Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoa among Primary School-Aged Children in Selected Communities in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State

Abstract

The prevalence of intestinal protozoa among primary school-aged children in five communities in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State was investigated. Faecal samples were collected from 300 presumably healthy primary school-aged children from the five selected communities within Yenagoa Metropolis. Laboratory analysis was carried out on the faecal samples using zinc sulphate floatation method and formol-ether concentration technique. Demographic data of age, sex and nature of school attended (public or private), were recorded at the point of sample collection. Out of the 300 children investigated, 61 (20.3%) were positive for one type of intestinal protozoa or the other. Etegwe Community recorded the highest prevalence (30%), followed by Okutukutu (25%), Agudama (18.3%), Opolo (16.7%) while Azikoro Community recorded the least prevalence (11.7%). Among the intestinal protozoa identified, Entamoeba histolytica recorded the highest prevalence (57.4%), followed by Giardia lamblia (24.6%), Entamoeba coli (13.1%) and Toxoplasma gondii (4.9%). The age range prevalence for intestinal protozoa recorded 24%, 22.4%, 22% and 10% for 13-15 years, 10-12years, 7-9 years and 4-6years respectively. More male children (23.6%) were infected compared to the females (17.5%). The laboratory analysis further revealed that prevalence was more among children that attend public school (24.7%) than those in private schools (14.6%). Increased personal hygiene, sanitation, provision of toilet facilities, provision of good drinking water, reduction of contact with flooded areas and health education in schools will reduce the prevalence of these intestinal protozoa in the study area.