Intestinal Parasitic Infection among Primary School Pupils in Osogbo Nigeria

Parasitic infestation caused by intestinal parasites continues to take their roll on mankind. The symptoms commonly associated with parasitic infestation can be severe, acute or chronic. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation was carried out over a period of three months ( January to March 2008) among 505 primary school children between 6-12 years of age in AUD Primary School A and B Sabo, St. Michael School A and B Ago-wande and L.A. Adenle Primary School Ayetoro in Olorunda Local Government with headquarter in Osogbo.Direct smear was used for analyzing faecalsamples for the parasites. Diagnosis was based on identification of the characteristic protozoan cysts and helminthes ova with a compound microscope. The prevalence for Ascarislumbricoides, Entamoebahistolytica,Hookworm, Trichuristrichuria were 68.9%, 8.3% and 5.5% respectively.Parasiticinfections between the male and female showed a significant different in both sexes ( P< 0.01). The percentage prevalence ofAscarislumbricoides was high in between 6-7years and ≥ 12 years. No specific age relationship was established for other intestinal parasites among the pupils. From the findings of this study, it is hereby recommended that deworming and health education should necessarily be a component of the primary health care programme with a focus on school children.This study showed low standard of sanitation among the pupils.