Abstract:

The prevalence of intestinal protozoa and Schistosoma mansoni infections among primary school pupils in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria was investigated. Stool samples were collected from 450 pupils aged 5–13 years in the three (3) districts of Akko Local Government Area. A structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant demographic and risk factor data associated with intestinal protozoa and S. mansoni infections. The stool samples were processed using the formol-ether concentration technique and microscopically examined for protozoan cysts and S. mansoni eggs; 12.4 % of the stool samples were positive for cysts and eggs. The prevalences of intestinal protozoa were: Entamoeba histolytica (4.9 %), Entamoeba coli (3.8 %) and Balantidium coli (2 %); Schistosoma mansoni eggs had a prevalence of 1.6 %. The prevalence of infection with protozoa and S. mansoni infections in individual schools was not uniform despite the similarity in the local topography and weather conditions. Source of drinking water and type of toilet used significantly associated with infection by intestinal protozoa and S. mansoni (Odd’s Ratio value for Pit-latrine was 18.959). The prevalence of intestinal protozoa and Schistosoma mansoni infections among the primary school pupils was associated with poor personal hygiene habits at home and in school, and improper disposal of human and animal waste as implied by the responses to the questionnaire. It is therefore recommended that a concerted health education effort is necessary in order to curb the infections within the schools and the communities.