Prevalence of Soil Transmitted Helminthes and Malaria Co- infection in School AGED Children in Onelga Rivers State
Isomah, Chiladi. Jeff.
Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
S. I. Ogbonna
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Amadi-Wali, Owhorchukwu *
Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Horsfall, Seleipiri Jemina
Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminth infections and malaria remain important parasitic diseases affecting children in endemic settings. This study assessed the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths, malaria, and malaria–helminth co-infection among school-aged children in selected community primary schools in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was used. A total of 127 children, comprising 55 males and 72 females, participated. Stool and blood samples were collected from eligible participants after parental/guardian consent. Stool specimens were examined microscopically using normal saline and Lugol’s iodine preparations. Thick blood films were prepared from finger-prick blood, stained with Giemsa, and examined for malaria parasites. Data were summarised using frequencies and percentages, and associations were assessed using chi-square analysis at P < 0.05. The overall malaria parasite prevalence was 46/127 (36.2%). Detected helminths included Schistosoma mansoni in 9/127 (7.1%), Ascaris lumbricoides in 4/127 (3.1%), Trichuris trichiura in 3/127 (2.4%), and Strongyloides stercoralis in 2/127 (1.6%). Among malaria-positive children, co-infection was observed with S. mansoni in 3/46 (6.5%), A. lumbricoides in 3/46 (6.5%), T. trichiura in 1/46 (2.2%), and S. stercoralis in 2/46 (4.3%). The findings indicate a moderate malaria prevalence and a low occurrence of malaria–helminth co-infection among participants. Continued health education, improved sanitation, safe water access, and parasite-control measures are recommended.
Keywords: Soil-transmitted helminths, malaria, co-infection, school-aged children, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Rivers State, Nigeria, Schistosoma mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides, parasitic infection, hygiene, sanitation.