Intestinal Helminthiasis and Its Association with Hemoglobin Level among Primary School Children in Sokoto Metropolis | Chapter 06 | Advances in Applied Science and Technology Vol. 6
Intestinal helminthes are associated
with the reduction in the level of haemoglobin. This abnormal reduction in
haemoglobin results in anemia. The study determined the prevalence of parasitic
infection and its relationship with haemoglobin level among primary school
children in Sokoto metropolis. Stool and blood samples were collected from 224
children from some selected primary schools in Sokoto Metropolis. The stool
specimens were examined for parasites by both macroscopic and microscopic
methods (saline and wet iodine mount, and formol-ether concentration) while
haemoglobin concentration in the blood sample was estimated using hemocue
hemoglobin method. A prevalence rate of 8.5% was seen among the children
sampled. Hookworm had the highest prevalence of 3.1%, followed by Hymenolepis
nana (1.8%). Ascaris lumbricoides had a prevalence of 1.3%, Schistosoma mansoni
(0.9%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (0.4%). 0.9% showed mixed infection with
H. nana and Hookworm. Children within the age group of 4-6years had the highest
prevalence rate (60%). Male children had a higher prevalence (4.5%) than female
(4.0%). The mean haemoglobin concentration in the healthy subject was 11.82
g/dl, while in infected subjects it was 11.03 g/dl, the difference was
statistically significant (p<0.05). The study demonstrated that there was a
low prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis among children in Sokoto metropolis.
However, the haemoglobin concentrations of infected children were significantly
affected by parasitic infection. Low haemoglobin concentration in children can
lead to behavioural disturbances as a result of impaired neurological
development and reduced scholastic performance. Based on these findings,
efforts must be made to create better sanitary and toilet facilities in schools
at all times to avoid indiscriminate defecation that could lead to the
transmission of helminthic infections.
Author(s) Details
O. F. Ashcroft
Department of Medical
Microbiology, School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Sokoto, Nigeria.
A. E. Ahmad
Immunology Unit, Department
of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
N. M. Bunza
Department of Medical
Microbiology, School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Sokoto, Nigeria.
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