Impact Of Polyparasitism On The Haemoglobin Values Of Primary School Children In Akpet Central Biasenigeria

Abstract

The relationship between parasitic infections and development of anemia was investigated among pupils of Presbyterian primary school, and Government primary School Akpet Central in Biase Local Government Area, Cross River State of Nigeria. A total of 420 stool and corresponding blood samples were collected and examined for the presence of parasites and anemia respectively. The stool samples were examined using the direct smear and floatation techniques while haemoglobin was determined using the cynmethaemoglobin method. The result obtained revealed high prevalence of Plasmodium falciparun (65.0%, 273/420) and intestinal parasites (78.1%, 328/420) with the associated anemia. Ascaris lumbricoides was the commonest parasite seen (71.88%, 230/420), followed closely by hook worm (68.90%, 226/420). Infection with intestinal protozoa was few while no tape worm was seen. There was significant differences (P<0.05) in the haemoglobin levels between the infected and the uninfected pupils; there was however no significant difference (P<0.05) in the infection rate by sex. From the observation of the results, malaria
and intestinal parasites are major contributing factors of anemia among school pupils in Akpet Central. The results are further examined while recommendations for the control of these infections in this locality are highlighted.