Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Effects of Home Grown School Feeding Program on current helminths status of primary school pupils, Anambra State, Nigeria

5^th International Conference on PARASITOLOGY & MICROBIOLOGY

July 12-13, 2018 Paris, France

Aribodor O B, Ekwunife C A, Sam-Wobo S O, Aribodor D and Awopeju A K

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria
Federal University of Agriculture, Nigeria

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Bacteriol Parasitol

Abstract:

Intestinal helminthiasis still persists among pupils; as this study evaluated its current status in pupils where Home Grown School Feeding Program (HGSFP) was implemented. Consented 1677 primary pupils aged 6-11 years from schools in three senatorial zones of Anambra State, Nigeria were enrolled. Fresh faecal samples collected from all pupils were examined using Kato-Katz technique. Pupils were treated with antihelminthic (400 mg Levamisole) after examination. Structured questionnaire was administered to assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) towards helminthiasis. Minitab 17 were used for data analysis. Results showed, that of 1677 pupils, males were 53% and females 47%. A prevalence of 6.0% was observed which was not significant with respect to sex but significantly decreased as age increased. Intestinal helminthes ova observed were Ascaris lumbricoides (3.9%), Trichuris trichiura (0.8%), Hookworm (0.2%), Taenia spp. (0.5%). Co-infection observed varied but the highest was between A. lumbricoides and Hookworm (0.24%). On the intensity of A. lumbricoides voided after treatment, 33 female pupils voided 165 worms while 42 male pupils voided 125 worms respectively. Out of 290 voided worms, male worms were 126 and females 164; comprising 119 adult worms and 171 young worms. Young worms could be attributed to cases of re-infection as assessment of KAP were significantly (p<0.05) related to transmission. Low prevalence of infection recorded is attributable to efforts of HGSFP. There is need for constant monitoring and surveillance of all public schools and sustenance of water, sanitation and hygiene practices and HGSFP so that elimination of helminthes could be achievable.