Intestinal parasitic infestation in rural communities: a focus for primary health care in Nigeria
Onadeko, M.O.; Ladipo, O.A.
African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences 18(4): 289-294
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0309-3913 PMID: 2558560 Document Number: 371161
The prevalence of the 3 most common types of helminth infections was surveyed in 4 villages in Oyo State, Nigeria, and antihelminth medications were distributed by community-based-workers (CBWs). The villages were Ijaye and Ikereku 30 km north of Ibadan, and Faforiji and Ifewara 120 km southeast of Ibadan. A total of 827 stool samples were collected at random by the CBWs, and examined under light microscope. 68.7% of the samples were positive, 39% of which had 2 or more species, and 12% had 3 or more. The most common infestations were Ascaris in 58.2% of the total population, Trichuris in 14.9%, hookworm in 13.8% and Strongyloides in 1.0%. Ascaris and Trichuris was the most common double infection, followed by hookworm and Ascaris. Ascaris was most prevalent in young children; hookworm in farmers and in adults 45 years. Since CBWs enjoy respect among these people and were able to collect stool samples and distribute oral medication, it is suggested that periodic de-worming of pre-schoolers, school children and farmers would improve nutritional status and food production in the area.