Prevalence and in vitro Characterization of Intestinal Parasites among School Children in Rural Communities in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a major public health concern among school children in rural communities. This study assessed the prevalence and cultural characterization of intestinal parasites among 240 pupils aged 5–15 years. Stool samples were analyzed using direct wet mount, formol-ether concentration, and culture techniques with cells/field of ×40 objective. The overall prevalence was 47.9% (115/240). Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent parasite (21.7%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica (16.3%), hookworm (14.2%), Giardia lamblia (8.8%), and Trichuris trichiura (7.5%). Parasite load differed significantly (F = 18.42, p < 0.05), with A. lumbricoides recording the highest intensity (188.3 ± 6.5 eggs/g) and T. trichiura the lowest (87.7 ± 2.5 eggs/g). Children aged 8–10 years had the highest prevalence (55.3%) with a significant association (χ² = 6.21, p < 0.05), while gender differences were not significant (χ² = 1.12, p > 0.05). Culture results showed that E. histolytica had significantly higher growth (46.7 ± 1.5 cells/field) than G. lamblia (32.0 ± 2.0 cells/field) (t = 9.21, p < 0.05). Significant risk factors included untreated water (30.0%), open defecation (28.3%), and barefoot walking (26.3%) (p < 0.05). Single infections (73.9%) were more common than mixed infections (26.1%). Intestinal Parasitic Infections were highly prevalent, with significant variation in parasite distribution and growth characteristics. Integrated control strategies including improved sanitation, safe water supply, health education, and routine deworming are strongly recommended.