Prevalence of superficial fungal infections among primary school pupils in Awka South

Skin fungal infections are common global problems with attendant morbidity among affected individuals. Children are mostly affected because of predisposing factors such as poverty, overcrowding, and lack of guidance. Investigation on the prevalence of superficial fungal infections among primary school pupils was carried out in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Six public primary schools were selected for this study. The samples were collected by scrapping and use of a sterile swab. Microscopy and culturing methods were used to identify the infections. Of the 870 pupils examined, 353 (40.57%) had various skin fungal infections; Tinea capitis 229 (64.87%), Tinea corporis 96 (27.20%), Tinea faciei 25 (7.08%), and Tinea pedis 3 (0.85%). Sixtyfive (18.41%) had multiple skin fungal infections; 21 (31.34%) pupils from Obiora Primary School, Mbaukwu, recorded the highest, while Community Primary School, Amawbia 3 (7.32%) recorded the least infection (P> 0.05). Two hundred and twenty-nine pupils (64.87%) had the highest prevalence of Tinea capitis, while 3 (0.85%) pupils had the least infection recorded for Tinea pedis. Pupils from Central Primary School, Nibo, 82 (56.55%), had the highest prevalence, while 39 (26.90%) pupils from the Central Primary School, Umuawulu had the least infection. The age group of five to nine years was more infected than the 10–14-year age group. More male (199 (56.37%)) than females pupils were infected with skin fungal infections; this difference was not statistically significant. Poor personal hygiene and intimate association with household pets among the children were the suspected sources of infection. Therefore, there was an urgent need for mass treatment of superficial fungal infections in all the primary schools examined.