INTESTINAL PARASITES

Intestinal parasitic infections remain a significant public health problem among school-aged children in developing countries, where poor sanitation and inadequate hygiene promote transmission. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasites among primary school pupils in Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, Edo State. A descriptive cross- sectional survey was conducted among 167 children aged 5–14 years selected from public and private schools. Stool specimens were examined using direct wet mount (saline and Lugol’s iodine) and the formol-ether concentration method to identify protozoa and helminths. Socio- demographic data and hygiene practices were obtained through structured questionnaires, and results were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Of the 167 stool samples examined, 50 were positive, giving an overall prevalence of 29.9%. Entamoeba coli was the most frequently detected parasite (60%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica (24%), while Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura accounted for 8% each. Infections were more common among children aged 6–10 years and among males, although these differences were not statistically significant (P= 0.726). The use of unimproved toilet facilities was the only factor significantly associated with infection (P=0.030).The moderate prevalence observed suggests that periodic deworming, improved sanitation, and hygiene education have reduced the burden compared with earlier reports from similar communities, but environmental contamination and unsafe water remain important risk factors. Strengthening school-based deworming, ensuring access to safe water, and promoting proper sanitation are recommended to sustain control and further reduce the transmission of intestinal parasites among schoolchildren in this setting.

Parasitic diseases are problems wherever poultry are raised whether in large commercial operations or in small backyard flocks, and economic losses caused by parasites on poultry can be significant. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in poultry, focusing on chickens and turkeys slaughtered in Benin City, Southern Nigeria. A total of 150 fecal samples were analyzed, comprising samples from 35 broilers, 30 native fowls, 35 layers, and 50 turkeys. The fecal samples was processed using standard Parasitological techniques, and then viewed microscopically. Prevalence rates varied significantly among the different bird species, with the highest total prevalence observed in Native fowls (143.3%), followed by Broilers (60.0%), Layers C(54.3%), and Turkeys (40.0%). Notably, Ascaridia galli was the most prevalent parasite overall (60.4%), with the highest prevalence in native fowls (63.3%). The study also found significant geographical variations in parasite prevalence. In broilers, Ascaridia galli prevalence was significantly different across the LGAs (p=0.045), with the highest rate in Ikpoba-Okha (33.3%). Similarly, in native fowls, Strongyloides avium showed a significant difference (p=0.003), with a high prevalence of 60.0% in Ikpoba-Okha. In turkeys, the prevalence of Ascaridia galli varied significantly across the LGAs (p=0.043). The findings highlight that poultry in the study area are widely infected with gastrointestinal parasites, emphasizing the need for targeted management strategies and regular treatment to mitigate infection risks