Assessment of intestinal helminths in community school children of Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Two hundred and forty stool samples from three primary schools in Khana Local Government of Rivers State were examined to determine the prevalence of gastro-intestinal helminthes in pupils. The stool samples were examined using the direct wet preparation and formol ether concentration methods. The study showed that 126 females and 114 males were examined in three communities (Sii, Gwara and Gure). An overall prevalence of 70% was recorded; out of which 57 (23.7%), 53 (22.1%) and 58 (24.2%) were recorded for Sii, Gwara, and Gure respectively. Eighty three (34.5%) males and 85 (35.4%) females were infected as follows: 27 (11.2%), 30 (12.5%); 24 (10.0%), 29 (12.1%) and 32 (13.3%), 26 (10.8%) for Sii, Gwara, and Gure, respectively. Also 286 helminth worms were recovered as follows; 127 (44.4%), 114 (40%), 21 (7.3%), 20 (7%), 3 (1%) and 1 (0.3%) for Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichuira, Hookworms, Fasciola hepatica, Strongyloides stercolaris and Enterobius vermicularis respectively. There was no significant difference in pattern of infection between the sexes, and location of study (p-values > 0.05). The study suggested that the high prevalence is an indication of prevailing unhygienic environment due to inadequate sanitary facilities and drinking water.Keywords: intestinal helminthes, school children, prevalence, sexes, infection