Soil Contamination as an Indicator of Geohelminthiasis in Primary Schools in Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State

Abstract

The study assessed the level of environmental contamination with ova of geohelminths in primary schools in Ibarapa east local government area of Oyo state. One hundred and forty-four soil samples were collected from three different spots viz toilet, classroom, and playground areas in sixteen primary schools in the study area. The soil samples were analyzed for the presence of helminth ova and larvae following standard procedures. 131 (91%) soil samples were positive after analyses, for one or more parasite stages. Hookworm larvae were the most occurring accounting for 90.2% of total parasite stages recovered from the soil samples, followed by larvae of Strongyloides (9.1%). Others were eggs of Ascaris (0.5%), Hookworm (0.1%) and Trichuris (0.1%). Soil samples from the toilet areas were the most contaminated and the least, though substantial, were from the playground. The low level of sanitation in the schools is reflective from the results and also suggestive of a high prevalence of infection among the pupils. The immediate need of concerned authorities in the state to improve sanitation in the schools and impose the recommended deworming regimes is critical to achieving control.