Enteric parasitic infections among secondary school students in Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Parasitic infections are influenced by behavioural, biological, environmental and local conditions while enteric parasitic infections have been reported as a public health concern in developing countries. This study aimed at determining the enteric parasitic infections among secondary school students in Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria.

Methods: A total of 200 participants that consisted of 87 males and 113 females were recruited for this study. The age of participants ranged from 11 to 33 years. Both blood and stool specimens were collected from each participant. The blood specimens were analyzed for haemoglobin concentration while the stool specimens were processed for intestinal parasites.

Results: An overall prevalence of 12% of enteric parasitic infection was observed in this study. Age, gender, marital status, anaemia and type of toilet significantly affected the prevalence of enteric parasitic infections. E. histolytica, G. lamblia, A. lumbricoides, H. nana, and Taenia species were the parasites recovered with E. histolytica and A. lumbricoides as the most prevalent enteric parasites recovered. A. lumbricoides was the most prevalent parasite across the age groups, male, married participants and those who are anaemic. There was no case of mixed infection of enteric parasites observed in this study.

Conclusion: Measures to improve the environmental and personal hygiene of secondary school students with the view of reducing the associated sequelae of these neglected enteric parasites are advocated

Keywords: Enteric parasites, Gusau, Nigeria, Students