*Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
**Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
The prevalence of hookworm infection amongst rural farmers in Emohua local government Area, Rivers state was carried out. A total of 200 stool samples were randomly collected from farmers and gardeners aged 15–70 years in ten (10) communities. The ova of hookworm was sought in each sample using direct smear andformol-ether concentration techniques. The overall prevalence rate was 50(25%) with the highest rate recorded in Mgbogizu8(4%), followed by Omuoda6(3%), Omuobizuand Omuagalarecording 5(2.5%) while the communities that recorded the least rate of 4(2%) were Omuikea, Omueze, Omuefe, Mgbereand Omuchiolu. The males recorded a prevalence rate of 7.5% and female 17.5%. Statistically there was significant rate of infection between the males and females (p<0.05). Similarly the age bracket of 21–30 years recorded the highest rate of 18(9%) followed by 31–40 years 11(5.5%), 15–20 years 9(4.5) while the age bracket of 61–70 years recorded the least rate of 2(1%). The rate of infection based on toilet facilities used showed those that go to toilet in the bush with infection rate of 27(13.5%) which is highest. The farmers that never used booths or wear sandals also had a high rate of 26(13%). It can be seen that socio-economic status of the farmers in this area, coupled with poor environmental sanitation, behavioral pattern and lack of proper sanitary habits contribute to the distribution of the parasite
Parasite, Hookworm, Communities, Environmental, Sanitation
