Association of intestinal helminthic infection and nutritional status of primary school children in Gombe State, Nigeria

Background: Intestinal helminthic infections are among the commonest infections worldwide. It often affects the poorest communities and has similar geographic distribution with malnutrition. Intestinal helminthic infection contributes to undernutrition through subtle reduction in digestion and absorption of food, chronic inflammation and loss of nutrients. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminthic infection and its relationship with nutritional status of primary school children in Gombe, Gombe State, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study of 350 pupils selected through multistage random sampling technique from 24 primary schools in Gombe, Gombe State, Nigeria from July 2018 to January 2019. Demographic information including age, gender, height, and weight were collected from each participant with a designed collection form. The data were analysed using SPSS version 24.0, and presented as frequency distribution and mean ± SD. The Chisquare test (with Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval) was used to test for association between prevalence of helminthiasis and factors such as gender, age group and school type. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant at 95% confidence interval. Results: The prevalence of intestinal helminthic infection was 23.7% (83/350). Eighty (96.4%) of the 83 infected pupils were in public schools while only 3 (3.6%) were in private schools (p<0.001). The prevalence of helminthiasis was significantly higher in underweight pupils (34%, OR=2.113, p=0.0065)) and significantly lower (5.4%, OR=0.1637, p=0.0037) in overweight pupils while the prevalence was not significantly associated with normal weight (p=0.5482) or obesity (p=1.000). Conclusions: Intestinal helminthic infection is a public health problem in children with adverse significant relationship with nutritional status. Provision of toilet facilities in schools and periodic de-worming of pupils aimed at reducing loss of nutrients from intestinal helminthiasis are recommended.

The prevalence of intestinal nematode in school children in Ebonyi Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of intestinal nematodes infection in school children between February and April 2009. Eight hundred feacal samples were examined using direct smear method. Of this number; 204 (25.5;) infected with the parasites of intestinal nematodes were Ascaris lumbricoides (20.0); Strongyloides stercoralis; (0.4) Hookworm (3.5) and Trichuris trichuria (1.3) implicated. Sex was found to be a strong factor influencing their prevalence. Chi square test with statistical significance difference (p0.05) was used for the analysis. The study revealed that Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest prevalence of infection among the parasites implicated. However; regular deworming exercise with albendazole and other possible diagnosis methods will improve the health status of the infected children. Personal hygiene and health campaign programmes should be carried out to the general public on the importance of control and possible eradication of the parasite

Intestinal helminthiasis among school children in Ilie, Osun State, Southwest, Nigeria

A cross sectional study of intestinal helminthiasis among school pupils was undertaken in three primary schools in Ilie in Olorunda Local Government Area of Osun state in order to determine the prevalence and intensity of helminthic infections. The relationship between intestinal helminths and anthropometric indices and the factors that could favour the infection were also studied. Faecal samples from three hundred and four (304) randomly selected out of the four hundred and seven (407) school children in the study area were collected and analysed with the semi-quantitative Kato Katz technique and concentrated method. The intensity of infection was classified into light; moderate or high according to World Health Organisation (WHO) thresholds. The overall prevalence rate was 52.0 while five species of intestinal helminths were identified. Ascaris lumbricoides (36.2) was the most common; followed by Hookworm (10.5); Schistosoma mansoni (4); Strongyloides stercoralis (0.7) and Hymenolepis nana (0.7). Multiple helminthic infection were recorded with Ascaris -Hookworm (6.58) having the highest prevalence among the children. Female (56.6) were more infected than male (46.4) and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.0019). Seventeen percent (17) of the children were below the third percentile for weight (wasted) while fourteen percent (14) were below the third percentile for height (stunted). There was a relationship between intensity of infection and wasting since there were fewer underweight pupils (13) with normal stool than those moderately infected (35) (P0.05). There was statistically significant association between type of latrine use and prevalence of infection; and also between water treatment and infection. Periodic surveillance of school children for intestinal helminthiasis should be part of the public health activities while periodic deworming programme should be done routinely as this would reduce intensity of intestinal worm infection among school children

Current Status of Intestinal Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis among Primary School Children in Adwa Town; Northern Ethiopia

Background: Epidemiological baseline information on the prevalence and intensity of parasitic infections in a given locality is a prerequisite for development and evaluation of sound control strategies. Objective: To determine the current status of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis among primary school children in Adwa Town; northern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out in eight primary schools in Adwa Town between October and November 2007. Fecal samples of 386 school children in the age group 7-18 were collected and microscopically examined using the Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration methods. A questionnaire was used to identify determinants for Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminth infections. Results: The most prevalent intestinal parasitic infection among primary school children in Adwa Town as determined by Kato-Katz (58.7) and formol ether concentration (60.6) methods was intestinal schistosomiasis; with an overall intensity of 95.8 eggs per gram of stool. The prevalence of S. mansoni infection was higher in males (70.7) than in females (57); as determined by both methods. Less common parasites observed included Ascaris lumbricoides; hookworm species; Hymenolepis nana; Strongyloides stercoralis; and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar. Conclusion: The residents of Adwa Town represent a high-risk community with respect to intestinal schistosomiasis. Hence; mass praziquantel administration to school-age children and all adults considered to be at risk is required once a year until the level of infection falls below the level of public health importance. There is also a need to supplement chemotherapy with other measures such as environmental sanitation and health education to make the impact of chemotherapy sustainable. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2010;24(3):191-197]

Schistosomiasis Mansoni and Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis in Bushulo Village; Southern Ethiopia

Background:Schistosomiasis mansoni and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STHs) are considerable medical and public health problems in Ethiopia. However; information is limited on the epidemiology of these infections in different localities even though it is needed to plan effective prevention and control measures.Objective: This study was designed to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminth infections in school children and residents in Bushulo village near Lake Awassa (Hawassa); southern Ethiopia.Methods: Cross-sectional epidemiological and parasitological studies were conducted on schistosomiasis mansoni and STHs in Bushulo village in May and June 2007. A total of 419 participants (353 school children and 66 other residents) were included in the study. The principal investigator interviewed the study subjects about demographic status using structured questionnaires. Moreover; experienced nurse took history and conducted physical examination to assess symptoms and signs related to chronic S. mansoni infection. A single stool sample was collected from each participant and processed using the Kato-Katz technique. Experienced laboratory technician read all slides at Bushulo Health Center. Results: The overall infection rates of schistosomiasis mansoni; trichuriasis; ascariasis and hookworm infection were 73.7; 41.5; 37.2and 28.4; respectively. Other parasitic infections observed were caused by Hymenolepis nana (1.7); Taenia species (1.4); and Enterobius vermicularis (1.4). Children in the age range 10-14 years and those attending at St. Paul's School had higher rates of T. trichiura and S. mansoni; respectively. Intensity of infection was higher for A. lumbricoides in the age range 5-9 years. The overall prevalence of any STHs was 67.3. The rates of single; dual; triple and quadruple infections were 29.6; 32; 20.3and 7.4; respectively. Conclusion: The high prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis mansoni and soil-transmitted helminthiasis makes periodic deworming programme urgent to reduce morbidity and transmission of helminthiasis in the area. Provisions of sanitary facilities and clean water supply as well as health education are also critically needed to sustain the impact of chemotherapy

Some Behavioural Risk Factors for Intestinal Helminthiasis in Nursery and Primary School Children in Enugu; South Eastern Nigeria

The objective of this study was to determine some common behavioural risk factors for intestinal helminthiasis in nursery and primary school children in Enugu. Design: A cross-sectional survey on 460 children attending nursery and primary schools in Enugu was carried out in 2003 with a view to determine some behavioural risk factors for intestinal helminthiasis. Setting: This study was carried out in the research laboratory of the Federal Ministry of Health; National Arbovirus and Vector Research Centre; Enugu. Method: Intestinal helminthiasis was diagnosed using the kato-katz method in analysing fresh stool samples collected from nursery and primary school children in Enugu. These fresh stool samples were collected into appropriately labeled clean containers. Questionnaires were administered by the researchers to obtain data from the children and their parents or guardians as regards some behavioural risk factors for intestinal helminthiasis . Results: The results from this study showed that the prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis was significantly affected by various behavioural risk factors. The rate of helminthic infection varied significantly with hand washing habits after defeacation (X2 = 75.77; df = 2; p = 0.001) and with different habits of washing fruits before eating ( X2 = 52.79; df = 2; p = 0.001) among the pupils. Also; the rate of helminthic infection varied significantly with the source of drinking water (X2 = 55.12; df = 3; p = 0.01); water boiling habits (X2 = 40.89; df = 2; p = 0.001); use of footwear after school hours (X2 = 30.72; df = 2; p = 0.001). Sites utilized for defeacation by the pupils (X2 = 80.25; df = 3; p = 0.001) also significantly influenced the rate of helminthic infection. Conclusion: Various behavioural factors which significantly affect the rate of helminthic infection abound in children living in Enugu. The government should give attention to the control of these behavioural risk factors. A lot of health education will be needed to curb the poor personal hygienic habits which are obvious risk factors for intestinal helminthiasis

Prevalence of Intestinal Worm Infections among Primary School Children in Nairobi City; Kenya

Objective: The main objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of total; single and multiple intestinal worm infections among the primary school children in Nairobi City. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was used to determine the status of intestinal worm infections whose subjects were drawn from eight city administrative divisions. Proportional random sampling method to select forty five (45) schools out of 320 public; private and non-formal schools was used. Using the school enrolment register for standard 3 and 4; fifty (50) pupils per school were selected to participate in the study. Quantitative data from the study subjects were collected by use of a structured questionnaire. In addition; stool specimens were collected from each study subject and examined by Kato-Katz laboratory method. Results: The four intestinal worms investigated constituted a total prevalence of 12.9. This prevalence was found to be lower than that in two other previous studies. A. lumbricoides had the highest prevalence and S. mansoni had the lowest. Prevalence of single worm infections constituted 8.6of the total prevalence. Differences in prevalence between males and females were observed only with respect to T. trichiura and hookworm species. Fourteen to sixteen (14-16) and 11-13 years of age groups had the highest total prevalence of 47and 30.6respectively. Differences in prevalence were not found among the school categories with exception of T. trichiura infections. Conclusion: Prevalence of total; single and multi- ple infections showed a downward trend when compared to the previous studies with Ascaris lumbricoides persisting with the highest prevalence

Geophagy as a Risk Factor for Helminth Infections in Pregnant Women in Lusaka; Zambia

It has been reported that geophagy is closely associated with helminthic diseases (1; 2; 3) and it has been especially linked to Ascaris and Trichuris infections among pregnant women (4). Hitherto proof of existence of viable infective ova in geophageal material has been anecdotal. This study was undertaken to determine the possible direct role of geophagy in helminthiases of pregnant women. Eighty-five pregnant women between the ages of 15 and 44 years of age were recruited into the study in order to determined the prevalence of geophagy among pregnant women resident in high a density and low income areas of Lusaka. The study showed that 31;8of the pregnant women interviewed practised geophagy at the time of the study; and that 71had a history of deliberate ingestion of soil. The preferences for the soil types were ranked as clay; termite mounds from tree trunks; and soft stone. Some respondents reported a preference for smoked; roasted or baked clay soils. Perceived benefits of geophagy included diminished craving when they ate soil ( 35.2); prevention of vomiting and nausea ( 32.4); and others ingested soil for the taste (32.4). Most women who were interviewed (91.8) were aware of possible health risks involved in geophagy such as constipation; heartburn; anemia; coughing; infections with worms; and abdominal discomfort. This study sought to recover and identify helminth ova from a total 3.15Kg. Submitted or collected soil types ingested by the women in the study. No ova was recovered from the soil samples by both the sedimentation and Zinc Sulphate; as well as saturated sodium chloride floatation techniques. These techniques reliably yielded Ascaris; Schistosome; and hookworm ova and Strongyloides larvae in spiked control specimens. Notably; Ascaris lumbricoides; and Trichuris trichiura ova require moisture to survive and embryonate. The soils ingested by the respondents were dried; some of which are roasted; backed or smoked before ingestion and thus rendering them unsuitable for the survival of ova; let alone the support of embryonated ova which are the infectious stages. This study has demonstrated that no ova were recovered from any of the soil types preferred by the pregnant women; and as such geophagy was an unlikely risk factor for geohelminth infections. Other explanations for the high helminth infection rates among pregnant women recorded in the literature must be sought; such as pica; poor hygiene; and unsanitary environments

Bilan des helminthiases intestinales chez l'ecolier ivoirien en zone rurale de Bondoukou (cas des villages de Kouassi-Nawa; Kiendi-Ba; Vezimala et Laoudi-ba)

Les helminthiases intestinales sont tres frequentes en zone tropicale ou elles constituent un veritable probleme de Sante Publique. *Ce travail est une etude prospective realisee en zone rurale de Bondoukou du 26 fevrier au 13 mai 2004 portant sur 400 ecoliers (6 a 15 ans) et ayant pour but d'apprecier la prevalence des helminthiases intestinales afin de contribuer a l'etablissement de la cartographie de ces parasitoses sur le territoire ivoirien.La recherche des helminthes intestinaux chez ces ecoliers a ete faite par techniques suivantes.-l'examen macroscopique des selles-l'examen microscopique direct des selles-la technique de RITCHIE simplifiee-le scotch-test anal de GRAHAM.Les resultats obtenus montrent que:-la prevalence des helminthiases intestinales est de 33;00pour cent-le polyparasitisme se retrouve dans 21;97pour cent des cas avec 20; 45pour cent de biparasitisme et 1;52pour cent de triparasitisme.-le profil des helminthes intestinaux identifies est:-Necator americanus = 23;00pour cent-Enterobius vermicularis = 10;00pour cent-Strongyloides stercolaris = 5;50pour cent-Trichuris trichiura = 1;00pour cent-Hymenolepis nana = 0;50pour cent-Schistosoma mansoni = 0;25pour cent-Taenia sp = 0;25pour cent-Dicrocoelium dendriticum (en transit) = 0;25pour centDe cette etude; il ressort que le portage parasitaire est he au sexe; a l'age et a la consistance des selles.Ces resultats interpellent les autorites sanitaires et politiques qui doivent:-entreprendre des campagnes d'education sanitaire en vue de permettre aux populations d'acquerir un comportement se traduisant par une bonne hygiene fecale et alimentaire et par le port regulier de chaussures;-entreprendre des campagnes de deparasitage;-construire des latrines dans les ecoles et veiller a leur entretien

Evaluation des helminthiases intestinales et urinaires et impact du traitement chez les enfanst d'age scolaire de la ville d'Arrah

Les helminthiases intestinales et urinaires sont tres frequentes en zone tropicale ou elles constituent un veritable probleme de sante publique; les enfants etant la cible privilegiee. Ce travail est une etude epidemiologique prospective realisee dans la ville d'Arrah de Decembre 2003 a Juin 2004 dans les differentes ecoles primaires. Elle a porte sur 400 eleves ages de 4 a 16 ans dont 240 garcons et 160 filles. Elle avait pour but d'etablir la prevalence des helminthiases intestinales et urinaires; etablir la relation entre certains facteurs et la survenue de ces affections et enfin evaluer l'impact du traitement. Il ressort que 21;25pour cent des enfants sont porteurs d'au moins un helminthe. Les helminthes rencontres sont par ordre de frequence decroissante Strongyloides stercoralis (8;75 pour cent); Necator americanus et Schistososnia haematobium (6pour cent); Ascaris lumbricoides (2;5pour cent); Trichuris trichiura (1pour cent) et Hymenolepis diminuta (0;5 pour cent).Par ailleurs; nous avons constate une absence de Schistosoma mansoni. Le polyparasitisme a ete retrouve chez 16;16 pour cent des enfants parasites. Le portage parasitaire est influence par le sexe; la profession de la personne en charge; le revenu mensuel de la personne en charge; le nombre de personnes par logement; le type de logement; le mode d'approvisionnement en Eau et les antecedents de deparasitage. Au controle post-therapeutique effectue apres un mois; nous avons obtenu un taux de guerison de 95;3pour cent. Au 3 eme mois ce taux est passe a 87;1pour cent avec un taux de re infestation de 12;9pour cent

Contribution a l'evaluation des helminthiases intestinales chez les enfants d'age scolaire et impact du traitement dans la commune de Divo

Cette etude epidemiologique prospective realisee clans la ville de Divo de novembre 2000 a avril 2001 a porte sur 390 eleves ages de 5 a 15 ans. Elle avait pour but d'apprecier la prevalence des helminthiases intestinales; etablir la relation entre certains parametres et la survenue de ces affections et enfin evaluer l'impact du traitement. Il ressort que 16;92 pour cent des enfants sont porteurs d'au moins un helminthe. Les helminthes intestinaux rencontres sont par ordre de frequence decroissante : Ascari lumbricoides (6;92 pour cent); Necator americanus (4;10 pour cent); Trichirus trichiura (3;59 pour cent); Schistosoma mansoni (2;31 pour cent); Enterobius vermiicularis (0;77 pour cent) et Hymenolepis diminuta (0;26 pour cent). Le poly parasitisme a ete retrouve chez 12;12 pour cent des enfants parasites. Les facteurs suivants ont une implication dans la survenue des helminthiases intestinales : -le sexe;-le niveau de scolarisation de la personne en charge; -le revenu mensuel de la personne en charge; -les antecedents de deparasitage; -l'hygiene corporelle. Au controle post-therapeutique effectue apres une semaine; nous avons obtenu un taux de guerison de 84;14 pour cent. Au 3eme mois ce taux est passe a 92;42 pour cent avec un taux de reinfestation de 21;21 pour cent

Etude de l'effet antihelminthique des amandes de balanites aegyptiaca (L) del (balanitacaea)

Les auteurs rapportent des resultats d'etudes pharmacologiques d'extraits aqueux des amandes de balanites aegyptiaca (L) Del de la famille des balanitaceae recoltees dans la region de Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). L'extrait de plante s'est avere doue d'activite de type vermicide par effet letal sur le lombric; puis pris comme modele animal. Un effet lytique de membrane participerait au support pharmacologique. Le test de toxicite generale aigue a permis de cibler une DL50 de 150 mg/kg; placant l'extrait sur l'echelle de toxicite comme doue de toxicite moyenne. Le screening chimique classique a mis en evidence une richesse en principes chimiques des extraits hydroalcooliques et aqueux de balanites aegytiaca (L) Del expliquant des indications diversifiees. La presence de saponosides peut etre correlee a l'action lytique. La chromatographie en couche mince a montre une identite de groupe chimique entre l'extrait teste et celui de la recette utilisee en traditherapeutique

Helminthiases intestinales au Senegal

Les auteurs definissent les helminthiases et mettent en exergue les differents vers qui en sont les causes. Ils expliquent les modes de contamination; les manifestations cliniques avant de donner une esquisse de traitement

Etude Ethnopharmacologique traditionnelle de quelques plantes medicinales antihelmintiques de la Republique de Guinee

La situation generale de la Republique de Guinee en tant que milieu d'etude a ete examinee. Les helminthes parasites intestinaux sont representes d'apres un recensement des especes les plus frequentes qui sont au nombre de 7. Le recensement a ete fait a partir des registres d'examen coprologique des hopitaux de Kouroussa; Kankan; Siguiri et Kerouane (quelques prefectures de la province de Kankan; Haute Guinee). Une investigation ethnobotanique a permis d'obtenir une liste synoptique de 89 especes de plantes medicinales qui ont ete ensuite etudiees

Soil transmitted helminth infections in three isolated communities in Sierra Leone

The prevalence and intensity of soil transmitted helminths (STH) in three isolated communities in Sierra Leone; Blama (near Bo); York Island Southern Province; and Magbil (Port Loko District) Northern Province was investigated in 1993. Trichuris trichuria prevalence was found to vary most both between and within sites being significantly higher amongst children 5 to 10 years-old. It was the only STH to show a variation with sex at the most heavily infected community; Magbil; where prevalence was significantly higher in males than females. There was no significant difference in overall prevalence of A. lumbricoides and hookworm between the sites. The prevalence and intensity of all three STH peaked either in the 5 to 10; or the 10 to 20 year olds at all three sites

Intestinal helminth infections at Zeghie; Ethiopia; with emphasis on schistosomiasis mansoni

A total of 460 stool specimens were examined by Kato thick smear technique to determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis mansoni and other helminth infections among people living in Zeghie town; Northwest Ethiopia. The most prevalent infections were schistosomiasis; ascariasis; and trichuriasis. The infection rates among school children for Schistosoma mansoni; Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris triciura were 69.7 per cent; 77.7 per cent and 64.7 per cent; respectively. The respective infection rates of these helminths among the residents were 53.1 per cent; 60.6 per cent and 50 per cent. The prevalence of schistosomiasis appeared to be higher for males than for females. The high prevalence of infection observed for these helminths in the present study clearly indicates the need for timely control measures

The effect of levamisole chemotherapy on geohelminthiasis among children aged 6-12 years - Freetown; Sierra Leone

The therapeutic effect of levamisole (ketrax) in 28 children aged 6-12 years old living in Freetown; Sierra Leone against ascaris lumbricoides; hookworm and trichuris trichiura infections was investigated. Levamisole effectively reduced the intensity of all three infections. Prevalence returned more rapidly to pre-treatment levels than did intensity. A lumbricoides was found to be the most sensitive to the drug followed by hookworm. Although prevalence of T. trichiura rose by day 56 in each course there was reduction in eggs per gram of stool (e.p.g.). There were no side effects reported throughout the study

Prevalence and intensity of intestinal helminth infections from three communities in Sierra Leone

An epidemiological survey in September 1991 investigated the prevalence (per cent) and intensity (epg) of soil-transmitted helminth infections in three communities (Rowollon; Kroo Bay and Foria); Sierra Leone. Evidence was found for infections with ascaris lumbricoides; hookworm (probably necator americanus); trichuris trichiura; strongyloides stercoralis and schistosoma mansoni; using a modified kato-katz technique