A review of soil transmitted helminthiasis in Nigeria

databases using relevant keywords.Studies on the prevalence of STH (Ascaris, hookworm, Trichuris and Strongyloides) in Nigeria were selected and reviewed.Prevalence data from the surveyed States categorised under the six geopolitical zones were analysed.A RT I C L E I N F O A B S T R AC T Soil transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is often neglected possibly because of its low mortality rate; however, it accounts for the highest disability adjusted life years (DALYs) among parasitic diseases in the world.Nigeria is endemic to STH and control programmes/efforts have been ongoing.Here, data on the burden of STH infections in Nigeria in form of years of life lost due to mortality (YLLs), the distribution of the infection in the six geopolitical zones and the prevalence pattern over a 37-year period are presented.The prevalence data showed reduction in Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura infections; while infections with hookworm and Strongyloides showed irregular pattern with no significant differences.Notably, YLD for A. lumbricoides infection was the highest in the south-west; and the factors possibly impacting on the burden of STH in Nigeria were highlighted.