The Prevalence of Intestinal Helminths Infections among Primary School Children in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross Rivers State, Nigeria

The prevalence of intestinal helminths infections among primary school children in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross Rivers State, Nigeria, was investigated. Out of 100 stool samples analysed from 5 primary schools in the area, 88 (88 %) were positive for different helminthiases. The number of pupils examined in each school was 20. Among the 5 primary schools examined in the area, Bishop King Memorial Primary School, Inyang Street (BKMS), Government Primary School, Mayne Avenue (GPSMA), The Apostolic Church Primary School, Idang Street (ACPS), Saint Marys Primary School Annex, Anantigha (SMPSA) had the infection rate of 100 % each, while Government Primary School, Hawkins Road (GPSHR) had the least infection rate of 40 %. The various helminths discovered were Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus (Hookworm), Strongyloides stercoralis, Schistosoma mansoni and Taenia species. In terms of the prevalence rate among the helminths, A. lumbricoides was the highest in number by 245 (49 %), while Schistosoma mansoni (3 %) was the lowest in number (15). As regards sex related infection rates, the males recorded the highest by 65 %, while the females had 42.5 %. Children who were between the ages of 8 and 9 had the highest prevalence rate of 13 (76.5 %) when compared with children in other age groups. The sources of water supply used by the children in the area were also put into consideration, commercial borehole users, pipe- borne, stream and well had the infection rates of 34 %, 25 %, 23 % and 6 %, respectively. In addition, in terms of the types of toilet facilities used by the children, pit latrine users were found to have the highest infection rate of 44 %, while the lowest (5 %) infection rate was found among bush/backyard users. Finally, various factors such as poor sanitation, poverty, ignorance and contaminated water sources were observed to enhance the prevalence of helminths infections in primary school children in the area.