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ABSTRACT
Soil transmitted helminths are common parasitic infections present in children and adults living in the Tropical regions of the world, especially in areas with poor hygiene and sanitation. This study was aimed at investigating the type and prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes in fecal samples of residences at Ugbowo Community, Egor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Fecal samples were collected from fifteen randomly selected individuals of different age groups. The method of parasite extraction used for this study was the Formalin-Ethyl Acetate sedimentation technique which allows for the detection of parasites’ cysts, eggs and larvae. The overall prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes (STHs) recorded in this study was 93.33%. The helminthes recovered from the fecal samples were Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, Hymenolepis diminuta, Taenia sp. and other nematodes (in different developmental stages; eggs, larvae and adults). Ascaris lumbricoides was the most dominant parasite and it was recovered from 13 (86.66%) persons. Hookworm, S. stercoralis and T. trichiura had a prevalence of 13.33% each. Hymenolepis diminuta and Taenia sp. also had prevalence of 6.66% each. A prevalence of 20.0% was recorded for the unidentified nematodes. Soil transmitted infections were more in females; age group 10-11, 22 years & above; farmer, primary school children, tailors and teachers. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes infection among gender, age group and occupation. The high prevalence of soil transmitted infection recorded in this study can be combated by frequent use of anthelmintics among residents of Ugbowo Community. Furthermore, the Government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), corporate bodies and individuals should embark on awareness and enlightenment programmes to educate the public on the importance of personal hygiene and environmental sanitation.
