SOIL-TRANSMITTED HELMINTHS CO-INFECTED WITH SCHISTOSOMA IN FLOOD-PLAIN COMMUNITIES, SOUTHERN, NIGERIA

This study evaluated the soil transmitted helminths (STH) and Schistosoma co-infection and its epidemiological factors in flood subjected communities. Fecal samples from 672 consented individuals between 5-24 years in Aviara, Igbide, Otor-Owhe and Owhelogbo community were examined using Kato-Katz technique and questionnaires. Of 672 samples, 434(64.58%) were infected with STHs and Schistosoma mansoni co-infections . The parasites in a descending were Ascaris lumbricoides (56.40%), Trichuris trichiura (54.32%), hookworm (38.69%) and S. mansoni (7.59%), with significant differences. Female 325 (48.36%) were more infected than male 317(47.17%). But, among all communities, there was no significant difference in gender prevalence. The general prevalence correlated to infection intensity. Ages of 5-9 years old were more vulnerable to STHs infections. Helminthes was not significant ( p<0.05 ) with age of children except A. lumbricoides which significantly different with age (t = 5.16, 95% CI = 5.44 and 60.12, P = 0.036). Age-community prevalence accounted for <0.1% of total variance (P = 0.859, F = 0.033). Effect of toilet type, toilet paper and washing of hands after defe-cation was significant (P<0.05). ANOVA showed a strong significant impact ( p <0.005) in maternal educational and water source in each community. This study revealed that STH and intestinal schistosomiasis were highly prevalent among children of 5-14 years. There is need for prompt wash and mass drug administration (MDA) to reduce prevalence/intensity and morbidity in the study area