ActaSATECH Journal of Life and Physical Sciences: ISSN: 15971007

PREVALENCE AND INTENSITY STUDIES OF SOIL-TRANSMITTED HELMINTHS IN SOME SELECTED PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN IJEBU-ODE, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Authors: Adewoga T. O S, Adediran O A, Adenusi A A, Olorunmaye O O,

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,

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