ASCARIASIS AMONG CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGE OF 4-15 YEARS (A CASE STUDY OF SCHOOL I, II, III, IV IN ZIKS AVENUE PRIMARY SCHOOL UWANI ENUGU NIGERIA)

ASCARIASIS AMONG CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGE OF  4-15 YEARS (A CASE STUDY OF SCHOOL I, II, III, IV IN ZIKS AVENUE PRIMARY SCHOOL UWANI ENUGU NIGERIA)

ABSTRACT

A project research study on the level of ascariasis in children between 4-15 years of age were carried out in the Schools I, II, III & IV in Ziks Avenue Primary School, Uwani Enugu, Enugu State. A total of 110 feacal samples was collected from the pupils randomly, and microscopically examined using iodine normal saline wet preparation and saturated sodium chloride floatation technique. Infection rate of ascariasis at the time of study (January, 2013) was drastically low in accordance with the result of the research. Prevalence rate was zero percent. This result is associated wit the time of study, lack of use of untreated human feaces as fertilizers in the study area, (low agricultural practice), average level of environmental sanitation in the area, adequate personal hygiene by the parents of the pupils, the teachers and the pupils themselves, educational level and the standard of living of the people residing in the area studied.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

1.1     INTRODUCTION                                                                   1

1.2     Statement of the Problem                                                      2

1.3     Purpose of the Study                                                              3

1.4     Significance of the Study                                                       3

1.5     Scope of the Study                                                                 3

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1     History                                                                                    4

2.2     Epidemiology                                                                         6

2.3     Scientific Classification                                                         7

2.4     Morphology                                                                            8

2.5     Life Cycle                                                                               9

2.6     Mode of Transmission                                                           13

2.7     Pathogenicity/Clinical Symptoms                                         13

2.8     Laboratory Diagnosis                                                             16

2.9     Treatment                                                                               17

CHAPTER THREE

3.0     METHODOLOGY                                                                  20

3.1     Research Design                                                                     20

3.2     Studies Area                                                                           20

3.3     Target Population                                                                   20

3.4     Sample and Sampling Method                                               20

3.5     General Material Used                                                           21

3.6     Methods of Specimen Examination                                                23

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0     RESULTS                                                                               27

CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS      30

References                                                                                       37

LIST OF TABLES

Table I:       Tabulation of values                                                     27

Table II:     Distribution of ascariasis among age groups of

children examined                                                        28

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure I:     Life cycle of Ascaris lumbricoides                              11

Figure II     Adult worm of Ascaris lumbricoides                           11

Figure III:   Unfertilized egg of A. lubricoides                                12

Figure IV:  Fertilized egg of A. lumbricoides                                 12

Figure V:    Decorticated egg of A. lumbricoides                            12

CHAPTER ONE

1.1     INTRODUCTION

Ascariasis is a disease caused by the parasite Ascaris Lumbricoides. This parasite is a giant intestinal nematode (round worm) Ascariasis is common world wide especially in tropics and sub tropical areas. This disease is prevalent in the areas where sanitation is minimal and untreated human feaces are used as fertilizer.

(Sangllass et al 2008) Ascaris suum is another species but infects only pigs and humans while A. lumbricoides infects human only. Although ascariasis occours at all ages, it is common mostly in children between the age of 2-15 years old and prevalence decreases over the age of 15 years.

ASCARIASIS AMONG CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGE OF  4-15 YEARS (A CASE STUDY OF SCHOOL I, II, III, IV IN ZIKS AVENUE PRIMARY SCHOOL UWANI ENUGU NIGERIA)