Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Abstract

Prevalence of Gastro-Intestinal Parasitic Infection among School Children in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Nigeria

Emmanuel I Michael, Austin Abah and Peace Marcus

Intestinal parasitic infection is a serious and continuous health issue in Nigeria due to the suboptimal nature of sanitary equipment and housing facilities. Knowing the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among primary school pupils is a very vital concern to develop appropriate control measure in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State (PHALGA). A total of 250 children were examined. A study to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was conducted. A Structured questionnaire was used to establish environmental, behavioral and sociodemographic factors of the pupils. Stool samples were collected from all study subjects into sterile sample bottles and examined for parasites using a direct smear and formol-ether concentration technique. The results were analyzed statistically using GraphPad prism version 7 statistical tool. A total of 24.8% (62 of 250 children) carried on intestinal parasite. The most prevalent intestinal parasites identified were Ascaris lumbricoides (12.4%), Trichuris trichiura (6.8%) and hookworm (5.6%). This study indicated that the prevalence of intestinal parasites is associated with drinking unprotected well/spring water and less educated parents who do not practice hand washing before meal. Therefore, interventions such as chemotherapy, provision of adequate sanitary facilities and portable drinking water, improved personal hygiene and health education should be considered and implemented. Thus, these segments of the population should be considered by governmental and nongovernmental health institutes for any community-based intervention program.