PREVALENCE OF ANCYLOSTOMA DUODENALE AND TRICURIS TRICHIURA INFECTIONS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN A PART OF EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

摘要

Ancylostoma duodenale and Tricuris trichiura infections are among the leading causesof child morbidity in the developing countries like Nigeria. This cross-sectional studywas carried out to determine the prevalence of these parasites among primary schoolchildren. F aecal samples from 175 pupils randomly selected from four primary schoolsin Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, were examined using directmicroscopy and sodium chloride floatation techniques. A well structured questionnairewas used to obtain information from participants. Results showed overall prevalenceof 14. 9 for both parasites. A. duodenale was more prevalent(10.9) than T trichiura(4.0). The highest prevalence of the parasites occurred in pupils between the agegroup 10-12 years (27.1); pupils who used pond as source of water supply hadprevalence of 24. 5; pupils who practiced bush defecation system had (16.0) andpupils whose parents were farmers had (19.5). There was no statistical relationshipbetween gender, parents' occupation, location of schools and infection (P 0.05). The implication of infection of the pupils with these parasites is a potential interferencewith the quality of their life. Provision of basic amenities such as portable water supply,standard toilets facilities in public places is recommended to help reduce the rate oftransmission ofthe parasites.