Study On The Prevalence Of Geohelminth Transmitted Parasites Among Mouau Students

ABSTRACT

A study on prevalence of geohelminth infections among students attending Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike in Abia State, Nigeria was carried out between August and November, 2008. A total of 200 stool samples were collected and examined using sedimentation technique method. Chisquare (x2) was used to compare the proportion of geohelminthic infections. Forty eight (24.0%) of the patients were infected. The parasites identified were Ascaris lumbricoides (55.7%), hookworm (45.8%), Taenia spp (2.50%) and Strongyloides (2.50%). The highest prevalence of infection (77.3%) was observed in the age group 31 and above. The overall difference in distribution of different species of helminthes identified based on sex and age related prevalence were statistically significant (P>0.05). The study revealed that the prevalence of helminthic infection is low because the study area is occupied by adults (the students) who are more conscious of personal hygiene than children.