Prevalence of Soil Transmitted Helminthes (STHs) among Pupils of Community Primary Schools in Nkpor and Mgbodohia Communities in Rivers State, Nigeria

Soil transmitted helminthes (STHs) are common public health concern among children in Sub saharan Africa. A study to determine the prevalence and intensity of these parasites among pupils of two primary schools in Nkpor and Mgbodohia communities, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria was conducted. The formo-ether concentration technique was used to concentrate and separate the eggs and cysts from the faeces. Out of 107 pupils (56 males and 51 females) investigated, 81(75.7%) were positive for at least one gastrointestinal helminth. The parasites identified included Ascaris lumbricoide (60.5%), Hookworms (23.5%), Trichirus trichiura (13.6%) and A. lumbricoide + T. trichiura (2.5%). Ascaris lumbricoide was significantly (P= .05) higher in prevalence than other parasites. Although more males (53.1%) were infected than females (47.0%), there was no significance (P=.05) difference in the prevalence in relation to sex. Of the 43 males infected, 26(46.4%), 6(10.7%), 11(19.6%) and 0(0%) haboured A. lumbricoide, T. trichiura, Hookworms and mixed infection (A. lumbricoide + T. trichiura) repectively. Out of the 38 females infected, 23(45.1%), 5(9.8%), 8(15.7%) and 2(3.9%) haboured A. lumbricoide, T. trichiura, Hookworms and mixed infection (A. lumbricoide + T. trichiura) repectively. There was no significance difference in the prevalence of A. lumbricoide between males (46.4%) and females (45.1%). There was significant difference in prevalence of soil transmited helminthes (STHs) among two major age groups (5-10years-47.0% and 11-15years-44.4%). Children within the age group of 16-20years had the least infection (8.6%). The intensities of A. umbricoide, T. trichiura and hookworm were 246.5, 107.5 and 187 Epg respectively. The intensity of A. lumbricoide was significantly higher than other parasites identified. Soil transmited helminthes remain a public health concern among children in the study area. Provision of portable water, toilet facilities, good education on the epidemiology of STHs and regular de-worming exercise will enhance control measures.