ISSN: 2640-2653
Authors: Onyishi Grace Chinenye*, Ubachukwu Patience Obiageli and Nwosu Godwin Chigozie
A survey of intestinal helminthiasis in children aged 0-5 years was conducted in Nsukka L.G.A of Enugu State, Southeastern Nigeria in 2017. A total of three hundred children were randomly sampled from five communities of the L.G.A using lottery method. The communities include Obukpa, Alor-Uno, Edem-Ani, Okpuje and Ibagwa-Ani. Stool samples were collected from three hundred children in wide-mouthed plastic bottles and three helminth parasites Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and Ancylostoma duodenale were recovered using formal-ether concentration method while anal swab method was used to isolate Enterobius vermicularis. Out of the total number of children examined for intestinal helminth infections, 82 (27.33%) were infected. Male children had higher (28.29%) prevalence than the females (26.35%) even though the difference was not statistically significant. The highest (35.0%) prevalence of infection was observed in children aged 4 - 5 years followed by children of age group 2 - 3 years old (26.02%) while the least (14.04%) infection was noted among children of one year old and below. Also age and community related intensities were observed. Children of ages 4 - 5 years had higher intensities in all the communities sampled with Edem-Ani recording as high as 8.3±4.3. The least intensity 3.5±0.7 was found in Okpuje community. Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest (10.67%) prevalence in all the communities studied. Co-infections of A. lumbricoides and E. vermicularis and A. lumbricoides with T. trichiura were observed in children of age group 4 - 5 years. This study showed a moderately high prevalence of intestinal helminth infections in the area. Control strategies that would prevent spread of intestinal helminthiasis were discussed.
Keywords: Intestinal Helminthes; Prevalence; Intensity; Children; Nsukka L.G.A
