Survey of the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children of primary school age.

A survey of the prevalence of intestinal parasites in primary school children was carried out in Nimo in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Stool samples were taken from children belonging to eight (8) primary schools in the area. Of the 1,536 stool samples examined using light microscopy after formalether centrifugation, 922 (60%) harboured one or more parasites. The prevalence of the parasites was as follows: Ascaris lumbricoides (20.8%); Trichuris trichiura, (15.3%); Necator americanus (13.0%); Entamoeba histolytica (6.8%); Taenia saginata (2.3%); Strongyloides stercoralis (1.3%); Schistosoma mansoni (0.3%); Giardia lamblia (0.1%). The overall infection was 31.9% for males and 27.5% for females. Infection was more prevalent in male and female children (10-12 years). Mixed infections were observed. Entamoeba histolytica combinations with other disease agents were more frequently encountered. The public health significance of these disease agents and methods of prevention were discussed.