Project Materials

INTESTINAL PARASITES AMONG UNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN ORAIFITE, EKWUSIGO L.G.A., ANAMBRA STATE, SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

A study was done to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among students at Unity Primary School in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria. Of the 462 students polled, 47.6% had parasite infection. Seven intestinal parasites were isolated: Ascaris lumbricoides (12.8%), Hookworm (7.6%), Strongyloides stercoralis (4.8%), Trichuris trichiura (1.9%), Entamoeba histolytica (11.0%), Entamoeba coli (6.7%), and Giardia lamblia (2.8%). The prevalence rate was higher among males (p > 0.5) than females, though not statistically significant. Pupils aged 10 to 14 had the highest prevalence (61.4%), while those aged 5 to 9 had the lowest (24.1%). Infection was more common in people whose parents were farmers and dealers than in civil servants. Prevalence was considerably greater among nursery schoolchildren. To combat intestinal parasite disease in schools, health education, sanitation, and mass chemotherapy should be supported.

Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Intestinal parasites are parasites that live in the gastrointestinal tract. They are larger than bacteria and viruses, yet some are so minute that they can’t be seen without a microscope.

Intestinal parasite infections have been identified as the leading cause of illness and morbidity globally. Numerous studies have found that the prevalence of intestinal parasites in underdeveloped nations might approach 99% (Ambrose, 2001).

Intestinal parasite infections are one of