Evaluation of hookworm infections and some haematological parameters amongst primary and secondary schools children in Aba Metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

Hookworm infections and some haematological parameter among children were assessed in five different schools in Aba metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria. Blood and Stool samples were collected and analysed, following ethical approval and consent from parents and teachers of the subjects. Stool samples were analyzed using standard parasitological technique, from the blood samples, Haemoglobin (Hb) levels, Esinophils and white blood cell counts (WBC) were determined. Out of 1500 samples examined, 120 (8.0%) were positive for Hookworm infection. There was variation in infection rate by school and there is significant difference in the prevalence of Hookworm infection within the schools (P<0.05). Sex related  prevalence showed that infection was higher in females 8.17% than in males 7.89%. It was observed that hookworm infection is dependent on sex and age (P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between hookworm infection and Haemoglobin levels both in female and male subjects. Eosinophil count and hookworm infection by sex and age revealed that there is a correlation between hookworm infection and eosinophilia counts. There was an increase in eosinophilia with high rate of hookworm infection in the age group of 10 – 13 years. This result showed that there is higher value of eosinophilia in female children than in male children (P <0.05). White blood cell counts (WBC) showed a proportional variation with hookworm infection in both male and female (P<0.05). In conclusion, Hookworm infection is relatively high among the children in Aba metropolis and the relationships between hookworm infection and Haemoglobin, Eosinophil and white blood cells were established.

Keywords: Hookworm infections, Haemoglobin, Eosinophils, Leucocytes, School Children, Aba Metropolis