ABSTRACT

This study on prevalence of helminthic infections among primary school children in Akanu Ohafia, Abia State was carried out to determine the rate of helminth infection among this group during the period of November. Stool samples were collected from the sampled primary school children in the community using steriled sam pie bottles. Direct wet smear of normal saline was used for the microscopy using xl0 and x 40 objectives. The stool samples were also examined macrospically. Out of 200 pupils examined, 149 (74.5%) were infected by helminth. Ascaris lumbricoides 66 (33.0%) infection was seen to be more prevalent followed by hookworm 43 (21.5%). The least was Tricuhris tricuhria infections which showed 40 (20.0%) prevalence in the Ukpacha primary school and Ugwuafia primary school, the female group had the highest helminth infection 92 (46%) followed by the males which had 57 (28.5%) prevalence. The age group 14-16 years old had the highest prevalence of 46 (23.0%) followed by age group 8-10 years old 40 (20.0%)respectively. Prevalence of infection was least among the age group, 5-7 years old which recorded 24 (12.0%). In Nigeria, helminth infection remains a major health concern which affect young and school aged children in rural areas. This could be attributed to the low standard of living, poor education and their socioeconomic activities of the pupils. According to WHO, adequate chemotherapy for Ascaris lumbricoides, Tricuhris tricuhria and hookworm should be recommended for such infection as well, enlightenment programs targeted at school aged children should be adopted as cost- effective control strategies.