Incidence of Intestinal Parasites among School-aged Children: A Case Study of Nnarambia, Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria

Aims: The aim was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among children in Nnarambia community, Imo State, Nigeria.

Study Design: This study is a cross-sectional, community-based, descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Umunnachi and Amaokwe Nnarambia, Ahiazu Mbaise L.G.A of Imo State, Nigeria. The laboratory investigations and analysis were done in the Zoology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, between April and September 2021.

Methodology: A total of two hundred and fifty (250) children from the two villages were randomly sampled for the study with an age range from 2-15 years. Stool samplings were collected and analyzed microscopically using standard procedures.

Results: From the 250 pupils examined, 118(47.20%) were males and 132(52.80%) were females. The result revealed an overall prevalence of 19(7.60%), faecal samples of 11 males (9.32%) and 8 females (6.06) were positive for intestinal parasites. Intestinal parasites detected include: Ascaris lumbricoides 6(2.40%), Entamoeba histolytica 5(2.00%), Hookworms 6(2.40%) and Trichiuris trichiura 2(0.80%). The infection rate was higher among children aged 2-7yrs 11(13.92%) and least among children aged 10-14yrs 2(3.03%).

Conclusion: A low incidence of intestinal helminth infestations among school-aged children was observed in Nnarambia, but an improved routine de-worming among children should be maintained to sustain the low infection rate observed.