THE PREVALENCE AND INTENSITY OF SOIL-TRANSMITTED HELMINTHIASIS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA

An investigation of the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminthiases vas undertaken in four villages in Oyo state, Nigeria. Diagnosis was based on examination of stool samples for the presence of helminth ova in all age classes. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides ranged from 61.5-72.2%, of Trichuris trichiura from 65-74%, and of hookworm from 52.4-63%, depending on the village concerned. Intensity, assessed indirectly as the mean eggs per gram of faeces (epg), varied with regard to the four villages. The mean egg count of A. lumbricoides varied from 6815-10823 per gram, of T. trichiura from 127 -246, and of hook worm from 122 267. Host age, sex and household size were found to be significant factors influencing faecal egg output, and indirect measure of the intensity of the helminth infections.