PREVALENCE OF ENTAMOEBA HISTOLYTICA AMONG PUPILS OF ALMAJIRI INTEGRATED MODERN BOARDING SCHOOL, SOKOTO, SOKOTO STATE-NIGERIA

Ibrahim J.*, Lema S. Y., Suleiman J. and H. A. Dalijan

ABSTRACT

Entamoeba histolytica is still considered a major public health problem and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries of the world because of lack of safe portable water and low level of hygiene due to high level of poverty. This study determined the prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica among pupils of Almajiri School Sokoto, sokoto State, Nigeria. A total of 120 stool samples were examined for E. histolytica cyst and trophozoites using microscopic formal ether sedimentation techniques. Sixty (50%) of the samples were found positive for the parasite. Male 60/120 (50%) were positive for amoebiasis since no female subjects were recruited for this research, but there was no statistical association between prevalence and gender (P˂0.05). Pupils within age group 7-8 years old (63.83%) has the highest rate of infection. There was a positive association between prevalence and age (P˂0.05). Insignificance highest prevalence of (85.00%) and (53.33%) was recorded in class one pupils and Fulani tribe (P˂0.05). the highest prevalence of (60.94), (60.66) and (53.33) was recorded among pupils who drinking water fetched from river/stream, use bush as toilet and lives in rural areas (P˂0.05). Improved sanitation, personal hygiene, health education and policy for regular de-worming of pupils by parents and government will decrease the rate of infections.

Keywords: Prevalence, Entamoeba histolytica, Pupils, Almajiri, Sokoto.