Prevalence of Soil Transmitted Helminthes and Malaria Co- infection in School AGED Children in Onelga Rivers State

Abstract

Soil-transmitted helminth infections and malaria remain important parasitic diseases affecting children in endemic settings. This study assessed the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths, malaria, and malaria–helminth co-infection among school-aged children in selected community primary schools in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was used. A total of 127 children, comprising 55 males and 72 females, participated. Stool and blood samples were collected from eligible participants after parental/guardian consent. Stool specimens were examined microscopically using normal saline and Lugol’s iodine preparations. Thick blood films were prepared from finger-prick blood, stained with Giemsa, and examined for malaria parasites. Data were summarised using frequencies and percentages, and associations were assessed using chi-square analysis at P < 0.05. The overall malaria parasite prevalence was 46/127 (36.2%). Detected helminths included Schistosoma mansoni in 9/127 (7.1%), Ascaris lumbricoides in 4/127 (3.1%), Trichuris trichiura in 3/127 (2.4%), and Strongyloides stercoralis in 2/127 (1.6%). Among malaria-positive children, co-infection was observed with S. mansoni in 3/46 (6.5%), A. lumbricoides in 3/46 (6.5%), T. trichiura in 1/46 (2.2%), and S. stercoralis in 2/46 (4.3%). The findings indicate a moderate malaria prevalence and a low occurrence of malaria–helminth co-infection among participants. Continued health education, improved sanitation, safe water access, and parasite-control measures are recommended.