Survey on Helminth Parasites Associated With Human Fingernails among Primary School Pupils in Batagarawa Local Government Area, Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

Helminth parasitic infections have become a global public health concern and their burden is much higher among children of school age, especially in tropical and sub-tropical developing countries. In primary schools environments, children have proven to be more susceptible for acquiring helminth parasites through fingernails. This present study investigated intestinal parasites associated with the fingernails of primary school pupils in Batagarawa Local Government, Katsina State, Nigeria. It was conducted from 15 August to 10 December 2017. Subjects (n=146) swab samples were obtained from 146 subjects and put into a clean sterile container containing normal saline. A drop of the mixture was transferred to the centre of the scrupulously cleaned grease-free slide using sterile plastic Pasteur pipettes and carefully covered with a cover slip, avoiding air bubbles and over floatation. Direct microscopic examination of the samples for ova/eggs of helminths and/or cysts of other protozoan parasites was done. Out of the 146 specimens, 68 (45.9%) were positive for one or more parasites. The parasites identified with single infection were Ascaris lumbricoides, Taenia species, Trichuris trichiura, Hookworm and Enterobius vermicularis. For the mixed infection, we have 04 (6.0%) Taenia spp + A. lumbricoides and 02 (3.0%) Hookworm + E. vermicularis, A. lumbricoides 31 (46.3%) was found to be the most prevalent parasite followed by Trichuris trichiura 11 (14.9%), Taenia species, 10 (14.9%), Hookworm 07 (10.4%) and Enterobius vermicularis 03 (4.5%). Chi Square analysis showed statistically significant between gender versus infection and age versus infection (P<0.05). There is a need for health education campaigns to create awareness about health and hygiene to the pupils and to the parents.