Soil-Transmitted Helminths: Prevalence and Intensity of Some Soil Transmitted Nematodes among Pupils in Selected Primary Schools in Penka-Michel Sub-division, West-Cameroon

Background: Soil transmitted helminth infections are Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) affecting mostly pupils in developing countries. They seem to lose more and more interest due to the fact that resources and research are being justifiably diverted to more recent priorities such as HIV/AIDS, cancers, tuberculosis and malaria. As a result, specific data on STH infections is often lacking.

Aims: To evaluate the prevalence and intensities of STH parasites among pupils in Penka-Michel Sub-division, West-Cameroon in order to refresh information for a better management of these parasitic diseases.

Settings and Design: A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted from October to December 2018 in Penka-Michel Sub-division.

Methods and Materials: To evaluate the prevalence and intensities of STH parasites among pupils, seven hundred and twenty nine (729) stool samples were collected from pupils aged 4 to 14 years old in 23 randomly selected primary schools. The samples were analysed using the concentration method of Willis and the Mc Master technic.

Results: Out of 729 pupils enrolled, 107 (14.7%) were infected with one or more STH parasite species. The nematodes species identified were Ascaris lumbricoides (9.9%), Trichuris trichiura (5.3%) and hookworms (2.2%). Pupils aged from 8 to 11 years were the most infected (17.3%). Statistically females were more infected with hookworms (2.2%). These parasites occurred as monospecific (84.11%), bi-specific (13.0%) and tri-specific (2.80%) infections. The mean fecal eggs count was 3652.78±8715.93, 266.67±273.81 and 118.75±72.74 for A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura and hookworm respectively. According to faecal concentration of eggs, 88.18% of infections were light.

Conclusion: These results show the necessity of sustainable application of regular deworming, health education and improvements in sanitation among pupils in Penka-Michel Sub-division.