Relative prevalences of Ascaris lumbricoides and Entamoeba histolytica infections in school children at Yauri Emirate of Kebbi state, northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

A study was conducted among school children in Yauri Emirate of Nigeria to determine the relative prevalences of Ascaris lumbricoides and Entamoeba histolytica infections. Between May and September 2005 a total of 327 faecal samples from children were collected and examined using formal-ether concentration technique, and diagnosis based on identification of characteristic Ascaris ova or Amoebic cysts in feces. A total of 142 children examined were infected with either of these parasites, representing 43.43%. The overall prevalences of A. lumbricoides and E. histolytica were 26.30 and 17.15% respectively. The results showed that these parasites are highly prevalent in the area.

Keywords: Prevalences, A. lumbriciodes, E. histolytica, infections, school children, Nigeria

International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(1): 81-84, 2010