Open AccessDetection of Hookworm (Necator Americanus) and Other Intestinal Parasitic Infection among Primary School Children in Sokoto Metropolis
Author(s) -
Kabiru Mohammed,
E. Emeagubor,
M. U. Iduh,
M. K. Garba,
S. U. Nataala,
O. F. Aschroft
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
south asian journal of research in microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2582-1989
DOI - 10.9734/sajrm/2021/v10i130219
Subject(s) - necator americanus , hookworm infection , intestinal parasite , helminths , medicine , prevalence , infection rate , environmental health , veterinary medicine , immunology , population , ascaris lumbricoides , surgery
Background: Hookworm is an intestinal parasite of human and is one of the major public health burdens in developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is estimated that about 3.5 billion people globally and 450 million people are thought to be ill as a result of such infections, the majority being children.
Aims: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of Hookworm and other intestinal parasitic infection among primary school children
Study Design: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in among patients attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto state, between March to November, 2017.
Methodology: A total of 224 participants were enrolled for the study. Standard parasitological examination was carried out on stool samples using microscopy followed by formal ether concentration methods
Results: Finding revealed, an overall prevalence of 4.5% out of 224 samples examined recorded for both Hookworm and other intestinal parasitic infection. There was high prevalence rate of Hookworm and other intestinal parasitic infection among males (5.3%) than females (3.6%).29 (12%) were positive for intestinal parasitic infections. Males recorded higher prevalence than the females with 19 (11.9%) and 10 (11.8%) respectively
Conclusion: The total low prevalence rate of Hookworm and other intestinal parasitic infection may be as a result of improved standard of living and awareness of the Hookworm and other intestinal parasites in the study area. The government, non-governmental agencies and private individuals should help in the provision of social amenities to ensure total eradication of these diseases. The teaching of health education in both private schools should be encouraged by the government which will go a long way in reducing prevalence and intensity of Hookworm infections among the study community.