Incidence of Intestinal Helminthic Infection among Primary School Pupil in Kura District, Kano State Nigeria

MRS Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Studies Abbreviate TitleMRS J Mul Res Stud ISSN (Online) 3049-1398 Vol-2, Iss-12 (-2025) This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license 45 Incidence of Intestinal Helminthic Infection among Primary School Pupil in Kura District, Kano State Nigeria Aziza T. Zawiyya1, Farouk S. Nas1, Muhammad Ali2* 1 Department of Biological Sciences, Bayero University Kano 2 Department of Microbiology, Federal University Gusau Corresponding Author: Muhammad Ali (Department of Microbiology, Federal University) Article History: Received: 06 / 11 / 2025:, Accepted: 15 / 12 / 2025:, Published: 27 / 12 / 2025 Abstract: Intestinal helminthiases are among the most common infections worldwide. It affects the poorest and most deprived communities. The study was aimed to determine the incidence of intestinal helminthiasis among primary school pupils in Kura district in Kura Local Government area of Kano State in Northern Nigeria. A total of 117 pupils (67 boys and 50 girls) from four primary schools in the district were chosen. Faecal samples were collected from pupils in sterile dry specimen bottles with the use of applicator sticks and analyzed using sedimentation and floatation techniques. The overall incidence of intestinal helminth infection among the study subjects was found to be 13.7%. The results showed that Ascaris lumbricoides has the highest frequency with total of 6 appearance which accounted for 37.5%, followed by Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm (12.5%) while Teania, S. mansoni, H. nana and E. vermicularis appeared once. The incidence was higher among male with total of 10 out of the 16 subjects which accounted for 62.5% while female has 37.5%. Based on the age of the subjects, those ranged between 6 to 8 years have the highest incidence (9 out of 16) which accounted for 56.25% while those ranged between 12 to 14 years recorded the lowest incidence with total of 18.75%. It is concluded that the incidence of intestinal helminth infection was higher among less aged pupil. Keywords: Incidence, Intestinal Helminthic, Infection, Pupil, Kura District. Cite this article: Zawiyya, A. T., Nas, F. S. & Ali, M. (2025). Incidence of Intestinal Helminthic Infection among Primary School Pupil in Kura District, Kano State Nigeria. MRS Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Studies, 2(12),45-50. Introduction Intestinal helminthiases are among the most common infections worldwide. It affects the poorest and most deprived communities (Savioli et al., 2002; WHO, 2017). Intestinal helminthiasis caused by worms can be grouped into nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes (Arya et al., 2016). It is one of the most common, but neglected disease affecting more than two billion people worldwide (Bethony et al., 2006). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 1.5 billion people are infected with helminths worldwide (WHO, 2017). Globally, about 100 million children experience stunting or wasting because of worm infestation (Liu et al., 2012). Undernutrition remains the world most serious health challenge and the single biggest contributor to child mortality (Liu et al., 2012). It is more endemic in Sub‑Saharan Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Caribbean (de Silva et al., 2006). This may be due to favorable climatic conditions that enhance development and survival of the ova of helminths in these regions (de Silva et al., 2006). Prevalence estimates of intestinal helminthiasis among children in the general population are of variable ranges with 1.6– 93.0% in Latin America and Caribbean (Ault et al., 2010). Reported prevalence rates in sub‑Sahara Africa vary from 9.1% to 90.3% (Ohuche et al., 2020). Over 270 million preschool-age children and over 600 million school aged children live in areas where these helminths are intensively transmitted. The public health burden and prevalence of intestinal helminths in Nigeria are increasing, with 45% of school-age children infected annually (Mbanugo and Onyebuchi, 2002; Ozumba and Ozumba, 2002). All age groups are infested by intestinal helminths but the highest prevalence and intensities are found among school age children (Brooker et al., 2006). In Nigerian school children, Oninla et al., (2007), documented a prevalence of 24% and 36% for urban and rural subjects, respectively. Children living in suburban, rural, and institutionalized centers have been reported to be more prone to helminthic infestations than those living in urban or normal home settings (Wosu and Onyeabor, 2014). The harmful effects of intestinal helminths, such as malnutrition and anemia, on these preschool and school aged children are as a result of consumption of nutrients meant for their host, obstruction of intestinal lumen, anorexia, diarrhea, and chronic anemia due to heavy worms load (Okolo and John, 2006). These harmful effects will lead to loss of nutrients, fluid, and electrolyte as well as depletion of red blood cells and growth failure (Awasthi and Panda, 1997). In addition, intestinal helminths secrete toxic bioactive compounds within the small intestine of the host, which deplete nutrients and impair absorption, thereby playing an important role in childhood malnutrition (WHO, 2001). MRS Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Studies. Vol-2, Iss-12 (December): 45-50 46 Some risk factors for high prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis such as poor environmental sanitation and personal hygiene, lack of clean drinking water and improper sewage disposal are common in institutionalized centers (Nwaneri and Omuemu, 2012). Some authors (Shehata and Hassanein, 2015) opined that children in institutionalized homes could be at higher risk of both the intestinal helminthiasis. Information on the incidence of helminthiasis among primary school pupil will be necessary to provide appropriate authorities on the need to implement periodic deworming of primary school pupils in Kano, as this may improve the nutritional status of pupils, to enable them attain their full potentials as adults. The aim of this study therefore is to determine the incidence of intestinal helminthiasis among primary school pupils in Kura district in Kura Local Government area of Kano State in Northern Nigeria Materials and Methods Study Area Kura is one of the Local Government areas of Kano State. It is located in the southern part of the state along Kano-Zaria express with a distance of about 35 Kilometer from the state capital. Geographically, it is located at latitude 11046’N and Longitude 8025’E. It covers an area of about 206 Km2 of land. According to 2006 population census, it has a total population of 144,601 and the projected population of 199,002 as of 2016 (NPC, 2016). Kura Local Government shares common boundaries with Garun-Mallam (West), Dawakin-kudu (East), Bunkure (South) and Madobi Local Government (North). Farming and irrigation remain the major occupations in the area. However many educated indigenes in the area are employed in the formal sector while others engaged in various trading activities. Figure 1: Map of Kura Local Government Area Sample Size Determination Sample size determination for this study is calculated based on the prevalence reported from initial studies carried out in the state using the following epidemiological formulae; n= (Z²pq)/d² Where; n = Number of samples (sample size) Z = Standard normal deviate at 95% confidence interval = 1.96 p= Prevalence from initial studies = 8.3% = 0.083 d = degree of confidence at = 0.05 q = 1-p = 1 - 0.083= 0.917 = ([1.96]²×0.083×0.917)/[0.05²] = (3.8416×0.07611)/0.0025= 0.2923/0.0025=116.95 ≈ 117 Study Design and Population This was a cross-sectional study in which a structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from guardians/caretakers of the study subjects in the study area between June and December 2022. Data obtained included information on socio-demographic factors, knowledge and practice of their children regarded intestinal helminth infections. A total of 117 pupils (67 boys and 50 girls) from four primary schools in the district were chosen. All the sampled subjects used for the study gave their consent to be involved in the research. Questionnaire Administration A total of one hundred and seventeen (117) simple structured questionnaires were designed using close ended questions to provide information about the socio-demographic factors of participants and predisposing factors to both infections. MRS Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Studies. Vol-2, Iss-12 (December): 45-50 47 Informed consents were obtained from all participants before inclusion. Sample Collection Early morning stool was collected from 117 pupils attending the selected primary schools in sterile dry specimen bottles with the use of applicator sticks. The pupils were given orientation on how to collect the samples into clean/dry, wide mouthed, screw capped, leak proof tight fitted labeled specimen bottles which was given to them. The samples were collected directly into the specimen bottles avoiding contamination with urine and other contaminants. The sample were preserved using diluted carbon fuchsine and transported immediately to the laboratory for analysis (Ukam et al., 2020). Faecal Sample Analysis Sedimentation technique Three (3) grams of fecal sample was measured into a labeled container. About 50 ml of distilled water was poured into the container and mixed thoroughly with a string device. The fecal suspension was derived from the mixture by filtering the solution through a double layer filtering material into another labelled container. The filtered material was then poured into a centrifuge test tube and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 5 minutes. The sediments were then collected and stained adding one drop of methylene blue. This was covered with a cover slide and viewed under the microscope using the 10x and 40x objectives for the presence of intestinal parasite, larvae, ova, or cysts (Ukam et al., 2020). Floatation technique Another 3 g of fecal samples was placed in a container and 50 ml of zinc sulphate was poured into the container. The mixture was then stirred thoroughly with a tongue blade and then poured into a test-tube using a double layer filtering material. The testtube, filled to the brim with the mixture, was carefully placed in the test tube rack to stand for about 20 minutes covered with a cover slip. Afterwards, the cover slip was carefully lifted from the testtube together with the drop of fluid adhering to it and immediately placed on the microscopic slide facing downwards. The cover slip was examined microscopically using the 10x and 40x objectives as described by Ukam et al. (2020). Identification of Parasite Species Identification of the parasite egg and cyst were done based on structural and morphometric criteria with the help of parasitology laboratory atlas. The criteria include size, shape and possibly color of the egg and cyst (Cheesbrough, 2012; Arora and Arora, 2012). Statistical Analysis Data were analyzed using basic descriptive statistics such as percentages. The data on the incidence of helminth infection was analyzed using Chi-square (X2) test to assess relationships between selected categorical variables such as age, gender and residential area. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. Ethical Clearance Ethical approval for the study with reference number HMB/GEN/488/VOL.1/009 was obtained from Kano State Hospital Management Board based on the consent of ethical committee of Kura General Hospital, Kano. Results Demographic distribution of the subjects A total 117 subjects participated in the study with 67 (57.3%) males and 50 (42.7%) females of all ages. Majority of the participants were 12 to 14 years age bracket. Participant parent’s occupation is mostly farming 39 subjects accounted for 33.4%, followed by trading 26 subjects (22.2%). Table 1: Demographic distribution of the subjects Variable Frequency (n) Percentage (%) Gender Male 67 57.3 Female 50 42.7 Age (years) 6 – 8 25 21.4 9 – 11 43 36.7 12 – 14 49 41.9 Father’s occupation Farming 39 33.4 Fishing 17 14.5 Artisan 20 17.1 Trading 26 22.2 Civil servant 15 12.8 Incidence of Intestinal Helminths among Study Subjects The incidence of intestinal helminths among study subjects in Table 2 showed 13.7% were positive for intestinal helminth whereas 86.3% were negative. MRS Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Studies. Vol-2, Iss-12 (December): 45-50 48 Table 2: Incidence of Intestinal Helminths among Study Subjects Result Number (n) Percentage (%) P-value Positive 16 13.7 Negative 101 86.3 Total 117 100 Prevalence of Intestinal Helminths among Study Subjects The result of prevalence of intestinal helminths among study subjects is presented in Table 3. The results showed that Ascaris lumbricoides has the highest frequency with total of 6 appearance which accounted for 37.5%, followed by Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm (12.5%) while Teania, S. mansoni, H. nana and E. vermicularis appeared once. Table 3: Prevalence of Intestinal Helminths among Study Subjects Parasite Number (n) Prevalence (%) Ascaris lumbricoides 6 37.5 Strongyloides stercoralis 2 12.5 Trichuris trichiura 2 12.5 Hook worm 2 12.5 Teania spp 1 6.25 Schistosoma mansoni 1 6.25 Hymenolepsis nana 1 6.25 Enterobius vermicularis 1 6.25 Total 16 100 Relationship between demographic factors and Incidence of intestinal helminths The relationship between demographic factors and incidence of intestinal helminths among study subjects is presented below in Table 4. From the result, incidence was higher among male with total of 10 out of the 16 subjects which accounted for 62.5% while female has 37.5%. Based on the age of the subjects, those ranged between 6 to 8 years have the highest incidence (9 out of 16) which accounted for 56.25% while those ranged between 12 to 14 years recorded the lowest incidence with total of 18.75%. Table 4: Relationship between demographic factors and Incidence of intestinal helminths Variable Frequency (n) Positive (n) Incidence (%) P-value Gender Male 67 10 62.5 Female 50 06 37.5 Total 117 16 100 Age (years) 6 – 8 25 09 56.25 9 – 11 43 04 25.00 12 – 14 49 03 18.75 Total 117 16 100 Discussion The overall incidence of intestinal helminth infection among the study subjects was found to be 13.7%. This incidence was lower than 20.7% and 23.7% reported by Nwaneri and Omuemu, in 2011 and Bakari et al. (2023) among school children in South‑South and North Central Nigeria respectively. On the other hand, this result was higher than that of Njoku et al. (2022) who recorded 2.5% prevalence of helminth among school children in some states in South Western Nigeria. Incidence of helminth in this study could be due to refuse dumped within the school premises where the pupils often defecate. This behavior increases the likelihood of transmission of parasitic infections. The result of prevalence of intestinal helminths showed that Ascaris lumbricoides has the highest frequency, followed by Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm while Teania, S. mansoni, H. nana and E. vermicularis appeared once. This finding was in conformity with that of Njoku et al. (2022) who reported similar helminth from school children in some states of South Western, Nigeria. Reports have incriminated Ascariasis, Trichuriasis and Hookworm infection as the three major causes of MRS Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Studies. Vol-2, Iss-12 (December): 45-50 49 soil-transmitted helminth infections in children in sub Saharan Africa (De Silva et al., 2003). The ova of A. lumbricoides was found to be highest in the faecal samples examined in study area. The high prevalence of A. lumbricoides can be due to the fact that the ova remain viable the fact that children from both schools practice open defecation, exposing them to the ova of the parasites released in the soil. The higher positive rate among public school children might be due to low socio-economic status, poor hygienic habit and lack of sanitation prevailing in the school. Incidence of intestinal helminths among the study subjects was higher in males (62.5%) than in females (37.5%). The findings from this study agrees with that of Nzeako et al. (2013) who reported that an overall total of 124 (62%) pupils were infected out of which 56 (45.1%) and 68(58.8%) were females and males respectively. The high prevalence of infection in males when compared to females may be attributed to the fact that males spend more time outdoors (Ochei and Kolhatkar, 2008). Male children tend to be more active than their female counterparts in their involvement in play, playing barefoot on sand; plucking and handling of fruits (Ukpong and Agamse, 2018). Children in the age range of 6 – 8 years had the highest incidence of intestinal parasitic infection (56.25%). Ugbogu and Asogu (2013) also reported that children in the age range of 6 - 10 years had the highest prevalence rate of intestinal parasites with A. lumbricoides being the most prevalent. Children in the age range 12 - 14 years had the lowest prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in both schools. This finding agrees with that of Gboeloh (2018) who reported that the prevalence of helminthic infections decrease with increasing age. This is probably due to the fact that older children are more likely to maintain personal hygiene if other factors remain constant (Ukibe et al., 2018). This exposes the pupils to active helminth larvae in the soil and can easily penetrate them when picking dirt and walking barefooted around school compound. This is in agreement with Aribodor et al. (2013) who stated that sanitary habits, refuse disposal, consuming fruit and vegetables without washing and water treatment showed significant effect as predisposing factors to intestinal helminth infections. Conclusion In conclusion, the overall incidence of intestinal helminth infection among the study subjects was found to be 13.7%. The result of prevalence of intestinal helminths showed that Ascaris lumbricoides has the highest frequency, followed by Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm while Teania, S. mansoni, H. nana and E. vermicularis appeared once. Incidence of intestinal helminths among the study subjects was higher in males (62.5%) than in females. 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