The prevalence of gastro-intestinal tract parasites in the inhabitants of Bori Military Cantonment in Port Harcourt Local Government area of Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

A study on the prevalence of gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) parasites was conducted on pupils of Bori Military Primary School and adults residing in the cantonment of Port-Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. 290 stool samples from pupils aged 6-14 and adults aged 21-60 were examined. Parasites recovered included Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus (hookworm), Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis Teania saginata and Enterobius vermicularis. Overall prevalence rates of 84.6% in pupils and 99.0% in adults were recorded; A, lumbricoides formed the bulk of the infections and E. vermicularis the least. Multiple infections of two-three parasite combinations were encouyragee, A lumbricoides- hookworm combination being the most common. Higher prevalence rates of infection occurred in pupils of age groups 9-11 and 12-14. Infection was greater among pupils drinking water from river/stream and those using pit/bush for toilets. Although increasing number of adults used pipe-borne water/as source of drinking water and water cistern toilet system yet overall infection rate was high, with females having greater prevalence than the males particularly with A. lumbricoides infection. AJAZEB Vol. 7 2005: pp. 56-60