Low Prevalence of Helminth Infections among Primary School Children in the Volta Region of Ghana
Journal Title: Asian Journal of Medicine and Health - Year 2017, Vol 5, Issue 1
Abstract
Soil transmitted helminths (STH), as well as Schistosoma haematobium and mansoni, are very common helminth infections among children in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of helminth infection among children in the Volta Region of Ghana. This was a cross sectional study involving primary school children from 5 primary schools in 3 districts in the region. A total of 550 primary school children were enrolled in this study. Questionnaires were administered to each child, together with collection of stool and urine samples. Samples were then examined using the microscope to detect the presence of larvae and eggs of intestinal helminths as well as Schistosoma parasites. Pearson chi square test was used to evaluate the association between Schistosoma sp. and other variables in the study. Only 1.27% (7/550) of children in this study were infected with Ascaris lumbricoides and 0.91% (5/550) with hookworm. A single child was infected with Schistosoma mansoni, and 57(10.36%) children were infected with Schistosoma haematobium. Highest prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infections were seen in primary school children at the Afegame Evangelical Presbyterian primary school (34, 27.64%) and Davanu primary school (14, 17.72%). The low prevalence of helminth infection among the school children in this study might suggest a positive impact of the periodic deworming program for the children. This effort should be intensified, especially among the poor and vulnerable groups in the region.
Authors and Affiliations
Verner N. Orish, Jones Ofori-Amoah, Kokou Hefoume Amegan-Aho, Lennox Mac-Ankrah, Ibrahim Jamfaru, Innocent Afeke, Festus K . Adzaku5
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP336249
- DOI 10.9734/AJMAH/2017/34393
- Views 89
- Downloads 0
Profile and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Bacteria isolated from Patients with Respiratory Tract Infections in Ile-Ife Metropolis
Introduction: Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are public health concerns in developing countries. These infections are usually treated with antibiotics, and in most cases, treatment is initiated before the final labo...
Antimicrobial Activity, Phytochemical Screening and Nutrient Analysis of Tetrapleura tetraptera and Piper guineense
The study was carried out to examine the antibacterial, antifungal activity, and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the petroleum ether, aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Tetrapleura tetraptera and Piper guineens...
Immunostimulative Action of Trypanosoma brucei Phospholipase A2 Gene Containing CpG Motifs Confers Homologous Protection against Infection in Experimental Mice
Aim: Interest in phospholipase A2 has continued to rise since its biotechnological potentials and involvement in the pathogenicity of Trypanosoma species were recognized, therefore this study was designed to investigate...
Primary Mucinous Carcinoma of the Skin: Report of a Rare Case and Review of the Literature
Primary mucinous carcinoma (PMC) of the skin is a rare neoplasm derived from the sweat glands. It usually occurs in the head and neck region, in which the eyelids are the most common sites of involvement. Herein, we repo...
Comparative Spatial Distribution of Five Infectious Diseases in Ghana
Aims: To use exploratory geo-health informatics in probing if there are spatial homogeneities in the incidence rates and spatial co-distribution or interactions within the five commonly reported infectious diseases in Gh...