Prevalence of Human Intestinal Helminthiasis in Njikoka Area of Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

A study of Human Intestinal Helminth parasites in eight (8) villages of Njikoka Local Government Area in Anambra Central Senatorial Zone of Anambra State, Nigeria was carried out between November, 2005 and October, 2006 using the formal ether concentration method. A total of eight different species of intestinal helminth parasites were encountered. These included: Ancyclostoma duodenale, Necator americanus, Enterobius vermicularis, Ascaris lumbricoiides,Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides steroralis, Taenia spp, and Schistosoma mansoni. Of the 1,059 stool specimens examined, 527 were infected giving a prevalence of 49.7%. The prevalence of intestinal helminth parasites was significantly higher in females than males in primary school age group (5-10 years old), in older age groups, in urban communities than in rural areas, in farmers than in other occupational groups in various communities (p < 0.05). To reduce the prevalence of helminth infections, the level of environmental sanitation, socio-economic status (Education) of the populace and water supply in the community should be improved. Keywords: Prevalence of Human Intestinal Parasites, Ancyclostoma duodenale, Necator americanus Nigerian Journal of Parasitology , Vol. 33 [1] March 2012, pp. 15-19