Distribution of ascariasis, trichuriasis and hookworm infections in Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria.

Abstract

Ascariasis, Trichuriasis and Hookworm infections poses a considerable public health burden in Sub-Saharan Africa, and a sound understanding of their spatial distribution facilitates to better target control interventions. This study, therefore, assessed the prevalence of the trio, and mapped their spatial distribution in the 20 administrative regions of Ogun State, Nigeria. Parasitological surveys were carried out in 1,499 households across 33 spatially selected communities. Fresh stool samples were collected from 1,027 consenting participants and processed using ether concentration method. The locations of the communities were georeferenced using a GPS device while demographic data were obtained using a standardized form. Data were analysed using SPSS software and visualizations and plotting maps were made in ArcGIS software. Findings showed that 19 of the 20 regions were endemic for one or more kind of the three infections, with an aggregated prevalence of 17.2%. Ascariasis was the most frequently observed parasitic infection in 28 communities with a prevalence of 13.6%, followed by hookworm infections with a prevalence of 4.6% while Trichuriasis was the least encountered with a prevalence of 1.7%. The spatial distribution of infections ranges between 5.3-49.2% across the regions. The highest and lowest distribution of overall helminth infections was recorded in Egbado South and Egbado North respectively. Nine regions had infection status between 20.0%-49.2%, while 10 regions had infection status between 5.3%-15.8%. This study provides epidemiological data on the prevalence and spatial distribution of ascariasis, trichuriasis and hookworm infections which will add to the baseline data and guide the public health officers in providing appropriate control strategies in the endemic communities.