Prevalence of Ascariasis among Children in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of ascariasis among children of 1-15 years old in Wadata, Wurukum, Northbank, Fiidi, and Modern market of Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Prevalence of Ascariasis among children was conducted between January to march 2020. A total of 230 stool samples were randomly collected from children of both sexes and analyzed, using formol-ether concentration technique to determine the presence of eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides. Out of the samples analyzed, 64(27.83%) were positive for Ascariasis. Wadata had the highest prevalence of 23(35.92%). There was a direct relationship between the parasite load and the location (P<0.05). There was also a positive correlation (P<0.05) between the parasite load and the family size. Children that were provided with modern toilet facilities had the lowest prevalence 13(20%). Children of farmers recorded 23(35.94%). Hence ascariasis is endemic in Makurdi. There should be grassroots enlightment on sanitation and hygiene. There is need for provision of screening materials and drugs at affordable rate to all patients. Communities should also embark on environmental sanitation and personal hygiene to curb the menace.

Intestinal parasitic infections among children aged 12–59 months in Nyamasheke District, Rwanda

“…Chirdan et al [16] evaluated the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children attending Day Care Centers in Jos, Central Nigeria and reported that 57.8% of children aged 0-59 months were infected with intestinal parasites. In our study, the most prevalent intestinal parasite was A. lumbricoides (13.1%); this rate is higher than that reported in a study conducted in a metropolitan city of Bangladesh (1.4% prevalence among pediatric patients) [17] and lower than that reported in a study on ascariasis prevalence conducted among children aged 1-5 years in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria (18.75%) [18].…”