Helminthic reduction with albendazole among school children in riverine communities of Nigeria

The objective of this study is to report the prevalence and reduction in geohelminthic infection among Primary School children living in riverine communities of Delta State, Nigeria. Stool samples from randomly selected Primary School pupils were obtained before and after treatment with a single 200 mg dose of albendazole. The Kato-Katz method was used in the processing of the stool specimens as well as the quantification of infection. Very brief information on hygienic practices and environmental sanitation practices were obtained from the children, Teachers, Health Officer, parents etc through questionnaires, in-depth interview and Focus Group Discussions. In riverine communities of Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, 697 (77%) of the school children studied were infected with intestinal helminthes. Trichuris trichiura infection occurred more (57%) followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (54%) and Hookworm (5%). Multiple helminthic infections were recorded, with Ascaris-Trichuris having the highest prevalence among the children. The low level of environmental sanitation, personal hygiene, absence of potable drinking water, and lack of awareness of the effect of nematode infection generally were identified as possible reasons for the high rate of infectivity. Post-treatment intervention with albendazole brought about reductions in the infectivity level of Trichuris trichiura to 25.4%, Ascaris lumbricoides (2.5%) and Hookworm (1.8%). Estimated rate of reduction was 95.6%, 64% and 56.1% for Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm and Trichuris trichiura respectively. All the teachers interviewed expressed their willingness to participate in regular de-worming programmes in their schools. The 77% prevalence of intestinal geohelminthiasis before deworming the children with albendazole was reduced to 34% post-treatment. Regular deworming of members of this community will reduce infectivity with geohelminthes and thus the consequences especially in children. Though the relationship between hygienic and sanitation practices were not properly investigated, provision of toilet facilities, hand wash after using the toilet and before eating will be useful. In addition, the availability of potable water for utility purpose and mobilization with health education messages on the good hygienic practices will be useful. The willingness of the Primary School Teachers to participate in future deworming programmes is an impetus to the establishment of sustainable and regular deworming programme in the community.