Study of Human Gastro-Intestinal Parasites Among Primary School Children in Ibule Soro Community of Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study on the prevalence of human gastro-intestinal parasites among 350 primary school children in Ibule Soro village of Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State was carried out between January and March 2003. Age, sex and other relevant epidemiological information were recorded on numbered data sheets. Stool samples were collected into wide-mouthed specimen bottles and preserved in 10% formal saline. They were examined using the direct smear technique and the formol ether concentration method. The results suggest a very high prevalence of intestinal parasitosis (40.9%) among the pupils. Four different intestinal parasites were encountered. The respective infection rates of each parasite were; Ascaris lumbricoides (14.9%), Entamoeba histolytica (13.7%), Trichuris trichiura (6.9%) and hookworms (5.4%). Infections cut across the different age groups and sexes. Infection in males (40.6%) was comparable to that in females (41.3%). Cases of multiple infections showed that Ascaris lumbricoides occurred frequently in double infections with hookworms or Trichuris trichiura. In triple infections, only the triad of A. lumbricoides, hookworm and Trichuris trichiura was found. The parasitological significance of these observations was highlighted by this study.

Key words: gastro-intestinal, parasitosis, prevalence, school children

Journal of Medical Laboratory Science Vol.13(1) 2004: 62 - 65