Pages: (11-27 )
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Pre-school and school-age children are high-risk groups for soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection. In
Ogun State, public sanitary facilities are lacking particularly in public schools and where present they are inadequate.
Children habitually play with soil ignorantly, eat or pick up food from the soil and some are in the habit of walking
barefoot. Hence this study was designed to investigate soil as a risk factor in association with parasites distribution
patterns in public primary schools within Ijebu Ode, Nigeria, using selected public primary schools.
Method: A total of 96 soil samples were collected between 6a.m and 11a.m, from April and May 2019. Approximately
100g of soil was collected randomly at a depth of 2-3cm from 3 different locations within a sampling area:
playground, toilet area, and refuse dumpsite areas. Soil samples were transported to the laboratory and analyzed using
modified Baermanns’ culture technique and Cobbs’ sieving and decanting method. The prevalence and intensity of
parasites in the soil samples were determined using the standard method. Questionnaires were administered and analysed.
Results: Out of a total of 96 soil samples examined in the four schools enrolled for this study, 52 (54.2%) samples
were contaminated with at least one STH species. The types and specific prevalence of parasites species encountered
are Ova of Ascaris (42;15.5%), Trichiuris (4;3.7%), and larvae of hookworm (119;44.1%), Strongyloides (51;18.9%).
Ansarudeen Primary School (APS) had the highest prevalence with a rate of 29.6% followed by Baptist Day
Primary School (BPPS) (26.2%), Moslem Primary School (MPS) (24.8%), and the least (20.0%) was recorded for
Christ Church Primary School (CCPS).
Conclusion: The risk of infection with Hookworm, Ascaris, and Strongyloides detected in all the schools suggests
that each student in all these schools is more likely to acquire these parasites. The outcome of the spatial distribution
of parasites in this study poses a threat as contact between infectious and susceptible individuals cannot be ruled
out. This study will assist in planning targeted control and intervention programs.
Keywords: Prevalence, Soil-transmitted helminths, Ascaris, Strongyloides, Hookwo,