Prevalence Of Giardiasis Among Primary School Children In Some Selected Schools At Umuahia North Local Government Area:- Nwachukwu, Bright I

Abstract

Prevalence of Giardiasis among primary school children in some selected schools at Umuahia North Local Government Area. This research project was carried out in the month of November/December, 2014. Three hundred stool samples, from children aged 5-16 years attending three primary schools in Umuahia-North I G A, Abia State were examined foi the presence of Giardia lambia parasite using wet mount concentration techniques. Out ofthis number 66 (22.0%) were infected. The highest prevalence by school was recorded in Amaeke Community School (23 0%) while the least prevalence was recorded in Amaeke Community School (23 0%) while the least prevalence was recorded in Ndume Primary School (20.0%). The highest prevalence by class was recorded in class 3 (28.0%) while the least prevalence was in class 6 (13.34%). Gender related infection showed that more females (25 0) than males (19 37%) were infected. Age related infection showed that the age group 5-7 years had the highest rate of infection 8 (32%). The highest rate of infection in relation to occupation of parents was recorded among pupils whose parents w ere involved in farming 44 (24.45%), while the least prevalence was in pupils whose parents were civil servants 9 (18.0%). Infection based on source ofwater consumed was highest in those that made use highest in those that made use of stream 37 (23.13%) followed by those that drank harvested rain water 18 (22.5%). The infection rate based on toilet facilities in the home was highest among those that visit the nearby bush 14 (56 00% w hile the least infection was among those that used water closest system.