HOME JOURNALS CONTACT

Asian Journal of Biological Sciences

Year: 2019 | Volume: 12 | Issue: 2 | Page No.: 106-113
DOI: 10.17311/ajbs.2019.106.113
Influence of Intestinal Helminthiasis on Children Health in Ugbighoko Rural Community of Benin City, Southern Nigeria
Frederick Enorense Omorowa, Kingsley Chukwunonso Agu and Eusebius Chukwu Onyeneke

Abstract: Background and Objective: Helminth infections have emerged as a major health concern in African and have been linked to regional ecological and socio-economic status. This study was aimed to ascertain the impact of helminthiasis on the hematological, immunity and antioxidant status of children in the community. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in selected schools of Ugbighoko, Benin, Nigeria. The pupils were grouped; 5-7 years, 8-10 years, 11-13 years, 14-16 years and 17-19 years for control and test. Stool samples were assessed for helminthic parasites (A. duodenale, A. lumbricodes, T. trichuira) and plasma samples were analyzed for CD4+ level, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), vitamin C and E using standard procedures. The control stools had no observed helminth infection. Results: There were significant decrease in PCV and hemoglobin concentration with more severity in age groups 5-7 years and 8-10 years and these correlated negatively with the degree of helminthic parasites. The CD4+ decreased with helminth infection with more severity at 8-10 years. The SOD activity decreased significantly across the groups, while CAT activity increased significantly across the groups. These antioxidant enzymes correlated significantly with the degree of infection. The non-enzymic antioxidants reduced (p<0.05) with significant correlations to the degree of infection, especially vitamin C. There was significant increase in MDA level. Conclusion: Helminthiasis in the school children causes anemia, increased oxidative stress and immune challenges attributable to poor hygienic and low primary health care system. Thus, children of this age groups should be monitored.

Fulltext PDF Fulltext HTML

How to cite this article
Frederick Enorense Omorowa, Kingsley Chukwunonso Agu and Eusebius Chukwu Onyeneke, 2019. Influence of Intestinal Helminthiasis on Children Health in Ugbighoko Rural Community of Benin City, Southern Nigeria. Asian Journal of Biological Sciences, 12: 106-113.

Related Articles:
© Science Alert. All Rights Reserved