1.1 Introduction
Enteric worm are define as organisms that live in the intestine of humans or animals and invest their food from the intestine to grow. The most common of the parasitic-worms that infect the human intestine are round Worms, Hook Worms, Whip worms and Pin Worms. The presence of these various types of worms in large numbers coupled with the poor living habits of large segments of the world population has made the control of these worms difficulty and their eradication nearly impossible. That human life and the worms have been in separately interrelated is quite a challenge to mouth transmission dynamics and also that man cannot control the entry into his mouth of materials that pass through his anus is a puzzle. Here, helminthiasis (literally means infections and parasites caused by worms) is the worst culprite.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
In Nigeria, many intervention schemes which were attempted to control these infections did not yield much successes, many are still heavily infected particularly children (Ijagbone and Olagunju, 2006). In view of the negative socio-economic impact of these parasitic infections on infected humans, efforts would be made to elucidate their epidemiological state among pupils. Globally, over two billion individuals are infected with intestinal parasites out of which majority children are leaving in resource-poor settings such as sub-Saharan Africa (WHO, 2002). Infections with intestinal parasites, particularly in children, have been associated with anemia, stunted growth, physical weakness and low educational performance (Stephenson et al., 2000).
Epidemiological studies carried out in different countries have shown that social and economic condition of individuals also serves as important determinants in intestinal parasitic infections (Phiri et al., 2000). Control interventions of intestinal parasitic infections are based on the periodic administration of antihelmintics to persons at risk and supported by improvement in sanitation and health education (WHO, 2015).
Human societies have always been challenged by parasitic infections which are caused mainly by helminths and protozoan parasites (Kloos and Zein, 1993; Vikram et al., 2008). Of these various human parasites, gastro intestinal parasites are the commonest, and are responsible for serious ill health, which sometimes leads to death (Cleaveland et al., 2001). To achieve good public and child health, WHO recommends annual treatment in areas where prevalence of soil transmitted helminths is between 20% and 50% and, a bi-annual treatment in areas where prevalence is over 50% (WHO, 2017).
Parasitic infestations are common in Nigeria especially in rural areas. One fact is that these infections have been associated with low standard of sanitation and between 500 million and 1 billion people are estimated to be infected annually worldwide (WHO, 1992; Taiwo and Agbolade,2000; Adeyeba and Akinlabi,2002).
Parasites can get into the intestine through the mouth from uncooked or unwashed food, contaminated water or hands or by skin contact with larva infection soil. People can also become infected with intestinal parasites if they have mouth contact with the genital or rectal area of a sexual partner who is infected (e.g. oral sex or anal-oral contact). When the organisms are swallowed, they move into the intestine, where they reproduce and cause disease.
In some people, intestinal parasites do not cause any symptoms or the symptoms may come and go. Common signs and complaints include coughing, cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence and diarrhea. In more serious diminished sex drive, skin-itching, fever, nausea, vomiting or bloody stools may occur. Some parasites also cause low red blood count (anemia) and some travel from the lungs to the intestinal or vice versa and other parts of the body. Therefore, laboratory test are necessary to determine their cause.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Stool Analysis for Parasitic Worms (Enteric Worm) among Primary School Pupils.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the human environment and human behaviour are highly synchronized with the life cycle of worms and other parasites such that there is very high chance of infection. The primary school pupils are more exposed because of their careless habit and ignorance.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to carry out a Stool Analysis for Parasitic Worms (Enteric Worm) among Primary School Pupils. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To know the most frequently occurring worms in our pupils in primary schools; and
- To examine the prevalence level of parasitic worm infection in the area under study.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What are the most frequently occurring worms in our pupils in primary schools?
- What is the prevalence level of parasitic worm infection in the area under study?
