Hookworm Infestation amongst Primary School Children in Enugu

Hookworm infestation was investigated amongst 273 primary school children from some random selected primary schools and a farming community, all in Enugu, Enugu State, South-East of Nigeria, between May and August 2008. The subjects were made up 110 (40.29%) males and 163 (59.71%) females. Stool samples 11 were collected from each subjects and examined macroscopically and microscopically for parasites using standard parasitological techniques. Out of 273 samples examined parasite 22 (8.06%) were positive for helminthic parasite and of this numbers of positives, ova of ascaris was 11 (50%), ova of hookworm 9 (40.9%), while mixed Infection with ova of ascaris/hookworm was 2 (9.1%). The age group 5-gyears had the highest number of parasites in the population studied 11 (50%). Females recorded a higher incidence rate of 17 (77.27%) than males 75 (22.72%). The age groups and sex distribution of positives showed statistical significance difference (p<0.05). Hookworm had a prevalence rate of 11 (4.0%) for single and mixed infection altogether. The age group 5-6 years had higher number of positives for hookworm, while females had the highest incidence rate for hookworm 9 (40.91%) than males 3 (13.64%). The difference in distribution of positive cases for hookworm between various age groups and sexes was statistically significant (P<0.05). The present work has established the presence of hookworm infestation amongst primary school children in Enugu. The need for enlightenment of these primary school children on the importance of personal and environmental hygiene and practice is hereby stressed.