Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Abstract

Hookworm and Ascaris Infections among School-Aged Children in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria

Iwu RU, Ikeanumba M and Azoro AV

Parasitic helminthes are of great concern to man in developing countries, hence investigation on the prevalence of Ascaris and Hookworm was carried out to enlighten people of the harm associated with the infection and possible ways of controlling and reducing the infection. 96 volunteers between 6-12 years of age were used for the study. The fecal samples were collected and examined using saline and iodine on wet mount and keto thick smear technique period before 44.8% infected out of 96 children was 43 children of which 27 (28.1%) were infected with A. lumbricoides as single infection 05 (5.2%) were infected with Hookworm and 11 (11.4%) had mixed infection of A. lumbricoides and Hookworm infection. The prevalence rate was higher in male 28 (58.3%) than female 15 (31.3%), thus a significant difference (P<0.05). The 10-12 years of age exhibited higher prevalence 24 (50%) than 6-9 years of age 19 (39.6%). It was recommended that prompt health education, good hygienic practices, provision of latrines and mass chemotherapy will go a long way in reducing the infection rate.