Abstract
Background: Parasitic infections pose a significant health burden among school-age children in Nigeria. Aim and Objective: This study aimed to investigate the distribution of parasitic infections among pupils in Kwara State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 638 pupils from various primary schools in Kwara Central, Kwara South, and Kwara North senatorial districts were included in the study. Stool, blood, and urine samples were collected from each participant, and appropriate preservation methods were employed. Parasite identification was carried out using microscopy, staining techniques, and concentration methods described in previous studies. Results: The results revealed an overall prevalence of 19.4% among the pupils, with 80.6% found to be uninfected. The most common parasitic infections were Ascaris lumbricoides (55.6%), Schistosoma mansoni (11.2%), Plasmodium (10.5%), Entamoeba histolytica (8.9%), Hookworm (8.1%), Fasciola gigantica (4.0%), and Schistosoma haematobium (1.6%). Further analysis focused on the age distribution of parasitic infections. Among pupils aged 1–5 years, Plasmodium infection had a prevalence of 23.1%. In the 6–10 years age group, A. lumbricoides (59.4%), S. mansoni (74%), E. histolytica (45.5%), Hookworm (30.0%), F. gigantica (20%), and Plasmodium (61.5%) were prevalent. Among pupils aged 11–15 years, A. lumbricoides (40.6%), S. mansoni (28.6%), E. histolytica (54.5%), Hookworm (70.0%), F. gigantica (60.0%), Plasmodium (15.4%), and S. haematobium (1.6%) were observed. Pupils aged 16–20 years showed a lower prevalence of parasitic infections, with F. gigantica (20%) being the only detected parasite. Conclusion: The findings highlight the varying distribution of parasitic infections among different age groups, emphasizing the need for age-specific interventions. The high prevalence of certain parasites, such as A. lumbricoides, S. mansoni, and Plasmodium, indicates the importance of implementing targeted deworming programs, improved sanitation, hygiene practices, and malaria prevention strategies. These measures can effectively reduce the burden of parasitic infections and promote the health and well-being of pupils in Kwara State, Nigeria.
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