Assessment of polyparasitism with intestinal parasite infections and urinary schistosomiasis among school children in a semi-urban area of south eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Polyparasitism with intestinal parasites and schistosomiasis constitutes a major pubic health challenge in Nigeria especially among school age children. Using standard parasitological techniques, intestinal parasitic infections and urinary schistosomiasis were assessed among school age children in Edda a semi-urban area of south-eastern Nigeria. Of the 300 children screened, 32(10.7%) had intestinal parasitic infections while 41(13.6%) of the children were infected with S. haematobium. Up to seven intestinal parasites were identified. E. histolytica was more commonly observed than other parasites. Children of age group 11-12years old were more infected with intestinal parasites than other age categories, statistically, there was a significant difference in the trend (χ= 16.48, df=2, P<0.05). Males had slightly higher prevalence (14.7%) of S. haematobium infection than the females (12.5%) and age-specific prevalence showed that those aged 10-11 years old had the highest prevalence (14.6%). School-based treatment campaigns and health education can improve children health.