The epidemiology of Ascaris lumbricoides and other soil-transmitted helminths in primary school children from Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

An epidemiological survey of intestinal helminthiases was conducted on 766 primary school children aged 5-16 years from Ile-Ife, Nigeria. On the basis of stool examinations, the prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis was 88.5, 84.5, 33.1 and 3% respectively. Intensity of infection was measured indirectly by egg counts for each species of helminth and also by counting worms passed after chemotherapy in the case of A. lumbricoides. The influence of host age and sex on infection levels was assessed. Relationships between the intensities of A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura and hookworm in individual children were identified. After anthelmintic treatment with levamisole, the frequency distribution of A. lumbricoides per host and the relationship between parasite fecundity and worm burden were investigated. Reinfection patterns of A. lumbricoides were assessed at two 6-monthly intervals and even within the narrow age range described, differences were found. In addition, evidence was obtained for predisposition of individuals to heavy or light infection with A. lumbricoides.

Soil-transmitted helminth infections in relation to the knowledge and practice of preventive measures among school children in rural communities in South-Eastern Nigeria

“…The result of this study is consistent with that of [28] where they reported of increased prevalence of intestinal helminths infections due to bad defecation practices. Also, this result suggests that the type of latrine system used has a majorimpact on the prevalence of intestinal helminths infections among school children.…”

Zoonotic Role of the Grasscutter

“…For example, the prevalence of Ascaris in the grasscutters is enough to cause public health concern because of the closeness of the rodents to human habitation. Human ascariasis due to Ascaris lumbricoides is very common in Nigeria, with prevalence rates reaching 85.5% in primary school pupils (Holland et al, 1989). Judging by the relative ease with which A. lumbricoides establishes itself experimentally in pigs, a monogastric animal like man, it is not impossible that Ascaris transmission may be on-going between rodents and man with his livestock in the study area.…”

“…This result has further confirmed that rodents transmit zoonotic parasites to man and animals. Trichuriasis is widespread in Nigeria and has been reported by Okpala (1961) and Holland et al (1989). The parasite causes rectal prolapse, anaemia, finger clubbing and retarded growth in man (Jung and Beaver 1951;Bowie et al, 1978 andGilman et al 1983).…”

MONRATE, a descriptive tool for calculation and prediction of re-infection of <i>Ascaris lumbricoides</i>

“…Okpala (1956), Obiamiwe (1977), Reinthale, et al (1988), Onadeko & Ladipo (1989), Holland et al (1989), Fashuyi (1992), Agi (1995), Adeyeba & Akintobi (2002), Ozumba & Ozumba (2002) all observed higher prevalence of Ascaris infection over hookworm and T. trichiura. However, Udonsi et al (1980) and Suswam et al (1992), reported higher prevalence of hookworm infection over other helminths.…”