3-year-old age group, while the highest prevalence and intensity (58.7%; 1.820 ± 0.237 epg) were recorded in children aged 10 years and above. A questionnaire survey indicated that 73% of the children attending private school had been treated with anthelminthics less than 2 months prior to the collection of stool specimens, while 43% of the children attending government school received anthelminthic treatment during the same period. The findings indicate that STH infections are endemic among schoolchildren in Ile-Ife and that the burden of parasitic infections is greater in government schools than in private schools.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document