INVESTIGATING THE PREVALENCE OF FAECO – ORAL

NEMATODES INFECTIONS AMONG CHILDREN IN KAFUR

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

BY

SAHABI RABI’U
20/EVKK/050

A PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC

AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, KANKIYA IRO SCHOOL OF
HEALTH TECHNOLOGY KANKIA, KATSINA STATE COLLEGE
OF HEALTH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

BEING A PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE AWARD OF

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
SCIENCE BY WEST AFRICA HEALTH EXAMINATION BOARD
(WAHEB)

OCTOBER, 2021
 DECLARATION

This project research work was done by me under the supervision of Malam

Sanusi Umar Radda of Environmental Health Department all quoted cited

are fully acknowledged.

SAHABI RABI’U
____________________________
Signature/Date

ii
 APPROVAL PAGE

This is to certify that the research project “Prevalence of faeco-orally

transmitted diseases among children due to open defecation in Kafur Local

Government Area” has been read and approved as meeting all the

requirements for the award of a professional diploma in environmental

health science Kankia Iro School of Health Technology Kankia.

Project Supervisor
_____________________________
Signature/Date
Malam Sanusi Umar Radda

Head of Department
______________________________

Signature/Date
Malam Sanusi Umar Radda

External Supervisor
_____________________________
Signature/Date
Name:____________________________

iii
 DEDICATION

This project research is dedicated to my beloved parents Malam Rabi'u

Dayyabu and Hauwa'u Ibrahim and my respective Uncle Alhaji Isah Ibrahim

Thanks for taking the time out of your life to sponsor me, your generosity

will not go unappreciated.

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 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

For the gift of life, sound mind, infinite mercy, knowledge and wisdom, we

remain eternally grateful to almighty Allah, who has made it possible for me

to attain my academic pursuit with great success and contentment’s.

I am highly indebted to my project supervisor in person of Malam Sanusi

Umar Radda who committed and constructive criticism made the completion

of this research project. My profound gratitude also goes to our Head of

Department Malam Sanusi Umar Radda, our school Director Dr. Bishir

Ahmad Dutsinma and all staff of environmental health department for their

encouragements and advices, may almighty Allah help them all in their day

to day endeavor.

I will also like to thank those who have contributed in assisting me in the

evacuation of this research project may the Almighty Allah reward them all,

ameen.

I owe a great deal of thanks to many who encourages and supported me for

their valuable suggestions and advices, may all of them be rewarded by the

Almighty Allah ameen.

My special appreciation goes to my family member, my brothers and sisters,

Safiyanu Rabi'u, Abdulrashid Rabi'u, Yunusa Rabi'u , Mansoor Rabi'u,

Fa'iza Rabi'u, Asma'u Rabi'u, Nafisa Rabi'u and my nephew Sadiq Safiyanu,

v
may Allah forgive their short comings and grants them Aljannah Firdausi

ameen.

I will also like to pay tribute to my love ones especially; Abubakar Ahmad,

Abdulrazaq Sa'idu, Nura Lawal and Adda'u Muhammad.

Special appreciations goes to my friends, especially Ibrahim Bala, Ibrahim

Lawal Adam, Umar Kasim, Ibrahim Lawal Rabi'u, Isma'il Surajo,

Abdulrahman Surajo, Ahmad Bishir and many others, may their endeavors

have an excellent outcome.

Lastly, my special appreciations also goes to my friends in academic

struggles; Ibrahim Lawal Rabi'u (Ibson), Zakari Ya'u Imam (Chief Captain),

Mas'ud Zakari (Overaller), Aliyu Sama'ila (Malumfashi), Murtala

Muhammad (MDC), Mu'az Hamza (Mairua), Umar Bishir, Mustapha Idris

and others unforgettable .

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Page i

Declaration ii

Certificate iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgement v

Table of Contents vi

Abstract ix

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 General Introduction 1

1.2 Statement of the Problem 4

1.3 Objectives of the Study 4

1.4 Significance of the Study 5

1.5 Research Question 5

1.6 Research Hypothesis 9

1.7 Scope and Limitation 6

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms 7

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Review of Related Literature 10

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Research Design 31

3.1 Area of Study 31

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3.2 Target Population 31

3.3 Sample and Sampling Technique 32

3.4 Instrument for Data Collection 32

3.5 Validity/Reliability of Instrument 33

3.6 Method of Data Collection and Data Analysis 33

3.8 Techniques for Data Analysis 34

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Analysis of Data and Presentation 35

CHAPTER FIVE

5.2 Summary 46

5.3 Conclusion 47

5.4 Recommendation 48

References 49

Questionnaire 50

ABSTRACT

viii
This piece of research (project) “prevalence of faeco-oral transmitted
diseases among children in Kafur Local Government Area” in the process
of conducting the research work vast numbers of textbooks and literature
were reviewed in order to obtain information on topic were bacteria was
causative agents of the diseases, and also a diseases affecting people with
low socio-economic status and nutritional status; to overcome this situation
the nutritional assessments of Kafur Local Government area should be
ensured in order to expect good and higher standard of immunity and
improve to Kafur community members in order to have self-determination in
all aspects of their life. Lastly governments should established from the
programme organization in order to health educate and highlights people
on the importance of dangers associated with the faeco-oral transmitted
diseases.

ix
 CHAPTER ONE

1.1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Investigating the prevalence of faeco-oral nematodes infection among

children is common in tropical countries, where low standard of personal

and environmental sanitation, poor rural town planning, simple and effective

method of excreta disposal is poor, lack of adequate water supply is

common, poverty and ignorance of people towards the importance of

personal hygiene. Those contribute greatly to the outbreak of various

diseases among children they have causes numerous morbidity and mortality

cases, some of which are recorded or neglected completely.

The direct ingestion of gross amount of faeces is uncommon, except in

young children and mentally disturbed person. Faeco oral transmission

occurs mostly through contact with faecal matters. In general, faecal

contamination of food, water and hands, the three main items which

regularly make contact with mouth. The three items include; soil, food,

hands, it should be noted that minute quantities of faeces can carry the

infection closes of various pathogens, thus dangerously polluted may

apparently clean hands may carry and transmit diseases.

Food occupies a central and important position not only can be contaminated

directly by faeces but also indirectly through polluted water, dirty hands,

1
contaminated soil and flies. Water may be polluted directly by faeces, faecal

materials may be washed in from polluted soil on the river bank.

There are many ways for the contamination of hands, on cleaning after

defecation or in touching or handling contaminated object including soil,

contamination of soil with faeces plays an important role in the transmission

of certain helminthes which undergoes a period of maturation before become

infections e.g. ascaris.

Flies in particular especially the common housefly, spread faecal material

and play a role in the transmission of gastro – intestinal infections.

Houseflies mechanically transfer feacal pollution.

a. By carrying faeces on its hairy limbs

b. By regurgitating the contact of its stomach on the solid food as a

means of liquidation it (vomit drop).

c. By defecating on the food, its faeces may contain surviving organism

deriving from human faeces.

Although flies are physically capable of transmitting those infection, it is not

easy to determine how important they are in particular, epidemiological

situation, it is not easy to determine exaggerated in relation to other

mechanism of transmission.

2
 PATH WAYS OF FAECO – ORAL TRANSMISSION

Water

Soil

Faeces Soil Food Mouth

Flies

Hand

In situation where Westerns are unattended in human environment, where

faeces are found in and around non-functional latrines, where urination is

carried out in open places, diseases can affect people there in. because un-

satisfactory disposal of excreta is an important sources of diseases to

children because excreta from single person may carry infection via water

supply to cause wide spread epidemic of serious intestinal infection.

Infection present in excreta, e.g. poliomyelitis may also be spread by flies of

sewage if left exposed.

Poverty plays an important role to the high incidence of faeco–oral

transmitted diseases among children to eat whatever come their way, be it

3
whole some or contaminated and cannot easily go for medical treatment

when they are infected due to their poor economic status, also such people

live in dilapidated houses.

Therefore, the most important way to stop faeco-oral transited diseases

among children is to prevent germs from excreta getting into food and water
meant for human consumption. And to educate the public on the importance
of personal and environmental hygiene, because germs may come from the
hand of those who prepare, deliver or sale food or from particle of dust
which settle on it. While unconventional water treatment should be
emphasized to people, because water plays an important role in the
transmission of various disease to man. Proper excreta disposal system
should also be stressed because no food or water is going to be safe in poor
environment.
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

The prevalence of faeco oral nematode infection especially among children

in Kafur Local Government Area has become possible and continuously

going on due to many reasons that contribute to the problem.

One of the most important problems is the geographical location and climate

condition of the area of study. The area is known with serious water shortage

which is needed for drinking and other day to day activities such as cooking,

bathing, washing, hygiene and sanitation. Because of this, the people

especially those in rural areas often use any available water source especially

during the dry/hot season when water scarcity is at peak. As a result various
4
faeco-oral transmitted affect large number of people especially children

either in the events of drinking or other usage.

Another contributing obstacle is lack of proper environmental sanitation due

to the laxity. Of government in imposing environmental sanitation the soil

becomes contaminated, this can clearly be seen in poor refuse collection and

disposal, inadequate drainage system and bad handling of sewage.

Also, another important problem worth noticing is indiscriminate defecation.

This is rampant especially among children who have the habits of passing

excreta here and there and which sometimes pass directly in to water source

meant for usage by the people. And also some contents of faece may directly

pass to food and other drinks especially those exposed for sale.

Poverty which is a great problem is contributing to faeco oral nematode

infection in the area of study here most people eat whatever come their way

be it wholesome or contaminated and cannot easily go for modern medical

treatment when they are infected due to their poor economic status. Also

such people live in dilapidated houses without adequate sanitary facilities.

Also improper cooking or preservation of food and its product contribute

greatly toward the prevalence of faeco oral transmitted disease. In most

cases food is exposed without proper preparation or preservation it become a

source of disease to the buyer, when they consume it. Custom and habits of

5
people especially with regard to communal eating aggravate the prevalence

of faeco oral nematode infection in the population. In most cases some

individuals may have ova of the helminthes in their fingers and without

proper care they can infected others when they deep their hands in food or

drinks meant for human consumption.

Another problem worth noticing in poor personal hygiene amongst children,

because, even if water is adequate not every parent is interested in personal

hygiene. In some cases one can find that due to lack of elementary

knowledge on hygiene may children are like those that are not practiced

things like cutting of finger nails, bathing daily, washing hands before and

after meals, washing clothes etc. therefore, it is not surprising to find such

parents neglecting their children in unclean condition which can easily lead

to faeco oral transmitted disease.

Lastly is the lack of basic purification of water which increases the wide

spread of faeco oral nematode infection in the area of study.

1.3 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

This project research focused on the investigation the prevalence of faeco-

oral nematodes infection among children, its causes, effects and possible

control and preventive measures.

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In the first place, the research is supposed to cover a large area beyond Kafur

Local Government but do to financial constraints which affect transportation

from one place to another to acquire all the necessary data for the successful

implementation of the project the research has to be limited to Kafur Local

Government which serves as a case study.

Secondly is the unavailability of time, which makes it possible for the

researcher to expand his study beyond Kafur Local Government Area.

However, despite the above stated problems and others, the research was

successfully conducted and all important information derive in the process

concerning the topic of discussion was clearly put n to writing and coming

up with this project.

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1. To ascertain the prevalence of faeco-oral nematodes infection among

the children in the area of study.

2. To find the possible causes of faeco-oral nematodes among children

in the area of study.

3. To find the possible ways of preventing the spread of faeco – oral

nematodes among children through improved sanitation practices.

4. To ascertain the possible control and preventive measures of faeco

oral nematodes among the children in the area.

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 5. To health educate the general public in the dangers associated with

faeco-oral nematodes infections.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The most important issue in designing any project is to serve as an identifier

of a particular problem. Therefore, the project after successfully complaining

it would help government, NGOS and public of large transmitted diseases

among children.

Also this project would assist any management, student or any individual

who wish to conduct research which is broader and wider in scope than the

farmer may also used if for having an insight on the existing causes of faeco-

oral nematodes infection among the children.

1.6 RESEACH QUESTIONS

1. Does poor environmental sanitation and community hygiene lead to high

prevalence of faeco-oral nematodes infection

2. Does traditional rural life of people have any significant role to play in

acquiring faeco-oral nematodes infection among children?

3. Does ignorance and poverty have significance role towards the spread of

faeco-oral nematodes infection?

4. Does poor food and water supply in a community increase the chance of

acquiring faeco-oral nematodes infection among children?

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5. Does early weaning of children and introduction of supplementary food

cause faeco-oral nematodes infection among children?

1.7 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

1. Poor environmental sanitation and poor community hygiene lead to high

prevalence of faeco-oral nematode infections, among children.

2. In a traditional rural life, people believe faeco-oral nematode infection

especially among children as natural phenomena to them.

3. That ignorance and poverty of people can lead children to acquire faeco-

oral nematode infection among the children.

4. Poor food and poor water supply can increase the chance of acquiring

faeco-oral transmitted infection.

5. That early weaning of children and introduction of supplementary food to

children can cause faeco-oral nematode infection among children of

certain pre-caution are not observe.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Faeco-oral: Can be define as the diseases in relation of excreta and

passed directly through mouth.

2. Nematodes: Are the most numerous multicellular animal on earth e.g.

ascariasis, fungi.

3. Prevalence: Can be define as the continually occurrence of diseases.

9
 CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter is mainly concern with the writing and saying of others i.e.

others experts and excreted in line of the topic under discussion.

According to Timo MB (1987: 17) “that gastro – enteritis is one of the

commonest cause of childhood mortality in the tropic”. Acute gastro-

enteritis in infants is a clinical syndrome, apparently of infections origin and

sometimes associated with specific pathogens, occurring particularly

frequently during and around the weaning period of early childhood (as

from4 months to 2 years). And usually concerned with malnutrition and poor

sanitation an also a complication of infection like measles, malaria etc.

gastro – enteritis is known to be caused by various groups of escherical coli

i.e. Etec, Tple and Rota virus. From the above statement, this is a clear

evidence that gastro-enteritis is among the major causes of mortality rates

especially among children. This is mainly due to ignorance and poverty of

people especially feaco-oral nematodes infection which is common among

children. The prevalence is typically higher in communities that lack of

adequate sanitation.

Arnes, B (1987:201) “Shed more light that this is a bacterial infection spread

from men to men by direct faecal contamination of water of food which is

then ingested. Gastro–enteritis infection cause severe abdominal cramps,

10
dehydration and death if not treated well. Vibro cholera and alter cholera.

The source and reservoir of infection is faeces and vomits of infected

persons, person incubating the diseases and convalescent” therefore proper

sanitary disposal of human faeces and protection, purification of public

water supply is a great importance in the control of cholera disease among

children. Another important field of epidemiological approach of prevalence

of faeco-oral nematodes infection among the children is dysentery.

According to Marx W. et al (1971:66) “dysentery is the passing of frequent

stool with mucus and blood and pain as a result of anatomical functional

affection of the large intestines. There are two important types VB Bacillary

BACILLARY DYSENTERY: Is an acute infection of the intestinal tract

and very common in the tropical countries especially during dry seasons. At

times it occur inform of epidemic. Dysentery is caused by various species of

dysentery bacterial, the important ones being shigella and flexener bacilli,

shigella – sonnie. The transmission and spread of bacilli are passed in the

faeces of the patient or carrier being the source and reservoir of infection

also it is spread by eating or drinking contaminated water and also from

hand to mouth, transfer of contaminated materials by flies, object solid with

faeces, fruits and vegetables usually eating row must be washed before

eating.

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AMOEBIASIS: Is a disease of large intestine which occurs due to invasion

of the sub mucous by pathogenic protozoa. Amoebiasis is manifested by

mild abdominal discomfort and diarrhea.

Alternating with constipation and acute dysentery with profuse blood and

mucus usually little pus or chronic dysentery with mucus and some blood,

the infection may spread a complication of blood stream or by direct

extension to produce obsess of the liver, lungs or brain, death from

amoebiasis is rate. The infection agent is entomoeba histolytic 56% or more

of people suffering from these diseases like in non-sanitized area while the

prevalence rate in well sanitized communities could be as low as 1-5%

This shows how dangerous dysentery is not only to children but to human

health in general, children are only scapegoat because they depend largely

on what the elders give them to eat or drinks. Therefore disposal of all

human waste is the most important step forward of controlling faeco-oral

nematodes infection, foods especially those exposed for sale should be

protected from contamination and people should observe serious personal

hygiene.

POLIOMYLITIS: is an infection of the excreta which affect a large

number of children within a short period of time.

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Huntly, W (1980:157) “stated that poliomyelitis is an acute viral diseases

with severity from an apparent to non-paralytic and paralytic disease. The

causative organism belongs to the entro-virus family known as polio virus”.

The disease is common periodically informs of epidemic. There are three

distinctive types of polio virus exists”.

1. Type one permeable

2. Type two Lansing
3. Type three Leon
This is a challenge that rest upon the government and others international

agencies to understand that controlling of poliomyelitis depend on adequate

standard of hygiene, therefore he huge amount of money being spend on

controlling poliomyelitis adequate sanitation, while the communities should

appreciate the importance of adequate and proper excreta disposal system of

house and community in general.

Helminthes infections are also another group of diseases that invade

children. This is due to the facts of poor environmental sanitation and lack of

adequate safe community water supply, this can lead children to found

themselves there, due to poverty and ignorance of parents about the

elementary principles of hygiene. The infection of those helminthes bring ill

health, they appear to occur less frequently in developed countries then

developing countries.

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According to Ade TUKUMBO, OL and Gillies H. M (1973:70) “many of

those helminthes get into the blood of children either through the faeco oral

route of transmission or by penetrating into blood stream for instance

ascaris, lumbricoid is often symptoms less and infection is discovered

incidentally and occasionally, it cause intestinal obstruction in children”.

This statement indicates how dangerous the infection caused by ascaris

lumbricoids to children because of it’s often symptoms less which make it

difficult to be detected in the early period.

But not only ascaris is the medical importance in the field of faeco oral

nematodes infection as already indicated most of these worms are found in

the tropical region of the world due to poor sanitary discipline of the

inhabitant. Still another important reason is to dependence of the community

water supply due to unavailability of clean drinking water. In this case the

children are affected more because they are ready on what the elder give

them to eat or drink.

Typhoid and paratyphoid fever according to EO Jellyfee, D.B (1960:360)

“these infection consist of typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever, they are

caused by member of salmonella group of bacteria i.e. salmonella typhi, for

typhoid fever and salmonella paratyphi for paratyphoid fever. The organism

are known to be one of the most causes of prexia of uknown origin”.

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Typhoid fever has a worldwide distributing but its common only in

communities with poor standard sanitation and poor water supply. The mode

of transmission is either direct or indirect contact with faeces, the principal

vehicle of spread are contaminated water food and improper cooked starchy

food. Also is some part of the world row fruits, vegetables, milk and its

product are important causes of transmission.

This is a clear challenge that rest upon the sanitation providers to understand

that typhoid and paratyphoid which is dangerous to human health and

challenge for tropical countries to provide clean drinking water to their

teaming population or at least to health educate the people especially those

in the rural areas on how to embark on unconventional water treatment for

protection against infection cause by taking contaminated water.

Hepatitis according to Mark, C.P et al (1973:40) “they stated that infective

hepatitis is a diseases which is characterized by loss of appetite, pain and

tenderness of the abdomen, jaundice, enlargement of the liver, the diseases is

sensitive indicator of poor community hygiene”. The infection is wide

spread but probably more common in the tropics, the causative agent of

infective hepatitis is virus, the mode of transmission is by personal contact

by faeco-oral route, outbreak have related to contaminated milk, hand and

flies. The prevalence is high among children.

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Diarrhea and vomiting: this is another faeco-oral transmitted infection which

causes so much mobility and mortality cases among children. Aldis W.

(1994:6) “stated that contamination of water for drinking can lead to

diarrhea infection”. Bathing is a factor in the transmission of many tropical

infection. But for the most important water borne infection in terms of

suffering and mortality are diarrhea alone is responsible for an estimated

300, 000 death per year among children under 5 years of age in Nigeria. The

majority of diarrhea cases are caused by entro-toxigenic, coli, rota virus,

shigella, entro-invasive + coli entro adherent + coli.

But much can be done in the control and preventive of faeco oral nematodes

infection because no matter the effects mode by government in the control of

these infection, the chances of sources depend largely on the ability and

community involvement and participation especially with regards to making

the environment clean, so as to halt the shearing of the environment with this

infection.

According to CHEW, Y et al (1980:33) They emphasized that “the most

effective method of controlling those infection can be the best determine

from the knowledge of the epidemiology of the infection with particular

reference to the local community.

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Control can operate at various levels

1. The infective agent:

a. Sanitary disposal of faeces
b. Elimination of human and animal reservoir
2. The route of transmission
a. Provision of safe water supply
b. Protection of food from contamination
c. Control of flies
3. The host
a. Specific immunization
b. Chemoprophylaxis
c. Specific treatment
While preventive measures include:
a. Sanitary disposal of human faeces
b. Protection and purification of public water supply
c. Fly control, control of fly breeding and screening to protect against fly
contamination.
d. Sanitary supervision of food processing, preparation and serving
especially those that are eaten raw materials provision should be given
to the provision and used of hand washing facilities.
e. Boiling of dry products or pusteralization
f. Health education of general public on habit or personal cleanness
especially washing hand before eating and after defecation.
Treatment of cases involved with faeco oral nematodes infection should be

given serious attention while on the part of government, it should be

17
providing all necessary materials needed for the control and prevention of

this infection, this should include the provision equipment for environmental

sanitation public latrines system and drugs should be provided at subside

rates for all to buy at ease.

Concept of Nematodes

The nematodes or roundworms constitute the phylum Nematoda. They are a

diverse animal phylum inhabiting a very broad range of environments.

Nematode species can be difficult to distinguish, and although over 25,000

have been described, of which more than half are parasitic, the total number

of nematode species has been estimated to be about 1 million. Nematodes

have tubular digestive systems with openings at both ends.

Nematodes have successfully adapted to nearly every ecosystem from

marine (salt water) to fresh water, to soils, and from the polar regions to the

tropics, as well as the highest to the lowest of elevations. Many are free

living and abound in soils and sediments in terrestrial, freshwater and marine

habitats. As parasites they occur in every multicellular group. And occupy

diverse tissue sites. Nematodes may be found in every major organ of the

vertebrate body.

They are ubiquitous in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial environments,

where they often outnumber other animals in both individual and species

18
counts, and are found in locations as diverse as mountains, deserts and

oceanic trenches. They are found in every part of the earth's lithosphere.

They represent 90% of all animals on the ocean floor. Nematodes have even

been found at great depth (0.9–3.6 km) below the surface of the Earth in

gold mines in South Africa. The many parasitic forms include pathogens in

most plants and animals (including humans).

Nematodes are distinguished by their smooth cuticular body covering which

may or may not be broken by annulations. They have a very simple body

plan. They are pseudocoelomates, and possess a fluid filled body cavity

which functions as a hydrostatic skeleton. The organ systems are simple

consisting of one or two cell types. The digestive system consists of a

pharynx of varied structure that leads through and intestine to a culticularly

lined rectum at the posterior end.

Classification of Phylum Nematode (Round Worms) of Medical

Importance

Phylum: Nematoda (round worms)

Traditionally the Phylum nematode is broadly divided into two, depending

on whether caudal sense organs, the phasmids are present or not Symth

(1994). These are:

a. Class: Aphasmidea and

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 b. Class: Phasmidea

Phasmids, a sensory structure in nematodes are unicellular sensila in the

lateral tail region of certain species of nematodes. Phasmid neurons were

recently shown to function in modulation of chemorepulsion behaviour.

Class1: Aphasmidea (Adenophorea)

 Phasmids are absent or few in number.

 Excretory system is without lateral canals and terminal duct is not lined
with cuticle.
 Pharynx (oesophagus) is a long fine tube forming a stichosome or
trophosome.
 Eggs are usually unsegmented with a plug at either poles or hatching in
utero.
 First-stage larva often with stylet and usually infective to final host
Order: Trichurata

The body consists of a slender anterior portion (sometimes thread-like) and a

thicker posterior portion (like a whip with a handle), hence they are called

whip worms; they have no lips or buccal capsule; both sexes have s single

gonad and males have one or no spicule.

Two families are of medical and importance:

 Family1: Trichuridae. Example Trichuris trichuria

 Family 2: Trichinellidae. Example Trichinella spiralis

20
Class 2: Phasmidea

 Phasmids are present in this class.

 No caudal glands.

 Excretory system is well developed with one or two lateral canals,

sometimes with glandular cells.

 Amphids are poorly developed with simple pores.

There are six main Orders in this class: Rhabditata; Strongylata; Ascaridata;

Oxyurata; Camalanata and Filariata.

Order 1: Rhabditata
Only one family is of medical importance:
Family: Strongyloididae. Example Stronyloides stercoralis
Order 2: Strongydata
Family: Ancylostomatidae contains human parasites. Examples:
Necator Americana and Ancylostoma duodenale.
Order 3: Ascaridata
There are two medical important families in this Order:
Family 1: Ascaridae. Example Ascaris lumbricoides
Family 2: Toxocaridae. Example Toxocara canis
Order 4: Oxyurata
Only one family contains medically important species.
Family: Oxyuridae. Example: Enterobius vermicularis
Order 5: Camalanata
One medical important family is:
Family: Dracunalidae.Example Drancunculus medinensis
21
Order 6: Filaiata
Family: Filarioidae (Filarial worms)
Of the more than 500 filarial parasites in this family known to infect
mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, only eight are common parasites
of man:
(a) Wuchereria bancrofti
(b) Brugia malayi
(c) Onchocerca volvulus
(d) Loa loa
(e) Mansonella perstans
(f) Mansonella streptocerca
(g) Mansonella ozzardi
(h) Brugia timori
These human filarial parasites may be classified into three main group by the

habitat of the adult worms:

 Cutaneous group: O.volvulus, L.loa, M. strepotocerca

 Body cavity group: M.perstans, M.ozzardi
 Lymphatic group: B.Malayi, B. timori, W. bancrofti
Characteristics of Nematodes

Nematodes can be distinguished from other animals by the following

features:

(a) The Nematoda, or roundworms, are a major eukaryotic group and display

a startling variety of life histories. Body is elongated, cylindrical,

22
 rounded in transverse section (hence the name roundworm), and usually

pointed at both ends.

(b)Most nematodes have the same simple body plan. Their bodies are

bilaterally symmetrical (one half is a mirror image of the other), and

while most are microscopic, they can grow to as long as 8 meters

(c) Many have a “tube-within-a-tube” body plan comprised of a long,

cylindrical body that encloses a hose-like canal (called an alimentary

canal). Food enters the alimentary canal on one end, and waste is

expelled through the anus on the tail end

(d)While nematodes have digestive, reproductive, nervous and excretory

systems, they do not have a distinct circulatory or respiratory system.

Adults are made up of roughly 1,000 somatic cells, and hundreds of those

cells are typically associated with the reproductive system.

(e) Many are free living and abound in soils and sediments in terrestrial,

freshwater and marine habitats. As parasites they occur in every

multicellular group. and occupy diverse tissue sites.

(f) Nematodes are distinguished by their smooth cuticular body covering

which may or may not be broken by annulations.

(g) They have a very simple body plan. They are pseudocoelomates, and

possess a fluid filled body cavity which functions as a hydrostatic

23
 skeleton. The organ systems are simple consisting of one or two cell

types.

(h)The digestive system consists of a pharynx of varied structure that leads

through and intestine to a culticularly lined rectum at the posterior end.

(i) The reproductive system is a hollow tube of endothelium: at the blind end

germ cells (oogonia and spermatogonia) divide to produce oocytes and

spermatocytes that will undergo meiosis. In females, the system is

typically doubled: ovaries are separated from uteri by an oviduct in

which fertilization typically occurs. Uteri flow into a common vagina that

serves as a canal for expulsion of eggs and for movement of sperm

upwards to the oviducts. In males the reproductive system is typically

single: the testis opens into a seminal vesicle where sperm are stored.

Males also have accessory copulatory structures, the spicules, which are

used to transfer sperm to the vagina of the female.

Morphology and Anatomy of Nematodes

1) Nematodes are slender worms: typically approximately 5 to 100 μm

thick, and at least 0.1 mm (0.0039 in) but less than 2.5mm long. The

smallest nematodes are microscopic, while free-living species can reach

as much as 5 cm (2.0 in), and some parasitic species are larger still,

24
 reaching over a meter in length. The body is often ornamented with

ridges, rings, bristles, or other distinctive structures.

2) Nematodes have a pseudocoelom (tube-within-a-tube). Pseudocoelomis a

closed fluid-filled space that acts as a hydrostatic skeleton. It helps in

circulation and dispersal of nutrients.

25
3) The head of a nematode is relatively distinct. Whereas the rest of the

body is bilaterally symmetrical, the head is radially symmetrical, with

sensory bristles and, in many cases, solid 'head-shields' radiating

outwards around the mouth. The mouth has either three or six lips, which

often bear a series of teeth on their inner edges. An adhesive 'caudal

gland' is often found at the tip of the tail.

4) Body covering: The epidermis is either a syncytium or a single layer of

cells, and is covered by a thick collagenous cuticle. The cuticle is often of

complex structure, and may have two or three distinct layers. Underneath

the epidermis lies a layer of longitudinal muscle cells. The relatively rigid

26
 cuticle works with the muscles to create a hydro-skeleton as nematodes

lack circumferential muscles.

Projections run from the inner surface of muscle cells towards the nerve

cords; this is a unique arrangement in the animal kingdom, in which nerve

cells normally extend fibres into the muscles rather than vice versa.

The cuticle serves as: an outer skeleton(Body support)

 It is flexibility helps body movement

 It is permeable to water and gas

 The cuticle is periodically shed as it grows (four times before reaching

the adult stage)

Nematodes do not have circular muscle layer. They can only bend its body

from side to side, cannot crawl.

Reproduction and life cycle

 Most nematode species are dioecious, with separate male and female

individuals, though some, such as Caenorhabditis elegans, are

androdioecious, consisting of hermaphrodites and rare males. Both sexes

possess one or two tubular gonads. In males, the sperm are produced at

the end of the gonad and migrate along its length as they mature. The

testis opens into a relatively wide seminal vesicle and then during sex

into a glandular and muscular ejaculatory duct associated with the vas

27
 deferens and cloaca. In females, the ovaries each open into an oviduct (in

hermaphrodites, the eggs enter a spermatheca first) and then a glandular

uterus. The uteri both open into a common vulva/ vagina, usually located

in the middle of the morphologically ventral surface.

 Reproduction is usually sexual, though hermaphrodites are capable of

self-fertilization. Males are usually smaller than females/ hermaphrodites

(often much smaller) and often have a characteristically bent or fan-

28
 shaped tail for holding the other sex. During copulation, one or more

chitinized spicules move out of the cloaca and are inserted into the

genital pore of the female. Amoeboid sperm crawl along the spicule into

the female worm. Nematode sperm is thought to be the only eukaryotic

cell without the globular protein Gactin.

 Eggs may be embryonated or unembryonated when passed by the female,

meaning their fertilized eggs may not yet be developed. A few species

are known to be ovoviviparous. The eggs are protected by an outer shell,

secreted by the uterus. In free-living roundworms, the eggs hatch into

larvae, which appear essentially identical to the adults, except for an

underdeveloped reproductive system; in parasitic roundworms, the life

cycle is often much more complicated.

29
 General Life-Cycle of Nematodes

 Nematodes as a whole possess a wide range of modes of reproduction.

Some nematodes, such as Heterorhabditis spp., undergo a process called

endotokia matricida: intrauterine birth causing maternal death. Some

nematodes are hermaphroditic, and keep their self-fertilized eggs inside

the uterus until they hatch. The juvenile nematodes will then ingest the

parent nematode. This process is significantly promoted in environments

with a low food supply.

 The genus Mesorhabditis exhibits an unusual form of parthenogenesis, in

which sperm-producing males copulate with females, but the sperm do

not fuse with the ovum. Contact with the sperm is essential for the ovum

to begin dividing, but because there is no fusion of the cells, the male

contributes no genetic material to the offspring, which are essentially

clones of the female.

30
 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 RESEARCH DESIGNED

This project research was carried out in order to find out the possible causes

of faeco–oral nematodes, among children as well as to ascertain the

prevalence of faeco-oral nematodes infection among the children as well as

possible control and prevention measures within the area of study, for the

purpose of promoting and preserving the health of children.

3.2 STUDY AREA

Kafur Local Government Area was created in 1991 with total population of

306,880 (2006 census project). The local government consists of two

districts heads namely: Dangaladiman Katsina District Head of Kafur and

Danejin Katsina District Head of Mahuta. Kafur Local Government is

bounded at North-West by Danja Local Government Area, at North-East the

local government is bounded by Rogo, Karaye Local Government Area of

Kano state, at South-West is bounded by Bakori Local Government Area of

Katsina State.

Kafur Local Government Area consists of 10 political wards and 16 village

heads across the local government areas which are: Dantutture Ward, Dutsen

Kura/Kanya Ward, Gamzago Ward, Gozaki Ward, Kafur Ward, Kuringafa

31
Ward, Mahuta Ward, Masari Ward, Rugoji/Yartalata Ward and

SabuwarKasa Ward

The dominant tribes of Kafur Local Government Area are Hausa/Fulani but

also there also other tribes like Youba, Igbo and Katafawwa living in Kafur

Local Government Area participating effectively in the economic and

political activities of the area.

All these mentioned above share common culture, norms and values as well

as religious believes in relation to marriage, occupation mode of dressing

and social interaction with others in the area.

3.3 POPULATION AND UNIVERSE OF STUDY

The target population of the area under study is about 162, 888 people living

in Kafur Local Government Areas, so as to ascertain that they participated

actively towards controlling faeco – oral nematodes infection among

children and improving the sanitation activities in the community.

3.4 SAMPLE AND SAMPLING TECHNIQUES

Two communities were selected to be the sample size of my research work

among the communities. The sampling techniques adopted in the sample

selection as random sampling method, so as to emphasize and complete the

work successfully.

32
3.5 INSTRUMENT FOR DATA COLLECTION

The instrument used in obtaining the relevant data of this project is

questionnaire in which questions related to the topic under discussion will be

ask, so that the respondents can choose by ticking appropriately in answer

of their choice, likewise various textbooks and journals were used so as to

emphasized the project work.

3.6 VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE INSTRUMENT

For the instrument to be valid and reliable the questionnaire designed and

was thoroughly read and screen by me, and my distribution of the

questionnaires appropriately, at the same time 120 questionnaires were

prepared, 20 questionnaires were used as pre – test so as to ascertain how the

message is going to be respond, 100 questionnaires distributed to the

respondents, all the 100 questionnaires were filled correctly and returned to

me successfully.

3.7 ADMINISTRATION OF THE INSTRUMENT

The manner through which the instrument were administered to the

appropriate people is through direct hand to hand message, so as to ensure

the message was not disrupted, as a result, all the 100 questionnaires

administered were returned to me in order.

33
3.8 TECHNIQUES FOR DATA ANALYSIS

The techniques applied in analysis of data are statistical analysis, so as to

prove hypothesis or basic assumption.

X2= (ad-bc)2M
KLMN

The formulary was derived from 2x2 contingency table, which is shown

below:

GENDER RESPONSES TOTAL

YES NO
MALE A B K
FEMALE C D L
TOTAL M N M

34
 CHAPTER FOUR

DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION

4.1 DATA ANALYSIS FINDINGS AND RESULT DISCUSSION

Below is the result of data collected from the questionnaires printed and

distributed to the respondents filled correctly and returned to me in order.

Table 1: Age Distribution

Age No. of Respondents Percentage

20-25yrs 23 23%
26-30yrs 27 27%
31 and above 50 50%
Total 100 100%

From the table above discussed the age distribution of the respondents, 23

respondents represent 23% of the total respondents are those at the age of

20-25years of age, while those of the age of 26-30years of age there are 27

respondents representing 27% of the total respondents and those at the of 30

years to above years are total of 50 respondents representing 50% of the total

respondents, this indicates that most of the respondents are those at the age

31 and above years.

Table 2: Sex Distribution

Sex No. of Respondents Percentage

Male 65 65%

35
Female 35 35%
Total 100 100%

From the above table discussed the sex distribution of the respondents, 65

respondents representing 65% of the total respondents are males, while 35

respondents are females, and this shows that most of the respondents are

males.

Table 3: Marital Status of the Respondents

Marital Status No. of Respondents Percentage

Single 30 30%
Married 40 40%
Divorced 30 30%
Total 100 100%

From the above table it discussed the marital status of the respondents, 30

respondents representing 30% of the total respondents are single, while 40

respondents representing 40% of the total respondents are married, and these

that are divorced there are total of 30 respondents, representing 30% of the

total respondents, this indicated that almost all the respondents are married.

Table 4: Educational Background

Educational Background No. of Respondents Percentage

Formal 88 88%
Informal 12 12%
Total 100 100%

36
The above table shows that the educational background have the respondents

have formal education in various field of learning, while 12 respondents that

represents 12% of the total respondents have informal education, therefore,

this shows that most of the respondents are educated.

Table 5: Do you know anything about faeco-oral nematodes infection?

Response No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 63 63%
No 37 37%
Total 100 100%

From the above, it discuss the view of the respondents, if they know

anything about faeco-oral nematode infection, 63 respondents that

representing 63% of the total respondents stated that they know something

about faeco–oral nematodes infection while 37 respondents that represent

37% of the total respondents stated that they don’t know anything about

faeco-oral nematode infection.

Table 6: If yes to question one (Q1) do you know that lack of portable

drinking water is associated with faeco-oral nematodes infection?

Response No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 78 78%
No 22 22%
Total 100 100%

37
This table discussed the view of 63 respondents that stated they know

something about faeco-oral nematodes infection, 78 respondents that

representing 78% of the total respondents stated that they know about faeco

– oral nematodes infection through lack of portable drinking water, while 22

respondents representing 22 % of the total respondents they don’t know that

lack of portable drinking water is associated with faeco oral nematodes

infection. This indicate that most of the respondents they know anything

about faeco oral nematodes infection.

Table 7: Do you believe that ignorance and poverty of the people lead to

faeco oral nematodes infection?

Response No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 60 60%
No 40 40%
Total 100 100%

From the above table it discussed the view of the respondents on the

ignorance and poverty of the people leading to faeco oral nematodes

infection, 60 respondents that representing 60% of the total respondents

which indicate that ignorance and poverty of the people lead to faeco-oral

nematodes infection, while 40 respondents representing 40% of the total

respondents they are not believe that ignorance and poverty of the people

lead to faeco oral nematodes infection. This indicates that most of people

lead to faeco-oral nematodes infection.

38
Table 8: Is your community making any collective effort towards the

control of faeco-oral nematodes infection?

Response No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 43 43%
No 27 57%
Total 100 100%

From the above table, it discussed the view of the respondents of those that

are making any collective effort towards the control of faeco-oral nematodes

infection 43 respondents that representing 43% of the total respondents

while 57 respondents representing 57% of the total respondents. This

indicate the majority of the respondents in the community which does not

make any effort towards the control of faeco – oral nematodes infection.

Table 9: Does the community leader contributes towards the control

and prevention of faeco-oral nematodes infection?

Response No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 61 61%
No 39 39%
Total 100 100%

From the above table, it discussed the view of the respondents when the

community leaders contribute towards the control and prevention of faeco-

oral nematodes infection. 61 respondents representing 61% of the total

respondents agrees that community leader contribute towards the control and

39
prevention 39% of the total respondents dis-agreed with this statement, this

shows that majority of the respondents believes community leaders

contribute towards the control and prevention of faeco-oral nematodes

infection.

Table 10: Do you believe that government and non-governmental

organization have a role to play in prevention and control?

Response No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 77 77%
No 23 23%
Total 100 100%

This tables discusses the view of the respondents, while the government and

non-governmental organization have a role to play in prevention and control

77 respondents representing 77% of the total respondents indicated that they

believe government and non-governmental organization have significant role

to play in prevention and control of faeco oral nematodes infection. While

23 respondents representing 23% of the total respondents dis-agreed that

there is no any role of government and nongovernmental organization in

prevention and control of faeco – oral nematodes infection. This indicates

that the majority of the respondents believes that government and non-

governmental organization have a role to play in prevention and control of

faeco oral nematodes infection.

40
Table 11: Is there any programme established by government and non-

governmental organization meant to prevent and control faeco-oral

nematodes infection?

Response No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 80 80%
No 20 20%
Total 100 100%

From the above table discussed the view respondents whether there is any

program established by government and non–governmental organization

mean to prevent and control faeco-oral nematodes infection 80 respondents

representing 80% of the total respondents wile 20 respondents representing

20% of the total respondents which indicates that there is no such program

established by government and NGOs. This shows that most of the

respondents agrees that there is such program established by government

and non-governmental organization on the prevention and control of faeco-

oral nematodes infection.

Table 12: If yes do you satisfied with their efforts in preventing and

controlling of faeco oral nematodes infection?

Response No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 65 65%
No 35 35%
Total 100 100%

41
This table discussed the view of 80 respondents that stated there is

programme established by government and non-governmental organization

on preventing and control of faeco-oral nematodes infections, 65

respondents representing 65% of the total respondents stated that they

satisfied with their effort in preventing and controlling of faeco oral

nematodes infection. While 35 respondents represent 35% of the total

respondent indictates that they are not satisfied with their effort in

preventing and controlling of faeco oral nematodes infection.

Table 13: Does indiscriminate defecation lead to faeco-oral nematodes

infection?

Response No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 70 70%
No 30 30%
Total 100 100%

From the above table its discuss the view of the respondents if discriminate

defecation lead to faeco oral nematodes infections 70 respondents represent

70% of the total respondents agrees that indiscriminate defecation lead to

feaco oral nematodes infection while 30 respondents represent 30% of the

total respondents are against this statement, therefore this shows that

indiscriminate defecation lead to faeco-oral nematodes infection if certain

precautions were not observed.

42
Table 14: Does lack of health education be the major causes of faeco

oral nematodes infection?

Response No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 50 50%
No 50 50%
Total 100 100%

This table discuss the view of the respondents, if lack of health education be

the major causes of faeco oral nematodes infection 50 respondents agrees

that lack of health education be the major causes of faeco oral nematodes

infection, while 40 respondents represent 40% of the total respondents are

against this statement, this shows that most of the respondents believe that

lack of health education be the major causes of faeco-oral nematodes

infection.

4.15: Lack of environmental sanitation can be the ways of transmission

faeco-oral nematodes infection?

Response No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 90 90%
No 10 10%
Total 100 100%

From this discuss the majority of the respondents of 90 respondents that

represent 90% of the total respondents agrees that lack of environmental

sanitation can be the ways of transmission faeco oral nematodes infection,

while 10 respondents representing 10% of the total respondents can be the

43
ways of transmission faeco – oral nematodes infection. So that lack of

environmental sanitation can be the ways of transmission of faeco–oral

nematodes infections.

Table 16: Is there any ways prevention and control measures of faeco

oral nematodes infection?

Response No. of Respondents Percentage

Yes 60 60%
No 40 40%
Total 100 100%

This table discuss the view of the respondents on the prevention and controls

measures on faeco-oral nematodes infection, 60 respondents representing

60% of the total respondents agree that there is ways of prevention and

control of faeco-oral nematodes infection while 40 respondents represent

40% of the total respondents disagree that there is prevention and control of

faeco oral nematodes infection.

44
 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 SUMMARY

The entire project research was aimed of in-depth analysis of

epidemiological approach to the prevalence of faeco-oral nematodes

infection among children, a case study of Kafur Local Government Area.

The purpose of study is to find out the major causes of faeco-oral nematodes

infection among children, as well as to find out various infection associated

with faeco oral nematodes infection that are common among children within

the area of study.

The prevalence of feaco oral nematodes infection among is common in

tropical countries, were low standard of personal and environmental

sanitation, poor rural town planning, simple and effective methods of excreta

disposals is poor, lack of adequate water supply is common, poverty and

ignorance of people towards the importance of personal hygiene, they

contribute greatly to the outbreak of various infection among children, they

45
have cause numerous morbidity and mortality cases, some of which are

recorded or neglected completely.

Base on hypothesis formulated poor environmental sanitation and poor

community hygiene lead to high prevalence of faeco – oral nematodes

infections, that ignorance and poverty of people can lead to children

acquired faeco-oral nematodes infections.

From information collected and analysis using various methods, some

recommendations were made to both government, public and schools of the

area of study that environmental sanitation should be enforced so as to make

the environment clean and safe for children, provision of public latrine

should also be made to the people so as to control indiscriminate defecation.

The people should participate actively in environmental sanitation and give

their maximum support and participation in all health programs which is for

their own benefits, infection of schools children in relation to personal

hygiene and should be forced to observe it.

They will easily appreciate the facts that good environmental sanitation and

good health habits are necessary to curb the prevalence of faeco-oral

nematodes infection, it’s through collective effort to both government and

the general public to face the challenge of fighting faeco oral nematodes

46
infection especially with regards to children who depends entirely on the

elders to survive.

5.2 CONCLUSION

Unless and until the problems of faeco oral nematodes infection among

children was given a serious attention it deserves both by the government

and public at large, the prevalence will continue to exists and public at large,

the prevalence will continue to exists and spread even beyond the area of

study.

5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS

In order to effectively control the rapidity of the spread of faeco-oral

nematodes infection especially among children, the following

recommendations were made both categorically to the governments, public

and school.

GOVERNMENT

1. The government should enforced environmental sanitation so as to make

the environment clean and safe to children
2. Provision of portable drinking water should be made available to the
people
3. Provision of public latrine should also be made available to the people so
as to control indiscriminate defecation
4. Provision of disposal of refuse should be carried out regularly

47
5. Provision and disposal of liquid waste should be made available in the
community of efficient drainage system
6. Provision of drugs for the treatment of faeco-oral nematodes infections of
subsidized refers to hospital and clinics are important
7. Government should provides, the provision of meat and food inspection
so as to break the chain of infection from the source to man.
8. Mass health education campaign should be done most often so as to get
community involves in the war against faeco-oral nematodes infection
among children.
9. Public health education on the important of proper sanitation.
PUBLIC

1. The people should participate actively in environmental sanitation

2. Personal hygiene should be practiced regularly in order to avoided such
infection
3. Simple water purification such as boiling and filtration should be given
priority.
4. Carefully examination of food meat and drinks should be done before
purchases or consumptions
5. Proper cooking of food and meat is important in order to escape from
such infection
6. Each house hold should have its adequate latrine system and other waste
collection and disposal facilities.
7. People should give their maximum support and participation in all health
program which is meat for their own benefit.
SCHOOL

48
1. Inspection of class and school in general should be subjected to

inspection in relation to personal hygiene should be forced to observe it.

2. Medical examination of children should be done on timely basis.

3. Health education should be part of school curriculum and should be

accorded serious attention.

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