Polyparasitism with soil transmitted helminthes and Schistosoma haematobium among school-aged children in Igede land, Benue state, Nigeria
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Abstract
Abstract
Background: Polyparasitism is widespread in rural communities of the developing world and it is a serious problem to public health. The aim of this study is to investigate the co-infection of intestinal parasites and Urinary Schistosomiasis among school-aged children in two local government areas of Benue State.
Methods: 452 stool and urine samples were collected from randomly selected participants and examined using direct wet mount, formol ether concentration, and urine sedimentation techniques respectively. Questionnaires were used to assess associated risk factors. Data were analysed using Chi-square.
Results: A total of 131(29.0%) were infected with at least one parasite. 78 (17.3%) were male while 53(11.7%) were females. 53(11.7%) had multiple infections, of which 31(13.1%) were males and 22(10.2%) were females. 68(15.0%) were infected with single parasites while 41(9.1%) and 12(2.7%) of them had double and triple infections respectively. The most common parasite found was Ascaris lumbricoides (6.0%) followed by hookworm (5.8%). Parasitic combination of Hookworm and Ascaris were the most observed double parasitic infection with a prevalence of 4.2%. Males were generally more parasitized than the female, although there was no statistically significant difference between the infection rate in male and in female (df=2, P>0.05). Participants in Obi recorded a higher prevalence 73(16.2%) compared to participants in Oju 58(12.8%), though there was no significant difference between the two study areas (df=23, P>0.05) with respect to parasite combinations. Participants within the age group of 11-15 years were more parasitized with multiple infections with the prevalence of 19(14.2%) but there was no significant difference between the age groups (df=3, P>0.05).
Conclusion: Aggressive health education and mass drug administration is recommended in the study area.
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