Prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections in school children in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Intestinal helminthiasis is a public health problem affecting mainly children. Prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections in children aged 1 – 15 years in Gwagwalada, Nigeria which has not been documented necessitated the present study.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections among school children in Gwagwaglada, Nigeria.
Methods: Cross-sectional study was carried out from June to November, 2011 in public schools using multi-staged, random sampling. Multiple stool samples were analyzed using Kato-Katz technique; Enterobius ova was searched for using single anal swab.

Results: Of 220 subjects studied, 161(73.2%) had at least one helminth ovum in stool or anal swab. Multiple helminthic infections were more predominant than single infections, (P < 0.01). Helminth species identified were Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, hookworms, Enterobius vermicularis, Taenia and Trichostrongylus. Ascaris lumbricoides was commonest species observed (40.9%), while Trichostrongylus species was least common (2.3%). Intensity of infection was light. Children aged 6 – 10 years had highest prevalence of helminthic infections, (P= 0.034). Females had higher and more multiple helminthic infections than males, (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: Intestinal helminth burden in school children in Gwagwalada, Nigeria is high, with multiple infections predominating. This data will be useful for development of effective control strategies against intestinal helminths.

Keywords: Helminths; prevalence; Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria