Intensity of soil transmitted helminths in relation to soil profile in selected public schools in ibadan metropolis

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the regions with the greatest burden of Soil transmitted helminth.1,2 The associated diseases are more prevalent in tropical settings among the rural populations than in other populations in the same region.3 Available evidence indicates that almost all excreted pathogens can survive in soil for a sufficient length of time and thus pose potential risks to man and animals.4 Generally, STH infections are associated with poverty, lack of sanitation, illiteracy, poverty, poor environmental hygiene, impoverished health and overpopulation.5,6 These socio-economic factors abound in most developing countries, Nigeria not an exception.7 reported that in Nigeria, a considerable amount of human and animal wastes are discharged into the soil daily leading to the contamination of the soil with STH eggs and larvae.8 reported that 62% of the families of the cohort children disposed of child faeces in open spaces. Human soil contact thus poses a major predisposing factor in transmission of the STH.