Nigerian Medical Journal

ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Year
: 2011  |  Volume : 52  |  Issue : 1  |  Page : 4--6

Prevalence of intestinal parasites among pupils in rural North Eastern, Nigeria


JG Damen1, J Luka2, EI Biwan1, M Lugos1 
1 Department of Medical laboratory Science, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
2 Federal School of Medical Laboratory, Jos, Nigeria

Correspondence Address:
J G Damen
Department of Medical laboratory science, Faculty of Medical sciences, University of Jos, P.M.B.2084 Jos
Nigeria

Background : The study determined the prevalence of intestinal parasitism among pupils in rural schools (Almajiris) in Konduga local Government Area of Borno state. Materials and Methods: A total of 257 stool specimens were collected at random among pupils (Almajiris) in rural quranic schools; the stools were processed and examined both macroscopically and microscopically by concentration techniques. Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasitism among the Almajiris was 80.9%. The highest prevalence rate was 97.8% while the least prevalence was 67.4%. The 6-8 years age group had the highest prevalence of 85.7% while the least prevalence of 77.7% in the 13-16years age bracket. Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest prevalence of (19.1%) while Trichuris trichiura had the least prevalence of (3.5%). Thirteen pupils in the 5-8 years had multiple parasites; multiple parasitism also occurred in 22 pupils aged 9-12 years and in 11 pupils aged 13-16 years. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence rate of intestinal parasites with attendant risk of intestinal obstruction among the Almajiris in rural north eastern Nigeria.


How to cite this article:
Damen J G, Luka J, Biwan E I, Lugos M. Prevalence of intestinal parasites among pupils in rural North Eastern, Nigeria.Niger Med J 2011;52:4-6


How to cite this URL:
Damen J G, Luka J, Biwan E I, Lugos M. Prevalence of intestinal parasites among pupils in rural North Eastern, Nigeria. Niger Med J [serial online] 2011 [cited 2024 Mar 29 ];52:4-6
Available from: https://www.nigeriamedj.com/article.asp?issn=0300-1652;year=2011;volume=52;issue=1;spage=4;epage=6;aulast=Damen;type=0