PREVALENCE RATIO OF RINGWORM AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

Ringworm infection medically known as dermatophytosis caused by dermatophytes, which are highly specialized group of fungi. They affect the superficial fungal infection found throughout the world (Kern 1985). It occurs primarily on prepubatal in children over the age of a months (Ekeski and Hary, 1996). It is highly contagious and represents a significant public health problem, particularly among school children (Fatini and Al- Samarai, 2000, Higgins et al., 2000). Ringworm infection is not a reportable disease but is a cause for concern because of transmitted through body contacts (person to person transmission) mainly in refugee carrup or schools or trough inanimate  objects like cloths, combs,or head dressers equipment.

Dermatophytosis can be unsightly or disfiguring causing varying symptoms depending on the part of the human skin they are found. For instance, ringworm of the skin (Tinea captis). Causes animal lesions with a clearing, scaly center surrounded by a red advancing border that may be dry or vesicular. Ringworm of the scalp (Tinae capitis)  also gives rise to dull gray, circular patches of alopecia, scaling, itching and black dot  (Jawetz  et al.,  1998). Though other ringworm species abound, the present work is restricted to Tinea capitis and T. corporis.

This disease presently is one of the most prevalent dermatomycoses in Nigeria and represents a major public health in children of school age. Published reports on this disease in Nigeria is scanty (Egere and Guguani, 1980). The aim of the present study therefore was a mycological assessment of pupils in Ohazara local government Area of Ebonyi State Nigeria to estimate the prevalence of ringworm infection.