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.
