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Over the past decade, Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM) has been a key strategy for controlling schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STHs) in Anambra State, Nigeria. This longitudinal study, conducted from 2017 to 2019, evaluated the impact of interventions for controlling schistosomiasis (SCH) and STHs in recipient communities. A total of 1,046 pupils aged 5 to 16 years were enrolled, with Kato-Katz and urine filtration methods used for faecal and urine sample analysis. A structured questionnaire was administered to 243 people to assess the contextual factors. At baseline, prevalence was 8% (82/1046), with A. lumbricoides (7.0%), T. trichiura (1.0%), Hookworm (0.1%), and S. haematobium (0.5%) observed. Co-infection was 1%. At follow-up, prevalence decreased to 6% (65/1046), with A. lumbricoides (2.0%), T. trichiura (2.2%), and S. haematobium (2%) observed, and co-infection was 0.2%. Infection levels varied by location (p > 0.05), with socio-economic status and inadequate WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) infrastructure contributing to transmission risk. Most respondents (87%) earned less than $50 per month, and 39% practiced open defecation. The persistence of open defecation highlights critical gaps in WASH that undermine sustainable Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control. Addressing cultural and economic challenges, alongside improving WASH infrastructure, is essential to sustain MAM's impact., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethical approval and consent to participate: Ethical clearance and approval was obtained from the Ethical Committee of Anambra State owned Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital in Awka, the State Capital with approval letter number COOUTH/AC/Vol. XI/00013. Permission for access to the schools in order to carry out the study was obtained from the Anambra State’s Commissioner of Basic Education with approval letter number MOE/SCHD/1673/Vol.1/17, Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) and Educational Secretary in charge of primary schools in the study area. Parents, guardians, teachers and other key stakeholders including traditional ruler and town union leaders were sensitized during advocacy visits to the community selected for the study. Informed consent (written and verbal) was obtained from all subjects and/or their legal guardian(s). To ensure the willingness of pupils to participate, assent was obtained from them at every step by providing age-appropriate information, and addressing questions and concerns, all while maintaining open communication throughout the study. There was an emphasis that participation was voluntary and participants are free to withdraw from the study at any time without further obligations. Permission to take photographs was sought and obtained from the participants and parents. Written consent was obtained, explicitly acknowledging that the images might be utilized to illustrate risk factors in scientific publications. All infected pupils included in the study underwent treatment with Praziquantel and Albendazole. Consent for publication: All authors of this manuscript have given their approval for its publication., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

Over the past decade, Anambra State, Nigeria, has implemented mass administration of medicines (MAMs) to combat soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH), a significant public health challenge in low-income regions. Nevertheless, these efforts have predominantly focused on pre-school and school-aged children, leaving a notable gap in understanding STH infection rates and the efficacy of these campaigns among secondary school adolescents, who have been excluded from this initiative. Our study aimed to address this critical knowledge gap by assessing soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) prevalence and contextual factors hindering effective control among adolescents in Anambra State, Nigeria. We actively engaged 443 adolescents with a mean age of 14 years in a school-based cross-sectional study in selected communities within the Anaocha Local Government Area from 8 February to 7 July 2023 following informed consent and assent procedures. Employing a stratified random sampling technique, we collected demographic data and assessed STH risk factors using a structured questionnaire hosted on the Kobo Toolbox platform. For quantitative analysis of STH infections, the Kato-Katz technique was used. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, incorporating descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Of the 443 (213 males (48.0%) and 230 females (52.0%) adolescents studied, the overall prevalence of STH observed was 35.2% (156/443). Ascaris lumbricoides was the prevalent STH species (16.9%), followed by Trichuris trichiura (1.4%) and hookworm (0.5%). Only light-intensity infection was observed. Mixed infections were observed in 16.5% of adolescents, involving A. lumbricoides and hookworm (10.8%), followed by A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura (3.2%) and all three STH (2.5%). The observed overall prevalence was not statistically significant with respect to gender (OR: 0.961; 95% CI: 0.651-1.420; p > 0.05) or age (OR: 0.686; 95% CI: 0.459-1.025; p>0.05). Class (grade level) (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.25-2.45, p = 0.003), knowledge and transmission of STH infection (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.42-0.86, p = 0.008), parental occupation (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.35-2.67, p < 0.001), parents' literacy level (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.48-0.96, p = 0.027), and the type of toilet (OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.54-3.00, p < 0.001) were all significantly correlated with STH infection. These findings highlight the role of adolescents in sustaining soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) transmission. Coupled with school-based deworming expansion, innovative improvements in water, sanitation, hygiene, and awareness can provide a cost-effective, sustainable solution for combatting STH infections in Anambra State., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2025 Aribodor et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background: Routine epidemiological data are essential for monitoring the effectiveness of preventive chemotherapy (PC), optimizing resource allocation, and addressing the evolving needs in the elimination of soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH). This study assesses the prevalence, intensity, and associated risk factors of STH following five rounds of albendazole-based PC in three implementation units (IUs) in Ondo State, Nigeria., Methodology: Fresh stool samples were collected from 2,093 children aged 5-14 years across 45 systematically selected schools in three IUs: Ese-Odo, Irele, and Ile-Oluji. The samples were analyzed using the Kato-Katz technique. Additionally, standardized questionnaires were administered to gather data on demographics and access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) resources. Data analysis was conducted using R software version 4.3.2, with a 95% confidence interval., Principal Findings/conclusions: The parasitological data indicated a significant decline in the aggregated prevalence of STH across the three IUs. In Ese-Odo, the prevalence decreased to 25.8% (95% CI: 23.0-29.0) from 39% at baseline (d = -34%, p = 0.00). In Irele, prevalence dropped to 9.7% (95% CI: 7.6-12.0) from 51.3% at baseline (d = -81%, p = 0.00), and in Ile-Oluji, prevalence was reduced to 6.4% (95% CI: 4.6-8.7) from 23% at baseline (d = -72.2%, p = 0.00). The most prevalent STH species was Ascaris lumbricoides, with infection rates of 25.5%, 9.4%, and 6.4% in Ese-Odo, Irele, and Ile-Oluji, respectively, followed by Trichuris trichiura in Ese-Odo (2.7%) and Irele (0.4%), while hookworm infections were detected only in Irele (0.7%). The majority of infections were of low intensity in Ese-Odo (91.0%), Irele (96.8%), and Ile-Oluji (100%). Access to improved sanitation (17.7%, 54.9%, and 58.2%), improved water sources (24.5%, 66.1%, and 69.8%), and handwashing facilities (9.0%, 39.6%, and 25.4%) was suboptimal and significantly varied across Ese-Odo, Irele, and Ile-Oluji, respectively (p < 0.05). Open defecation rates were high in Ese-Odo (54.2%), Irele (36.3%), and Ile-Oluji (34.3%). In Ese-Odo, significant risk factors for STH infection included the use of hand-pump boreholes (AOR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.23-4.88, p = 0.01), unprotected dug wells (AOR: 3.25, 95% CI: 0.96-11.36, p = 0.06), ventilated improved pit latrines (AOR: 3.95, 95% CI: 1.13-16.1, p = 0.04), pit latrines without a slab (AOR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.27-3.8, p = 0.01), and failure to use soap after defecation, both when soap was available (AOR: 12.09, 95% CI: 1.86-112.97, p = 0.01) and when soap was unavailable (AOR: 8.19, 95% CI: 1.73-76.65, p = 0.04). In Irele, access to protected dug wells was marginally significant (AOR: 1.79, 95% CI: 0.96-3.21, p = 0.06), while in Ile-Oluji, access to river water emerged as a significant risk factor (AOR: 7.97, 95% CI: 1.81-58.58, p = 0.02). The use of rainwater was found to be protective across all three IUs. These findings demonstrate significant progress in reducing STH prevalence across the three IUs following PC interventions. However, the data underscores the need for enhanced efforts to improve access to and use of WASH facilities to achieve STH elimination., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2025 Mogaji et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are a significant public health concern in developing countries, particularly affecting children (5-9 years) and adolescents (10-12 years). This study investigated the prevalence of STH infections, examined associated risk factors, and assessed their impact on the nutritional status of children and adolescents., Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted within schools and took place from April to June 2023 and involved 382 participants in Calabar, Nigeria. All participants in the study completed a questionnaire designed to gather information on their demographics and knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding STH infections. Anthropometric measurements were taken according to World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. Fresh faecal samples were collected from each study participant and examined via the Kato-Katz technique. The data were analysed using STATA software, version 14. A binomial logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of STH infections and to examine the associations between STH infection status and stunting, underweight, and wasting., Results: The overall prevalence of STHs was 28.8%, with Ascaris lumbricoides (19.6%) being the most prevalent. The prevalence of STHs was greater among males (30.2%) than females (27.7%) and was relatively greater among participants aged 10 years and above (34.8%). All study participants recorded light infection intensities. The prevalence rates of stunting, underweight, and wasting were 10.5%, 8.4%, and 6.3%, respectively. Respondents with no history of deworming were significantly less likely to contract an STH infection (Odds Ratio: 0.2; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.1-0.4; P < 0.001). The use of pit latrines was associated with a greater likelihood of STH infection (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.3-3.4; P = 0.002). Additionally, respondents with poor attitude scores were significantly less likely to contract an STH infection (Adjusted Odds Ratio: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4-0.8; P = 0.003), and those over 10 years old (OR: 0.1; 95% CI: 0.04-0.82; P = 0.027) were significantly less likely to be underweight than those aged 5-7 years. There was no association between stunting, underweight, wasting, and STH infection., Conclusion: These findings highlight the necessity for an integrated approach to STH management and nutrition initiatives in Nigeria., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: This study was carried out following the Helsinki Declaration, and approval was obtained from the Ethics and Research Committee of the Ministry of Health in Calabar, Cross River State, under REC number CRSMOH/HRP/REC/2023/416. School head teachers provided consent, and assent was obtained verbally from older school children before the study began. Additionally, the parents/legal guardians of the participating children granted permission on behalf of their children. Informed consent to participate was obtained from the parents/legal guardians of the study participants. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) and schistosomiasis are parasitic neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) of significant public health importance globally, including Nigeria. Urogenital schistosomiasis is highly endemic in Apojola, a rural community in Ogun State, southwest Nigeria, but data on STH and intestinal schistosomiasis in the neglected community are lacking., Objectives: To determine the prevalence and intensity of STH and intestinal schistosomiasis and the risk factors associated with the infections in Apojola., Methods: The study was community-based and cross-sectional. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic, personal, and household WASH characteristics of the study population. Stool samples were collected and processed for parasitological examination using the triplicate Kato-Katz (K-K) smears., Results: A total of 283 individuals (males, 50.2%; females, 49.8%) aged 3 to 65 years (mean age ± S.D.: 19.6 ± 14.8 years) participated in the study. No case of intestinal schistosomiasis was recorded in the study, while the overall prevalence of any STH was 38.2%: A. lumbricoides (24.0%) and hookworms (25.8%). Prevalence of infection was not significantly different between males and females for any STH (40.1% vs. 36.2%, χ 2  = 0.473, p = 0.492); A. lumbricoides (23.2% vs. 22.7%, χ 2  = 0.012, p = 0.913); or hookworms (28.2% vs. 23.4%; p = 0.360; χ 2  = 0.839), but significantly varied with age for any STH (χ 2  = 22.225, p = 0.002); A. lumbricoides (χ 2  = 16.354, p = 0.022); or hookworms (χ 2  = 20.001, p = 0.006). The intensity of infection was neither associated with gender nor age and was mostly light. Walking barefoot, toilet type (absent/bush), and irregular washing of fruits and/or vegetables before consumption were significantly associated with STH., Conclusion: Our data indicate that intestinal schistosomiasis is not prevalent in Apojola and that the community is a moderate-risk area for STH. Hence, the current annual preventive chemotherapy for STH (PC STH) with albendazole or mebendazole in school-aged children (SAC) through the school-based delivery programme should be extended to non-enrolled SAC and pre-SAC using other delivery platforms. This should be complemented with regular and effective health education campaigns as well as water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)-related interventions., Competing Interests: Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate Ethical approvals for the study were granted by the Health Research Ethics Committees of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (Ref: CMUL/HREC/01/20/713) and the Ogun State Ministry of Health, Abeokuta (Ref: HPRS/381/337).Following full disclosure of the objectives, procedures and benefits of the study, written informed consent was obtained from each subject (parent or legal guardian in the case of a minor) before participation in the study. They were also informed of their rights to refuse participation in the study and to withdraw at any time during the study without affecting their rights of access to any intervention. Participants’ confidentiality was ensured through a coding process. Consent for publication Not applicable. Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and schistosomiasis (SCH) are among the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), affecting 1.5 billion globally, with a significant burden in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria. These diseases impair health and contribute to socio-economic challenges, especially in children, undermining educational and future economic prospects. The 2030 NTD Roadmap highlights Mass Drug Administration (MDA) as a critical strategy for controlling these NTDs, targeting vulnerable populations like school-age children. Despite some successes, challenges persist, indicating the need for deeper insights into program implementation. This study focuses on the perspectives of health workers implementing MDA in selected local government areas (LGAs) of Ogun State, Nigeria, aiming to identify challenges and enablers that align with the broader NTD 2030 goals., Methodology/principal Findings: The study used a qualitative research approach involving focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with health workers engaged in neglected tropical disease control programs in Ogun State, Nigeria, between July and September 2022. A semi-structured questionnaire guided the exploration of ideas, and the data were analyzed using the QRS Nvivo 12 software package. The study found that the school-based MDA control program's efficacy largely relies on strong collaborations and partnerships, particularly with educators, community heads, and other stakeholders. These alliances and strategic communication methods, like town announcements and media campaigns, have been pivotal in reaching communities. However, the program does grapple with hurdles such as parental misconceptions, limited funds, insufficient staffing, and misalignment with the Ministry of Education. It is recommended to boost funding, foster early stakeholder involvement, enhance mobilization techniques, and consider introducing a monitoring card system similar to immunization., Conclusions/significance: The MDA Integrated Control Programs for STH and SCH in Ogun State schools demonstrate a holistic approach, integrating knowledge, collaboration, communication, and feedback. Health workers have shown commitment and adeptness in their roles. However, achieving maximum efficacy requires addressing critical barriers, such as parental misconceptions and funding challenges. Adopting the recommended strategies, including proactive communication, increased remuneration, and introducing a tracking system, can significantly enhance the program's reach and impact. The involvement of all stakeholders, from health workers to community leaders and parents, is essential for the program's sustainability and success., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Akinsolu et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

In Nigeria, mass drug administration (MDA) for schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) has often been coordinated with other programs that receive greater external funding. As these programs reach stop MDA milestones, SCH and STH programs will likely need to transition implementation, or "mainstream," to domestic support. A mixed-methods study was conducted in four districts before (2021) and after (2022) mainstreaming to evaluate its impact on MDA coverage. Household surveys were done in 30 villages per district pre- and post-mainstreaming. All selected communities were eligible for STH treatment; around a third were eligible for SCH treatment. Mass drug administration was primarily conducted in schools. A total of 5,441 school-aged children were included in pre-mainstreaming and 5,789 were included in post-mainstreaming. Mass drug administration coverage was heterogeneous, but overall, mebendazole coverage declined nonsignificantly from 81% pre-mainstreaming to 76% post-mainstreaming (P = 0.09); praziquantel coverage declined significantly from 73% to 55% (P = 0.008). Coverage was significantly lower among unenrolled children or those reporting poor school attendance in nearly every survey. For the qualitative component, 173 interviews and 74 focus groups were conducted with diverse stakeholders. Respondents were deeply pessimistic about the future of MDA after mainstreaming and strongly supported a gradual transition to full government ownership. Participants formulated recommendations for effective mainstreaming: clear budget allocation by governments, robust and targeted training, trust building, and comprehensive advocacy. Although participants lacked confidence that SCH and STH programs could be sustained after reductions in external support, initial results indicate that MDA coverage can remain high 1 year into mainstreaming.

Background: Neglected tropical diseases, such as soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosomiasis, are prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Ogun State, Nigeria. School-based mass drug administration program is the primary control intervention, but the coverage and uptake of this intervention have been inadequate. This study aimed to investigate community perceptions of school-based mass drug administration programs for these infections in Ogun State, Nigeria, and identify the barriers to their uptake and coverage., Methodology/principal Findings: The study used a qualitative research approach involving focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with community members and stakeholders engaged in neglected tropical disease control programs in Ogun State, Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire guided the exploration of ideas, and the data were analyzed using the QRS Nvivo 12 software package. The study found several barriers, such as the influence of parents, lack of sufficient knowledge, and side effects. The study recommended strategies such as improving community sensitization and engagement, drug distribution and performance, and enhancing partner collaboration and coordination to improve the school-based mass drug administration programs., Conclusions/significance: The study revealed correct perceptions of transmission but some misconceptions about disease causation, transmission, and drug safety. Participants expressed a desire for better sensitization campaigns and more assurances of their safety. The study recommends strengthening health education messages and increasing the visibility of on-site medical personnel. The findings have implications for improving the performance of these programs and reducing the burden of intestinal parasitic infections in the community. The study highlights the need for community engagement and education, health system support, and partner collaboration to successfully implement mass drug administration programs., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Akinsolu et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Preventive chemotherapy (PC) is an important tool to address transmission and reduce morbidities associated with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs). The aim of the study is to assess the PC implementation programme coverage and relate the same to the endemicity of STH in Nigeria. The secondary data collected by the World Health Organization (WHO) through the expanded special project for elimination of neglected tropical diseases (ESPEN) and made available at the ESPEN portal was used for the study. The PC implementation coverage and frequency of treatment were evaluated and related to STH endemicity levels in Nigeria. STH was actively transmitted in all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The southern part of Nigeria was more endemic compared with northern Nigeria. There was no PC intervention in preschoolers and effective PC coverage (19.3%) fell below the WHO ≥ 75% PC coverage index benchmark in school children. The percentages of children that harbour low, moderate, and high STH infections were 41.5, 41.6, and 13.4%, respectively. Multiple treatments did not necessarily reduce the endemicity of STH on certain occasions. STH continues to be a public health threat in Nigeria. The current treatment strategies should be reviewed to accommodate preschoolers in PC implementation programmes. Treatment should be integrated with the WASH programme in order to achieve a lasting impact., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Objective: This study assessed the coverage of albendazole (ALB) in mass drug administration (MDA) programs implemented before (2019) and during the (2020 and 2021) COVID-19 pandemic in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Methods: Standardized questionnaires were administered to 1,127 children across three peri-urban communities to ascertain if they received and swallowed ALB across the years. Reasons, why ALB was not received, were documented and analyzed in SPSS. 20.0. Results: In 2019, the medicine reach was between 42.2%-57.8%, however, during the pandemic, the reach significantly reduced to 12.3%-18.6%, and increased to 28.5%-35.2% in 2021 ( p < 0.000). About 19.6%-27.2% of the participants have missed 1 MDA, while 26.9%-37.8% and 22.4%-32.8% have missed 2 and 3 MDAs, respectively. The majority who did not receive ALB (60.8%-75%) claimed drug distributors never came, while about 14.9%-20.3% mentioned they did not hear about MDA. However, individual compliance towards swallowing was above 94% across the study years ( p < 0.00). Conclusion: These results highlight the need to explore the perceptions of those who have consistently missed MDAs, and also understand the health-system-related issues including those imposed by the pandemic affecting MDA., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they do not have any conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Mogaji, Okoh, Lawal, Ojo, Marcus, Aaron, Adeleye, Olamiju and Ekpo.)

Malaria, helminthiasis and HIV are widespread in developing countries taking a heavy toll on pregnant women. Due to similar environmental and human factors of transmission, they co-exist. The epidemiology and pathology of these diseases have been extensively studied but data on serum cytokine profile changes which is crucial in pregnancy is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the co-infections and their impact on peripheral blood cytokines. Blood and stool samples were collected from recruited 18-45-year-old pregnant women in different trimesters who were apparently healthy with no obvious complications in pregnancy. Pretested questionnaires were administered for personal and socio-demographic details. Malaria parasitemia in Giemsa-stained thick blood films was examined microscopically. Stool samples were screened for helminths using Kato-Katz method. Cytokine levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13 and IL-17 in 121 serum samples were determined using ELISA. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U test at α 0.05. Relative to the single infections, there were significant reductions in IFN-γ and IL-13 in second and third trimesters respectively in those with Plasmodium and helminth co-infection. IFN-γ and IL-17 were elevated while IL-1α and IL-12p70 were reduced in co-infection of helminths and HIV. Co-infection of Plasmodium and HIV in second and third trimesters showed significant elevations in IL-1α, IL-10 and IL-17 while TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-12p70 were significantly reduced. HIV in pregnancy and its co-infection with Plasmodium resulted in significant distortions in the cytokine profile. However, helminth and its co-infection with Plasmodium or HIV produced less changes in the cytokine profile., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Intestinal helminthiases are public health problems of children in developing countries of the world and account for significant morbidity as it results in stunted growth, intestinal obstruction, anaemia, cognitive impairment, acute pancreatitis, acute cholecystitis and rectal prolapse. This study assessed intestinal helminths, infection intensity and symptoms in primary school children in Ile-Ife., Methods: It was a cross sectional study. Three hundred and eighty-four pupils randomly selected from six public primary schools in Ife Central Local Government were enrolled for the study. Ethical approval was obtained. Stool samples were collected and processed using the Formol-ether concentration method. Questionnaires were administered to obtain relevant information. Data entry and processing were done using Microsoft excel and IBM SPSS Statistics for windows, version 17. Statistical analysis included frequency, proportion and percentages., Results: Helminthic parasites were recovered from the stool of the schoolchildren and the overall prevalence of helminthic infection was 24%. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent (22.1%) with moderate and light intensities of infection, Hookworm (3.4%) with light intensity infection and Hymenolepis nana 0.3%. Symptoms were present in 48.2% of the participants and 31.5% presented with abdominal pain, nausea 22.1%, diarrhoea 21.1%, anorexia 7%. Weight loss, nausea and vomiting were found to be significantly associated with infection with intestinal helminths., Conclusion: Light to moderate intestinal helminthic infections are still prevalent among school children with weight loss, nausea and vomiting being the most significant symptoms. Continuous studies among school children are needed including those in private schools to better understand the epidemiology of these infections., Competing Interests: The Authors declare that no competing interest exists., (Copyright © 2022 by West African Journal of Medicine.)

Helminthiasis causes iron deficiency anemia, pica, growth, and mental retardation in children. Deworming exercises are being included as part of various interventional programs to reduce the disease burden. However, the success or failure of such activities in terms of household caregivers' knowledge and practice of deworming is not usually adequately evaluated, thus this study. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in the rural community of Enugu State, Nigeria. Pretested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used. Inferential statistics, χ 2 test, and t-test were also used in the analysis for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. A total of 294 preschool children and 250 caregivers were studied. Among the caregivers, 212 (71.9%) had good knowledge and 149 (50.5%) had good practice of deworming. There was a statistically significant association between the age of respondents and knowledge score (χ 2  = 6.471, p = 0.039) and between the educational level of respondents and practice score (χ 2  = 30.632, p < 0.001). Most respondents in the rural community had a good knowledge of worm infestation and only half had good practice of deworming. Also, there was a significant difference between the age of respondents and knowledge of helminthiasis and between the educational level of respondents and deworming activities of respondents., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections are among the most common human infections worldwide with over 1 billion people affected. Many estimates of STH infection are often based on school-aged children (SAC). This study produced predictive risk-maps of STH on a more finite scale, estimated the number of people infected, and the amount of drug required for preventive chemotherapy (PC) in Ogun state, Nigeria. Georeferenced STH infection data obtained from a cross-sectional survey at 33 locations between July 2016 and November 2018, together with remotely-sensed environmental and socio-economic data were analyzed using Bayesian geostatistical modelling. Stepwise variable selection procedure was employed to select a parsimonious set of predictors to predict risk and spatial distribution of STH infections. The number of persons (pre-school ages children, SAC and adults) infected with STH were estimated, with the amount of tablets needed for preventive chemotherapy. An overall prevalence of 17.2% (95% CI 14.9, 19.5) was recorded for any STH infection. Ascaris lumbricoides infections was the most predominant, with an overall prevalence of 13.6% (95% CI 11.5, 15.7), while Hookworm and Trichuris trichiura had overall prevalence of 4.6% (95% CI 3.3, 5.9) and 1.7% (95% CI 0.9, 2.4), respectively. The model-based prevalence predictions ranged from 5.0 to 23.8% for Ascaris lumbricoides, from 2.0 to 14.5% for hookworms, and from 0.1 to 5.7% for Trichuris trichiura across the implementation units. The predictive maps revealed a spatial pattern of high risk in the central, western and on the border of Republic of Benin. The model identified soil pH, soil moisture and elevation as the main predictors of infection for A. lumbricoides, Hookworms and T. trichiura respectively. About 50% (10/20) of the implementation units require biannual rounds of mass drug administration. Approximately, a total of 1.1 million persons were infected and require 7.8 million doses. However, a sub-total of 375,374 SAC were estimated to be infected, requiring 2.7 million doses. Our predictive risk maps and estimated PC needs provide useful information for the elimination of STH, either for resource acquisition or identifying priority areas for delivery of interventions in Ogun State, Nigeria., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Purpose: Intestinal helminthiasis among pupils is a major impediment to their well-being and development. This 2-year study determined how home-grown school feeding programme (HGSFP) impacted on pupils' school attendance and created opportunity for more children to assess interventions geared towards the prevention and possible elimination of intestinal helminthiasis., Methods: Faecal samples were collected from 1677 consented pupils and examined for helminths using Kato-Katz technique. Pupils were treated with 40 mg Levamisole (anti-helminthic) and re-examined. Structured questionnaires and focus group discussions were used to determine anthropometric indices and risk factors., Results: A 6% prevalence rate which was not significant with respect to sex or age was observed. Helminth parasites observed were Ascaris lumbricoides (4.4%), Trichuris trichiura (0.8%), Hookworm spp. (0.2%), and Taenia spp. (0.5%). Two pupils (1.98%) recorded high intensity of infection (epg) while 98.02% had light infection. Ascaris lumbricoides voided following treatment were 290. The Body Mass Index (BMI) indicated that infected pupils had lower values (14.6317) compared to uninfected pupils (19.2003). The HGSFP significantly improved school attendance by 30%. Lack of knowledge about transmission (P = 0.0004), hand hygiene (P = 0.01) and usage of toilet (P = 0.01) were risk factors observed., Conclusion/significance: Intestinal helminthiasis remains a public health problem among pupils because environmental and behavioural risk factors persist. HGSFP improved school attendance and created opportunity for more inclusive participation of school-aged children for deworming. This has great potential in fast-tracking the elimination of intestinal helminthiasis. The present study consequently advocates the need to sustain HGSFP in schools., (© 2021. Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences.)

The need for a reliable risk map in the control of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) in Kogi East, North Central Nigeria is very important. This study was carried out to determine the effect of environmental risk factors on geospatial distribution of STHs. Epidemiological data were obtained from a district-wide survey conducted in 2018 in Kogi East. Edaphic and climatic factors were downloaded as spatial layers from international recognised health data resources centres. A total of 24 environmental factors were used in determining the risk map of STHs using MaxEnt tool. The predicted high-risk areas of A. lumbricoides, hookworms and S. stercoralis were the central part of Kogi East covering parts of Dekina, Ofu, Igalamela-Odolu, Olamaboro and Omala LGAs with probability of 0.8 to 1.00. Among the factors investigated; Temperature [mean diurnal temperature range (BIO2), temperature annual range (BIO7) and maximum temperature of the warmest month (BIO5)], precipitation [precipitation of the wettest quarter (BIO16)], and soil clay contents were the five factors that exerted most significant influence on the geospatial distribution of STHs in Kogi East, Nigeria. Public health control programmes on STHs should target high-risk areas by including them in mass drug administration, health education as well as provision of water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructures.

Background: Over 20 million preschool-age children (PSAC) in Nigeria require periodic chemotherapy (PC) for soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections. Persistently low coverage for this age group threatens the World Health Organization (WHO) 2030 target for eliminating STH infections. Current strategies for targeting PSAC have been largely ineffective. Hence, PSAC are mostly dewormed by their parents/caregivers. However, little is known of the perception and attitude of parents/caregivers of PSAC to deworming in this setting., Methods: A mixed methods design, combining a community-based interviewer-administered questionnaire-survey (n = 433) and focus group discussions (FGD) (n = 43) was used to assess the perceptions and attitudes of mothers to periodic deworming of preschool children aged 2-5 years in Abakpa-Nike, Enugu, Nigeria., Results: Coverage of periodic deworming in PSAC is 42% (95% CI: 37.3-46.8%). There is significant difference in the specific knowledge of transmission of STH (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.48-0.81, p = 0.000), complication of STH infections (AOR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.61-0.98, p = 0.034), accurate knowledge of deworming frequency (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.18-0.90, p = 0.026), and knowledge of PC drug, mebendazole (AOR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.09-0.90, p = 0.031), and pyrantel (AOR = 8.03, 95% CI: 2.22-29.03, p = 0.001) between mothers who periodically deworm their PSAC and those who do not. There is no significant difference in specific knowledge of the symptoms of STH infections (AOR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.57-1.02, p = 0.069) and PC drug, Albendazole (AOR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.46-2.11, p = 0.972). FGD revealed misconceptions that are rooted in stark ignorance of the disease. Overall attitude to deworming is positive and favourable., Conclusions: Poor coverage of periodic deworming for STH infections in PSAC in this setting are primarily driven by poor specific knowledge of the risks and burden of the infection. Focused health education on the burden and transmission of STH infections could complement existing strategies to improve periodic deworming of PSAC in this setting.

Background: Iron deficiency is a dominant source of anaemia in many settings. To evaluate the key cause of anaemia in the study area, the prevalence of anaemia due to major public health diseases was compared with anaemia due to iron deficiency., Methods: Pregnant women were recruited from ante-natal (n=490) and HIV clinics (n=217) with their personal data documented using a questionnaire. Microscopy of Giemsa-stained thick smears was used for detection of malaria parasites while helminths in stools were detected using direct smear method. Haematocrit values were determined by capillary method. Serum ferritin levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22.0., Results: The mean age of the recruited women was 28.6±5.4 years old. There were 68.1% cases of anaemia of which 35.5% was due to infections only predominantly HIV and malaria, 14.9% from unknown sources while anaemia due to iron deficiency only was 7.1%., Conclusion: It can safely be inferred that malaria and HIV predispose to anaemia than iron deficiency in the study area. Although pregnant women are dewormed and given IPTp for helminths and malaria treatment respectively, there should be complementary routine malaria screening at ANC visits for those with HCT values <33% and those infected with HIV., (© 2020 Rabiu OR et al.)

Background: The need to generate a robust epidemiological data on the neglected tropical diseases is imperative, in order to encourage access to formal care, drive public policies and ensure the allocation of resources by policy-makers., Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and its association with nutritional variables among primary school pupils living in urban slums in a South-Eastern sub-Saharan African city of Enugu, Nigeria., Methods: The stool samples of school-aged children living in urban slums were analyzed for ova of the helminths using the Kato-Katz methods, whereas the nutritional assessment (weight and height) was obtained and analyzed to indicate acute or chronic malnutrition. Degrees of helminthic load were then classified. The socioeconomic status was determined while the prevalence of STH and the relationship between it and the nutritional stratus was assessed to ascertain any significance between being malnourished and having STH as this will inform policy decisions., Results: There were a total of 371 analyzed stool samples from 228 females (61.5%) and 143 males (38.5%), with 285 (76.8%) from the lowest socioeconomic class. The prevalence of STH was 18.1%, while that of acute and chronic malnutrition were 3.3% and 7.5%, respectively. The intensity of infestation was, however, light, with the highest mean egg intensity of 74.4 ± 32.8 documented for ascariasis. There was no statistically significant association between the presence of STH and various indices of acute and chronic malnutrition (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: STHs prevalence is high among children living in urban slums. Nutritional status was, however, not adversely affected by helminthic infestation., Competing Interests: None

Background: Schistosomiasis and Soil-transmitted helminthiasis cause considerable morbidity and mortality in developing countries, especially among children. To this end it, a cross-sectional survey to determine the pattern of Schistosomiasis and Soil-transmitted helminthiasis co-infection was undertaken among primary school pupils in Oduma Community in Enugu State, Nigeria., Methods: Fresh urine and stool samples were collected from pupils. The urine and stool samples were examined using sedimentation and Kat-Katz techniques respectively., Results: Of the 236 pupils examined, 137 (58.1%) were found positive for at least one helminth infection. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent soil-transmitted helminth (STH), with a prevalence rate of 40.3%, followed by Trichuris trichiura (15.3%) and hookworm (8.9%). Infection with Schistosoma haematobium was detected in 13.6% of the pupils while Schistosoma mansoni infection prevalence was 7.2%. Age group 4 -7 years recorded the highest prevalence for S. haematobium, A. lumbricoides, T. Trichiura and hookworm infections. Multiple infections were also recorded, with 22.9% having double infections and 2.5% having triple infections. The most common double infection was A. lumbricoides with T. trichiura (8.9%), while the most common triple infection was A. lumbricoides, S. haematobium and hookworm (1.7%)., Conclusion: The results from the present study revealed an evident need for the systematic and sustained administration of school-based chemotherapy program targeting the control of STH infection and Schistosomiasis using Albendazole and Praziquantel respectively in the community, instead of a one-off approach that was carried out., (Copyright © 2018 Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Soil-transmitted helminthic (STH) infections are common in Sub-Saharan Africa. One method used for control of these helminths is mass anti-helminthic administration in populations at risk of STH infections. In this regard, empiric treatment of children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) for STH infection is practiced in this region. It is however unclear if children with SAM suffer more from STH infection than healthy children. The objective of this study was to compare prevalence and intensity of STH infection between pre-school aged children with SAM and healthy children., Methods: We approached 1114 pre-school aged children attending care in two health facilities in Kano, Nigeria to partake in this study. Of this number, we recruited 620 (55.7%) children, comprising 310 well-nourished children from well-baby clinics and 310 children with SAM from Community Management for Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) centres in these facilities. We assessed their nutritional status using World Health Organisation (WHO) growth charts and collected stool samples which we analysed using Formal-Ether Concentration technique to identify STH infection and Stoll's technique to assess intensities of STH infection. We fitted a logistic regression model to determine if there was any association between nutrition status and helminthic infection, adjusting for the confounding effects of socio-economic status and age. We compared intensity of STH infection (measured as eggs per gram of faeces) between both nutrition groups using the independent t-test., Results: Overall STH prevalence in our population was low (2.7%) and we found no significant association between nutritional status and presence of STH infection (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.38 to 3.21). Majority of our study participants had either low or moderate (94.2%) and there was no statistically significant difference between intensity of STH infection (t value = - 1.52, P value = 0.13) in children with SAM and those who were well-nourished., Conclusions: The overall STH prevalence among pre-school children was low in Kano and we did not find prevalence and intensity of STH infection to differ significantly between preschool children with SAM and well-nourished children. Our findings confirm the WHO recommendation that at low levels of prevalence and intensity, interventions to control STH are unnecessary.

Background: Plasmodium falciparum and soil transmitted helminth (STHs) infection are widespread in sub-Sahara Africa, where co-infection is also common. This study assessed the prevalence of these infections and their risk factors among pregnant women in Osogbo, Nigeria., Methods: A total of 200 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic were recruited. Plasmodium falciparum was detected using thick and thin film methods, while formol ether concentration method was used for STHs detection. A questionnaire was used to investigate the possible risk factors associated with acquisition of malaria and helminth infections., Results: The prevalence of P. falciparum , STHs and their co-infection was 29.5%, 12% and 5% respectively. P. falciparum , STHs and P. falciparum + STHs co-infection was significantly higher in primigravidae (52.5% vs 58.3% vs 80%) than in secongravidae (18.6% vs 25.0% vs 20%) and multigravidae (28.8% vs 16.7% vs 0%) (p=0.02). Prevalence associated factors identified for P. falciparum was age (p=0.0001) while gravidity (p=0.02) was identified for P. falciparum + STHs co-infection., Conclusion: High prevalence of P. falciparum and helminth infections was observed among the pregnant women with primigravidae being the most susceptible to co-infection. There is an urgent need to implement an effective malaria and STHs preventive method for this high risk population.

Introduction: Poliovirus, an enterovirus, still persists in Nigeria despite the global efforts tailored towards its eradication. This study aimed to assess the impacts of poliovirus and other enteroviruses on the susceptibility of individuals to intestinal parasite infections., Methodology: A cross-sectional study on the prevalence of intestinal parasites was conducted on two-sample stool specimens of 717 Nigerian children (between 1 and 19 years of age) whose poliovirus/other enteroviruses infection status had been determined., Results: The overall prevalence of Sabin poliovirus and other related enteroviruses infections were 6.6% and 13.8%, respectively. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides was significantly higher than that of other intestinal parasites (p < 0.05), with children in the 0-4 year age group being the most predisposed age group to intestinal parasitic infection (OR = 11.7, CI = 9.2-15.0). While the prevalence of all species of parasites except S. mansoni showed no significant variations in children with Sabin poliovirus (p > 0.05), the prevalence of hookworms and Taenia spp. was significantly higher in children with other enteroviral infections (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: The high risk of children of acquiring enteroviral infection through some intestinal parasites is an indication of possible association of the parasites in a more poliovirus-endemic population. A combined intervention approach for the two infections is advocated.

Background: Malaria and intestinal helminths co-infection are major public health problems particularly among school age children in Nigeria. However the magnitude and possible interactions of these infections remain poorly understood. This study determined the prevalence, impact and possible interaction of Plasmodium falciparum and intestinal helminths co-infection among school children in rural communities of Kwara State, Nigeria., Methods: Blood, urine and stool samples were collected from 1017 primary school pupils of ages 4-15 years. Stool samples were processed using both Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration techniques and microscopically examined for intestinal helminths infection. Urine samples were analyzed using sedimentation method for Schistosoma haematobium. Plasmodium falciparum was confirmed by microscopy using thick and thin blood films methods and packed cell volume (PCV) was determined using hematocrit reader. Univariate analysis and chi-square statistical tests were used to analyze the data., Results: Overall, 61.2% of all school children had at least an infection of either P. falciparum, S. haematobium, or intestinal helminth. S. haematobium accounted for the largest proportion (44.4%) of a single infection followed by P. falciparum (20.6%). The prevalence of malaria and helminth co-infection in the study was 14.4%. Four species of intestinal helminths were recovered from the stool samples and these were hookworm (22.5%), Hymenolepis species (9.8%), Schistosoma mansoni (2.9%) and Enterobius vermicularis (0.6%). The mean densities of P. falciparum in children co-infected with S. haematobium and hookworm were higher compared to those infected with P. falciparum only though not statistically significant (p = 0.062). The age distribution of both S. haematobium (p = 0.049) and hookworm (p = 0.034) infected children were statistically significant with the older age group (10-15 years) recording the highest prevalence of 47.2% and 25% respectively. Children who were infected with S. haematobium (RR = 1.3) and hookworm (RR = 1.4) have equal chances of being infected with P. falciparum as children with no worm infection. On the other hand children infected with Hymenolepis spp. (p<0.0001) are more likely to be infected with P. falciparum than Hymenolepis spp. uninfected children (RR = 2.0)., Conclusions: These findings suggest that multiple parasitic infections are common in school age children in rural communities of Kwara State Nigeria. The Hymenolepis spp. induced increase susceptibility to P. falciparum could have important consequences on how concurrent infections affect the expression or pathogenesis of these infections.

The relationship between intestinal helminth infection and susceptibility to malaria remains unclear. We studied the relationship between these infections. Seven schools in Ilero, Nigeria referred all pupils with febrile illness to our study center for free malaria treatment during a 3-month study period. At the end, all pupils submitted a stool sample for microscopic investigation for helminth eggs. We used an unmatched case-control design to calculate the odds ratios for helminth infection in children with at least one attack of malaria (cases) and children with no malaria episodes during the study (controls). We recorded 115 malaria cases in 82 of 354 (23.2%), 16 of 736 (2.2%), and 17 of 348 (4.7%) children ages ≤ 5, 6-10, and 11-15 years old, respectively (P = 0.001). Helminth infection rate in cases was 21 of 115 (18.3%) compared with 456 of 1,327 (34.4%) in controls. Weighted odds ratio stratified by age group for helminth infection in cases versus controls was 0.50 (95% confidence interval = 0.2-0.84, P < 0.01). Ascaris and hookworm were the most common helminths detected, with prevalence rates of 14 (12.2%) and 6 (5.2%) among cases compared with 333 (25.1%) and 132 (10.0%) in controls, respectively (P = 0.001). The negative association between helminth infection and malaria may be of importance in the design of deworming programs., (© The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.)

Background: This study was aimed at examining the potential of non-biting synanthropic filth flies to acquire naturally eggs of human intestinal helminths from unsanitary sites, and its attendant public health importance., Methods: Body surface washings and gut contents of flies caught foraging while infected human faeces lay exposed at a garbage dump in Iperu, Ogun State, Nigeria and within 24 hours subsequently after removal of faeces from the dump were examined parasitologically by the formol-ether concentration technique. The viability of helminth eggs isolated from flies was determined by incubation under laboratory conditions., Results: A total of 303 flies were examined: Musca domestica (107; 35.3%), Chrysomya megacephala (125; 41.3%) and Musca sorbens (71; 23.4%). Eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura isolated from exposed human faeces were recovered from the body surfaces and or gut contents of flies caught before (141; 77.5%) and after removal of exposed faeces (44; 36.4%). Eggs of Taenia sp. were isolated only from the gut contents of three C. megacephala flies caught after removal of exposed faeces. Significantly more (p<0.05) eggs were recovered from fly gut contents than body surfaces and from flies caught before than after removal of exposed faeces. 93.1% (552; from exposed faeces) and 57.4% (408; from flies) of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura eggs were viable., Conclusions: Synanthropic flies may, because they carry viable eggs acquired naturally from unsanitary sites, be involved in the epidemiology of human intestinal helminthiases.

Background: Behavioral aberrations such as nail biting, finger sucking, and pica have been postulated as risk factors that enhance helminths ova transmission. These aberrations may present commonly in children with chronic neurological disorders and predispose them to heavy intensity of intestinal helminthiasis. This comparative cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence, intensity, and behavioral risk factors for intestinal helminthiasis in children with chronic neurological disorders and apparently healthy controls., Methods: Fresh stool samples from 155 children (2-17 years) with chronic neurological disorders seen at the child neurology clinic and 155 age and sex matched controls from nursery and primary schools in Benin City were analyzed using the Kato-Katz technique for detection of ova of helminths from November 2008 to April 2009., Results: The prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis (31.0%) was significantly higher in children with chronic neurological disorders compared with the controls (19.4%) (P=0.03). The intensity of infections in both groups was light ranging 24-144 eggs per gram. Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm were the intestinal helminths isolated in both groups. Behavioral aberrations were significantly more represented in the subjects than in the controls (P<0.0001, OR=2.8). Nail biting and encopresis were the most significant independent predictors of intestinal helminthiasis (P=0.025 and 0.001, respectively) in the subjects only. Hand washing with water and soap after defecation and frequent de-worming exercise were practices significantly associated with decreased prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis in the subjects and controls., Conclusions: Behavioral modification in children with chronic neurological disorders should be an integral part of the control program for intestinal helminthiasis.

Background: Parasitic worms infect millions of school age children worldwide and this is even more evident in the tropics where basic personal general hygiene still remains a challenge. One of the consequences of parasitic worm infestation in children is anaemia which is objectively measured by estimating the packed cell volume. This study carried out through four months was to examine the effects, (on packed cell volume and parasitic worm load) of de-worming pupils of a primary school in Rivers State., Method: This two-phase quasi-experimental intervention study had 218 pupils (i.e. study and control groups) selected by multi-stage sampling from a primary school. Their packed cell volumes were estimated with centrifuge hematocrit and stool examined for parasitic worms with saline wet prep microscopy. A dose of Albendazole was administered to the study group. The data presented in Microsoft Excel spread sheet, were then analysed using SPSS version 17, T-test and Chi Square respectively., Results: The prevalence of ova in the stool of the study group dropped significantly from the pre-intervention 53.4% to a post intervention 11.5% P = 0.00). Also, the mean packed cell volume in the study group increased from 32.2 + 3.3% to 33.1 + 3.0% P = 0.03). The values for the control remained essentially same pre- and post-intervention., Conclusion: The de-worming intervention significantly reduced the parasitic worm load and improved the packed cell volume of the pupils. It is recommended that school age children be routinely dewormed as part of the School Health Programme.

Background: Orphans may be envisaged to have sub-optimal care and may be predisposed to high worm burden. This study was undertaken to determine prevalence and intensity of intestinal helminthiasis in children living in orphanages in Benin City, Nigeria., Methods: Fresh stool samples from 150 children (0-17 years) living in 10 orphanages in Benin City, were analyzed using the Kato-Katz technique for the detection of ova of helminths between January and April, 2011., Results: The subjects consisted of 62 (41.3%) males and 88 (58.7%)females; mean age (+/- standard deviation SD) 7.0 +/- 4.6 years, and mean (+/- SD) years lived in the orphanage was 4.0 +/- 3.7 years. Prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis was 20.7% and this prevalence was highest in children ages 12-17years, children who had lived longer years in the orphanages and in orphanages with poor child/care-giver ratio (orphanage F = 12.0: 1 and orphanage H = 7.3: 1). Mean (+/- SD) age (8.7 +/- 4.5 years) of infected subjects was significantly higher than (6.6 +/- 4.5 years) observed in non-infected subjects (p = 0.023). Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura were the intestinal helminths isolated. Intensity of intestinal helminths was light in 24/31 (77.4%) and moderate in 7/31 (22.6%) infected subjects. Median egg per gram was 999 eggs per gram and range was 48-8000., Conclusion: Improved child/care-giver ratio in orphanages will reduce worm burden in orphanages in Benin City.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a schistosome-endemic rural community in Southwestern Nigeria. We assessed prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted nematodes and the co-occurrence with Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni. Urine and stool samples from 419 schoolchildren were examined, and a questionnaire was administered to obtain socio-demographic characteristics. In total, 78.3% (328/419) were infected with at least one helminth species, with a prevalence (mean egg-count) of 55.1% (3069.2) of Ascaris lumbricoides, 41.1% (127.5) of S. haematobium, 22.7% (98.6) of hookworms, 17.9% (161.3) of Trichuris trichiura, and 10.3% (12.9) of S. mansoni. Multiple infections were significantly more common among children from households with more playmates, absence of toilet facilities and low income level (all p<0.001). Children with heavy hookworm burden were at a significantly higher chance of acquiring S. mansoni (OR=36.35; 95% Cl: 13.22-100.97; p<0.0001). The risk of S. mansoni and A. lumbricoides infections was increased in co-infections with S. haematobium. Logistic regression analysis revealed infections by hookworms and S. mansoni (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=3.90, 95% Cl: 2.03-7.46; p<0.0001), and by hookworms and T. trichiura (aOR=2.46, 95% Cl: 1.44-4.22; p=0.001) as significant risk factors for multiple infections. Our study shows that polyparasitism is common in the study area. Focused interventions such as mass treatment with anthelminthics and health education are needed to improve the well-being of the affected population., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Human co-infection with Plasmodium falciparum and helminthes is ubiquitous throughout Africa. This study aimed to determine the co-infections of Plasmodium falciparum infection in HIV and intestinal parasitic infections, and their immunological distribution, in Benin City, Nigeria., Methodology: A total of 2,000 stool specimens from HIV-positive patients and 500 controls (HIV-negative individuals) were examined for ova, cysts, or parasites using standard procedures. In addition, patients' blood samples were analyzed for CD4 counts by flow cytometry and examined for Plasmodium falciparum by microscopy., Results: The prevalence of single parasitic infection among HIV patients was 18.1% in males and 16.9% among females with no significant difference (p = 0.536) while gender was a risk factor in multiple parasitic infections (male versus female: 4.2% and 1.8% OR = 2.384; 95% CI = 1.371, 4.147) (p = 0.0025). Increasing age was not associated with increased risk of both single and multiple parasitic infections (p = 0.083; p = 0.248). CD4 + T cell count less than 200 cells/µl was a risk factor for acquiring single and multiple parasitic infections among HIV patients (OR = 5.565; 95% CI = 4.136, 7.486; p = 0.0001; OR = 4.283; 95% CI = 2.424, 7.566; p = 0.0001). The most common co-infection observed was between Plasmodium falciparum and Ascaris lumbricoides 43% (10) among HIV patients., Conclusion: This study provides evidence of co-infections between Plasmodium falciparum and intestinal parasites. Diagnosis of parasitic infections among HIV patients is advocated as this will enhance better management of HIV-infected patients.

Background: The geriatric health, wellness and illness states in Nigeria are largely influenced by communicable diseases., Objective: This study was aimed at describing the pattern of common geriatric morbidity from communicable diseases in a rural hospital in Eastern Nigeria., Methods: This study was a descriptive hospital-based study carried out from June 2008 to June 2010 on geriatric patients at St Vincent De Paul Hospital, Amurie-Omanze, a rural Mission General Hospital in Imo state. The data collected included age, sex and diagnoses made., Results: Eight hundred and seventy two patients out of a total patient population of 9885 were 65 years and above. The geriatric patients' constituted 8.8% of total patients' population. Out of these, 530 (60.8%) had communicable diseases consisting of 235 males and 295 females with a male to female ratio of 1: 1.3. The top five communicable diseases were malaria (67.1%), skin infections (43.6%), urinary tract infections (36.0%), intestinal helminthiasis (20.6%) and gastroenteritis (17.9%)., Conclusion: This study shows that geriatric patients suffer acute and chronic communicable diseases with the commonest being malaria, skin infections, urinary tract infections and neglected tropical disease such as ascariasis and hookworm infestation. Effective measures are needed to control the scourge of communicable diseases which are largely preventable among the elderly patients particularly in rural Nigeria.

Background: Zoonotic infections are among the most common on earth and are responsible for over 60% of human infectious diseases, some of which are caused by helminth parasites. Infection may result from ingestion of infective stage of worms with food, contaminated soil; skin penetration or direct animal contact. This study estimates the prevalence of zoonotic helminth infections (ZHI) among animals and humans in Jos and identifies associated risk factors, Methods: We reviewed laboratory records from five hospitals, one veterinary clinic and meat inspection record at abattoir in Jos from 2005-2009. Prevalence was defined as the observed frequency of cases of zoonotic helminth in the sampled population within the study period. Odd ratio analysis was used to identify factors associated with ZHI., Results: Of 6689 humans tested, 524 (7.8%) were positive. Observed ZHI are: Ascaris species (4.5%), Taeniasis-Cysticercosis (1.5%), Schistosoma species (1.1%), Strongyloidosis (0.09%). Among animals, 3520 (18.1%) of 19508 tested/observed were positive; including Fasciola species (12.7%), Taeniasis-Cysticercosis (5.0%), Strongyloidosis (0.4%), Ascaris species (0.04%). The risk of infection was higher among humans aged 6-19 (OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 2.0-5.2) and 20-60 (OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.7-3.9). Peri-urban dwellers are at higher risk (OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.3-1.9); and so are farmers., Conclusion: The prevalence of zoonotic helminth infection is high among humans and animals in Jos. Risk of infection are higher among human age 6-60, peri-urban dwellers and farmers. This calls for the formulation of workable collaboration between human and veterinary medical disciplines for better control of zoonotic helminth infections.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminths among pre-school and school-aged children attending nursery and primary schools in Ile-Ife. Single stool samples were collected between January and March, 2009 from 352 children randomly selected from a total of 456 children attending both private and government schools. The stool samples were processed using the modified Kato-Katz technique, and then examined for the eggs of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs). One hundred and twenty-one (34.4%) samples were positive for STH eggs. The overall prevalences of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm were 33.2%, 3.7% and 0.9%, respectively. The prevalence of STH infection in government schools (47.8%) was significantly higher than in private schools (16.1%) (P < 0.001). The most common type of mixed infection was the combination of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura (6.8%). The prevalence and intensity of A. lumbricoides rose with age. The lowest prevalence and intensity (7.7%; 0.240 ± 0.136 eggs per gram (epg)) were recorded in the 2- to 3-year-old age group, while the highest prevalence and intensity (58.7%; 1.820 ± 0.237 epg) were recorded in children aged 10 years and above. A questionnaire survey indicated that 73% of the children attending private school had been treated with anthelminthics less than 2 months prior to the collection of stool specimens, while 43% of the children attending government school received anthelminthic treatment during the same period. The findings indicate that STH infections are endemic among schoolchildren in Ile-Ife and that the burden of parasitic infections is greater in government schools than in private schools.

In January-March 2000, the impact of intestinal helminthiases on the nutritional status of 749 pupils (353 boys and 396 girls) attending public primary schools in the Ife Central local government area of Osun state, in south-western Nigeria, was investigated. Demographic, socio-economic and other relevant information was collected on the pupils, on the same day that a single stool sample was collected from each subject and examined, using Stoll's dilution egg-count technique. The weights, heights and ages of the subjects were recorded and converted to percentages of the reference medians for weight-for-height, weight-for-age and height-for-age. The overall prevalences of helminth infection detected among the 465 malnourished pupils (i.e. those with any form of under-nutrition) and the 284 well-nourished pupils were 32.9% and 25.4%, respectively (P=0.029). The nutritional indices of the pupils who were found helminth-infected were generally lower than those of the pupils who appeared free of intestinal helminths. The mean values for weight-for-height, for example, were higher in the apparently uninfected pupils than in those found infected with any intestinal helminth (P=0.02) or only with Ascaris lumbricoides (P=0.05). Similarly, the mean height-for-age of the pupils who were apparently uninfected was higher than the corresponding value for the pupils found hookworm-positive (P=0.003). The pupils who were each found infected with two or more species of intestinal infection had significantly lower weights-for-heights, weights-for-ages and heights-for-ages than the pupils who appeared to be helminth-free. The results of a multivariate logistic-regression analysis indicated that hookworm infection was a significant risk factor for underweight (P=0.015), wasting (P=0.033) and stunting (P=0.015) whereas Trichuris was only a significant risk factor for stunting (P=0.025). It appears that intestinal helminthiasis may play a causal or contributory role in the occurrence of childhood malnutrition, at least in the present study area. Steps should be taken to control both of these important health problems, through functional school-health programmes that provide regular deworming, supervised school meals and health education.

Unlabelled: The objective of this study was to determine some common behavioural risk factors for intestinal helminthiasis in nursery and primary school children in Enugu., Design: A cross-sectional survey on 460 children attending nursery and primary schools in Enugu was carried out in 2003 with a view to determine some behavioural risk factors for intestinal helminthiasis., Setting: This study was carried out in the research laboratory of the Federal Ministry of Health, National Arbovirus and Vector Research Centre, Enugu., Method: Intestinal helminthiasis was diagnosed using the kato-katz method in analysing fresh stool samples collected from nursery and primary school children in Enugu. These fresh stool samples were collected into appropriately labeled clean containers. Questionnaires were administered by the researchers to obtain data from the children and their parents or guardians as regards some behavioural risk factors for intestinal helminthiasis., Results: The results from this study showed that the prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis was significantly affected by various behavioural risk factors. The rate of helminthic infection varied significantly with hand washing habits after defeacation (chi2 = 75.77; df= 2; p = 0.001) and with different habits of washing fruits before eating (chi2 = 52.79; df=2; p = 0.001) among the pupils. Also, the rate ofhelminthic infection varied significantly with the source of drinking water (chi2 = 55.12; df = 3; p = 0.01), water boiling habits (chi2 = 40.89; df = 2; p = 0.001), use of footwear after school hours (chi2 = 30.72; df = 2; p = 0.001). Sites utilized for defeacation by the pupils (chi2 = 80.25; df=3; p = 0.001) also significantly influenced the rate ofhelminthic infection., Conclusion: Various behavioural factors which significantly affect the rate of helminthic infection abound in children living in Enugu. The government should give attention to the control of these behavioural risk factors. A lot of health education will be needed to curb the poor personal hygienic habits which are obvious risk factors for intestinal helminthiasis.

Background: It is estimated that 3 billion people world wide are infected with intestinal parasites. Morbidity is highest amongst children; infestation causes a threat to the growth and development of the child. The study aims to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminthes in children attending day care centers in Jos metropolis., Methodology: Ten day care centers were randomly selected from the total number of day care centers. From each centre children were randomly selected for study. Parents of selected children completed a structured questionnaire and stool specimens of the children were analyzed using iodine and saline preparation., Results: Two hundred and twenty-one children (57.8%) of the 384 children studied had intestinal parasites. Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale and Trichuris trichura were the commonest parasites found. The relationship between intestinal parasite infestation and diarrhea in past 2 months (X2 =19.5, df = 1,p < 0.001 OR = 3.87), de-worming in the past six months (X2 = 11.13, df = 1, p < 0.001, OR = 4.55) and domestic treatment of drinking water (X2 = 35.38, df = 1, p < 0.001, OR = 4.3) were statistically significant., Conclusion: Intestinal parasite infestation in the children was high.

The principal objectives of this study are to (a) investigate the prevalence of elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs) in children of three major cities of Nigeria with different levels of industrial pollution; (b) identify the environmental, social and behavioral risk factors for the EBLLs in the children; and (c) explore the association between malaria (endemic in the study areas) and EBLLs in the pediatric population. The study involved 653 children aged 2-9 years (average, 3.7 years). The mean blood lead level (BLL) for the children was 8.9+/-4.8microg/dL, the median value was 7.8microg/dL, and the range was 1-52microg/dL. About 25% of the children had BLL greater than 10microg/dL. There were important differences in BLLs across the three cities, with the average value in Ibadan (9.9+/-5.2microg/dL) and Nnewi (8.3+/-3.5microg/dL) being higher than that in Port Harcourt (4.7+/-2.2micro/dL). Significant positive associations were found between BLL and a child's town of residence (p<0.001), age of the child (p=0.004), length of time the child played outside (p<0.001), presence of pets in a child's home (p=0.023), but negatively with educational level of caregiver (p<0.001). This study is one of the first to find a significant negative association between BLL and malaria in a pediatric population, and this association remained significant after controlling for confounding diseases and symptoms. The shared environmental and socio-demographic risks factors for lead exposure and Plasmodium (most common malaria parasites) infection in urban areas of Nigeria are discussed along with possible ways that lead exposure may influence the host response to infection with malarial parasites.

Objective: To assess the effect of sanitary provision and hygiene practices on intestinal helminth burden of primary school children., Materials and Methods: The cross sectional descriptive study was undertaken in Egor Area of Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Using a calculated sample size of 384, participants were selected from primary schools in the study area, using a multi stage sampling method. Although, 384 pupils were expected to participate in the study only 365 provided faecal samples for examination giving a response rate of 95%., Results: In most of the schools surveyed, open refuse dumping, (score 1) was the prevalent practice. Portable water supply was present only in private schools within the compound, (score 4). Toilet facilities were grossly inadequate in number and without consideration for sex. Pit latrine, (score 2) was the common toilet provided in surveyed schools. Seventy seven, (21.1%) of the pupils were infected with one or more helminth ova. Pupils in public schools were more infected 72 (30.8%) than those in private schools 5 (3.8%). Helminth ova seen in examined faecal samples were A lumbricoides 61, (16.7%); followed by hookworm, 27 (7.4%); T. trichuria, 5(1.4%); S. stercoralis, 1(0.4%). Regular hand washing with soap reduced the prevalence of helminthiasis., Conclusion: The level of sanitation observed in the schools studied was low. Consequently, more toilets, preferably the VIP type should be built to overcome the hazard of the pit latrine. Provision of portable water supply should be mandatory for all schools to ensure healthy learning environment.

Background: A study of the helminth infection status of primary-school children and the hygiene condition of schools in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria was undertaken between November 2004 and February 2005 to help guide the development of a school-based health programme., Methods and Findings: THREE PRIMARY SCHOOLS WERE RANDOMLY SELECTED: two government-owned schools (one urban and the other rural) and one urban private school. No rural private schools existed to survey. A total of 257 schoolchildren aged 4-15 y, of whom 146 (56.8%) were boys and 111 (43.2%) were girls, took part in the survey. A child survey form, which included columns for name, age, sex, and class level, was used in concert with examination of stool samples for eggs of intestinal helminths. A school survey form was used to assess the conditions of water supply, condition of latrines, presence of soap for handwashing, and presence of garbage around the school compound. The demographic data showed that the number of schoolchildren gradually decreased as their ages increased in all three schools. The sex ratio was proportional in the urban school until primary level 3, after which the number of female pupils gradually decreased, whereas in the private school, sexes were proportionally distributed even in higher classes. The prevalence of helminth infection was 54.9% of schoolchildren in the urban government school, 63.5% in the rural government school, and 28.4% in the urban private school. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent species, followed by Trichuris trichiura, Taenia species, and hookworm in the three schools. Prevalence of infection in the government-owned schools was significantly higher than in the private school (chi(2) = 18.85, df = 2, p<0.0005). A survey of hygiene conditions in the three schools indicated that in the two government schools tapwater was unavailable, sanitation of latrines was poor, handwashing soap was unavailable, and garbage was present around school compounds. In the private school, in contrast, all hygiene indices were satisfactory., Conclusions: These results indicate that burden of parasite infections and poor sanitary conditions are of greater public health importance in government-owned schools than in privately owned schools. School health programmes in government-owned schools, including deworming, health education, and improvement of hygiene conditions are recommended.

The prevalences and intensities of intestinal helminthic infection among primary schoolchildren were determined in rural and urban communities of the Ife Central local government area, in south-western Nigeria. After the schools in the study area had been stratified into urban and rural, a random sample from each stratum was selected for further study. In each study school, a single fresh stool specimen was obtained from each pupil in randomly selected classes and checked, using a quantitative method (Stoll's dilution egg-count technique), for helminth eggs and larvae. Overall, 366 rural and 383 urban schoolchildren were investigated and 30.0% of them (36.1% of the rural and 24.3% of the urban; P<0.001) were found to be harbouring at least one species of intestinal helminth. The mean intensities of infection, in terms of excreted eggs/g faeces of those infected, were 2371.4 for Ascaris, 1070.6 for hookworm, and 500 for Trichuris. Although the mean intensities of Ascaris infection were significantly lower among the infected rural children than among the infected urban (2025.7 v. 2791.4; P=0.014), the corresponding difference in the hookworm infections did not reach statistical significance (1458 v. 666.7; P=0.063). The means of the log-transformed egg outputs, in eggs/g faeces of those infected, also showed similar trends: a significant difference between the rural and urban Ascaris infections (3.1877 v. 3.3340; P=0.002) but not between the rural and urban hookworm infections (2.9667 v. 2.8027; P=0.453). Intestinal helminthiases still clearly represent a common childhood health problem in the study area, particularly in the rural communities.

Intestinal helminths and schistosomiasis among school children were investigated in an urban and some rural communities of Ogun State, southwest Nigeria. Fecal samples of 1,059 subjects (524 males, 535 females) aged 3-18 years were examined using direct smear and brine concentration methods between June 2005 and November 2006. The pooled prevalence of infection was 66.2%. Ascaris lumbricoides showed the highest prevalence (53.4%) (P < 0.001) followed by hookworms (17.8%), Trichuris trichiura (10.4%), Taenia sp. (9.6%), Schistosoma mansoni (2.3%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.7%), Schistosoma haematobium (0.6%), and Enterobius vermicularis (0.3%). The prevalences of A. lumbricoides, hookworms, Taenia sp., S. mansoni, and S. stercoralis in the urban centre were similar (P > 0.05) to those in the rural communities. The fertile and infertile egg ratios of A. lumbricoides in the urban centre and the rural communities were 13: 1 and 3.7: 1, respectively. Each helminth had similar prevalences among both genders (P > 0.05). The prevalence of A. lumbricoides increased significantly with age (P < 0.001). The commonest double infections were Ascaris and hookworms, while the commonest triple infections were Ascaris, hookworms, and Trichuris. The study demonstrates the need for urgent intervention programmes against intestinal helminthiases and schistosomiasis in the study area.

Patterns of intestinal helminth infections among school-aged children have been assessed in Eko-ende and Ore, as part of an overall assessment of the public health impact of Erinle Dam Reservoir in Osun State, Nigeria. The investigation was carried out between January and May 2005 using the Kato Katz thick smear technique and simple questionnaire for information on the bio-data, knowledge, attitude and practice of individuals towards disease transmission and control. Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, Taenia spp., Strongyloides stercoralis and Schistosoma mansoni were recovered at an overall prevalence of 78.3% among 309 children examined. Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, T. trichiura and S. mansoni were the most common infections while S. stercoralis and Taenia spp. were found only among a few children. Infection patterns of the common diseases were age-specific with peaks in the 11-15 age bracket. Children not attending school were significantly (P < 0.05) more at risk of infection than those attending school. Multiple infections were pronounced with over 54% double infections and 6% four parasites or more infections. The need for urgent intervention to arrest the obviously serious public health situation attributable to Erinle Dam is emphasized.

A comparative study of the gut helminthes of Gymnarchus niloticus and Heterotis niloticus were undertaken. A total of 38 fishes comprising of 20 Gymnarchus niloticus and 18 Heterotis niloticus were examined for helminth parasites. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections was 34.2%, which implied that 13 of the specimens examined were infected with parasites. A total of 18 parasites were recovered from the fish specimens. The male specimens of Heterotis niloticus had 38.9% prevalence of infections while the male specimens of Gymnarchus niloticus had 0% prevalence of infections. The female specimens of the two fishes had 50% prevalence of infections. Gymnarchus niloticus harboured two nematodes; Raphidascaroides species in the stomach and the Philometrids, Nilonema gymnarchi, in the intestine. Heterotis niloticus were infected with a trematode Brevimulticaecum heterotis in the liver and Tenuisentis niloticus and Sandonella sandoni in the intestine. The worm burden and intensity were low and independent of sex and age of fish with no seasonal variation in parasite intensity observed. The low prevalence of infection is possibly due to the randomness of specimens' selection.

Impairment of physical and mental development has been identified as deleterious effects of helminthic infection. As a result, there have been concerted efforts to control this group of diseases especially among children who are most vulnerable. However, knowing the prevalence of multiple infections will strengthen or otherwise justify the use of broad spectrum antihelminthics in the prophylaxis and treatment of intestinal helminthes among children. This study was carried out in a farming community with no tarred access road, electricity or pipe-borne water. The diagnosis of intestinal helminthes was by Kato-Katz thick smear examination technique. One hundred and seventy stool samples from 88 male and 82 female children were examined. The mean age of the children was 8 +/- 1.6years. One hundred and sixteen of 170 (68.2%) of the study volunteers had one intestinal helminthic infection or the other. Co-infection by more than one helminth was not uncommon and this occurred in 49.1% of the infected population while 35.4%, 11.2% and 2.6% had double, triple and quadruple infections respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm were the most common combinations observed in the study 52.6%, followed by the combination of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura 17.5%. The triad of A. lumbricoides, hookworm and T. trichiura accounted for 12.3% among the multiply infected population. However, quadruple infection with A. lumbricoides, hookworm, T. trichliura and E. vernlicularis had 2.6% prevalence rate among the study population. Ascaris lumbricoides is the most prevalent among all the children, with a prevalence of 81.6%, 63.3% and 52.4% among children aged 12 -17years, 6-11 years and 0-5 years respectively. In conclusion, the presence of multiple infections especially of Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm in almost 26% of the study population and multiple infections in 49.1% of the infected population justified the use of broadspectrum antihelminthics in the management of helminthiasis among school children of the rural community. Thus treatment and mass chemotherapy directed at school children will be a step in the right direction.

Objectives: Illiteracy, poverty with associated poor environmental sanitation practices have been implicated in the heavy burden of helminthiasis among children. The objective of this cross-sectional survey is to determine the impact of parents' level of education on the intestinal helminthic status of children., Patients, Materials and Methods: All patients, 0-15 years totaling 1030 who visited the communicable disease clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, from October, 2001 to March 2002 were included in this study. However, only 207 of the enlisted patients submitted faecal samples for examination and constituted the study population. Tool for data collection was structured questionnaire that was researcher administered to mother/caregivers after informed consent was obtained. Information sought in the questionnaire included sex and age of the subjects and level of education of their parents. Formol ether concentration method was used for stool examination while intensity was estimated using McMaster counting chamber technique., Results: Of the 207 faecal samples examined 46(22.2% ) had ova of helminths while 161(77.85% ) had none. More school children, 40(19.3% ), than pre-school children, 6(2.9% ) had helminth ova in their faecal samples and the difference was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). More females, 28(13.5% ) than males, 18(8.7% ) were infected but the difference was however not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Intestinal helminth ova seen in order of prevalence include A. lumbricoides, 23(11.1% ); hookworm, 12(5.8% ); T. trichiuria, 8(3.8% ); Schistosoma mansoni, 2(1.0% ); Strongyloides stercoralis, 1(0.5% ) while multiple infection was recorded in 11(5.3% ) patients. Intensity of infection was low. The difference between the means for A. lumbricoides, T. trichiuria and multiple infection by age were found to be statistically significant P < 0.001; P < 0.05; P < 0.001, respectively. Mother's level of education more than father's level of education seemed to influence the pattern of intestinal helminthiasis among the children but the association was not found to be statistically significant (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: Prevalence and intensity of infection was low probably due to periodic antihelminthic treatment offered by the health authorities. Improvement in mother's level of education brought about decrease in prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis among the children. Therefore, improvement in female education should be encouraged to reduce the incidence of communicable disease in the family.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and intestinal helminthiasis are common conditions in Nigeria. Chronic diarrhoea is a common manifestation of acquired immune deficiency syndrome ( AIDS). Helminths such as Strongyloides stercoralis and Trichuris trichiura may cause chronic diarrhoea especially in immunocompromised individuals. In order to determine whether any relationship exists between HIV infection and intestinal helminthiasis, stool samples from all HIV seropositive adults (with or without diarrhoea) admitted to the medical wards of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu from August 1996 to October 1998 were examined microscopically for helminths. Out of 383 HIV-seropositive patients studied, 181 (47.26%) presented with chronic diarrhoea whereas 202 (52.74%) had no diarrhoea. The overall prevalence rate of gut helminths was 17.74%. The prevalence rate in the patients with chronic diarrhoea was 19.34% and that of those without chronic diarrhoea was 16.34%. The difference was not statistically significant. The helminths identified were Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Strongyloides stercoralis and Trichuris trichiura but there was no statistically significant difference in the two groups of patients. The study showed that there may be no clearcut relationship between gut helminths and HIV infection.

A study to establish the prevalence of intestinal helminthiases among schoolchildren of riverine communities in the Ilaje-Ese Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria was conducted. Ninety-four percent of the children studied were infected with intestinal helminths. Trichuris trichiura infection was the commonest (84%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (75.3 %) and hookworm (7.6 %). Dual helminthic infections were recorded, with Ascaris-Trichuris having the highest prevalence among the children. Poor environmental sanitation and personal hygiene combined with the absence of potable water and a lack of awareness of the effects of nematode infection were identified as the possible reasons for the high rate of infection. Treatment with albendazole (200 mg) brought about reductions in the level of Trichuris trichiura (to 41.7%), Ascaris lumbricoides (to 4.2%) and Hookworm (to 0.7%). The estimated rates of reduction were 94.4%, 49.7%, and 90.2% for Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm respectively. Post-treatment helminthic reduction, as found in this study, is expected to enhance the mental and physical development of the children. Community mobilization with health education messages aimed at improving personal and community hygiene was initiated with an emphasis on creating a sustained reduction in the burden of helminthic infection.

Hospital based studies were conducted to investigate the occurrence of Plasmodium/intestinal helminth co-infections among pregnant Nigerian women, and their effects on birthweights, anaemia and spleen size. From 2,104 near-term pregnant women examined, 816 (38.8%) were found to be infected with malaria parasites. Among the 816 parasitaemic subjects, 394 (48.3%) were also infected with intestinal helminths, 102 (12.5%) having mixed helminth infections. The prevalence of the helminth species found in stool samples of parasitaemic subjects examined was, Ascaris lumbricoides (19.1%), hookworm (14.2%), Trichuris trichiura (7%) Schistosoma mansoni (3.4%), Enterobius vermicularis (2%), Hymenolepis sp. (1.6%) and Taenia sp. (1%). Mothers with Plasmodium infection but without intestinal helminth infection had neonates of higher mean birthweights than those presenting both Plasmodium and intestinal helminth infections and this effect was more pronounced in primigravids. The mean haemoglobin values of malarial mothers with intestinal helminth infections were lower than those with Plasmodium infection but without intestinal helminth infections but these were not statistically significant. Severe splenomegaly was predominant among parasitaemic gravidae who also harboured S. mansoni infection in two of the hospitals studied.