Parasitic infections among pupils in three kwara senatorial districts, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Protozoan and helminthes infections are common parasitic infections in Nigeria associated with fatal complications if not detected early or neglected. This work, therefore, investigated parasitic infections among pupils in Kwara Senatorial Districts for useful information for preventive healthcare. Methods: Stool, urine, and blood samples of 638 subjects (Kwara Central: 152; Kwara South: 263 and Kwara North: 223) were examined for parasites using concentration techniques, Giemsa staining, and microscopy. Results: The results obtained showed the overall prevalence of pupils infected with parasites in Kwara state was 17.9% (114/638). The result obtained in Kwara Central indicated that 15.1% (23/152) of the pupils were infected with parasites. In Kwara South, 2.66% (7/263) of the pupils were infected with parasites. In Kwara North, 37.7% (84/223) were infected with parasites. Distribution of parasitic infection in primary school pupils in Kwara State was: 60.5% (69) Ascaris Lumbricoides; 12.2% (14) Schistosoma mansoni; 8.8% (10) Hookworm; 9.7% (11) Entamoeba histolytica; 4.4% (5) Fassiola gigantical; 2.6% (3) Plasmodium spp., and 1.8% (2) Schistosoma haematobium. The distribution of parasitic infections among the pupils based on age included: 0% (0) (1–5 years). 55.3% (63) (6–10 years) 43.8% (50) (11–15 years), and 0.9% (1) (16–20 years). Conclusion: The parasitic infections among pupils in Kwara Senatorial Districts were lower than the prevalence earlier reported, possibly due to the intervention of donor agents and health promotion. The infection also varied across the three Kwara State Senatorial districts and age categories which might be due to the level of hygiene, degree of intervention, practices, accessibility to portable water, and health facilities.