Abstract
Aim: Diarrhoea has been a common cause of morbidity and mortality in children less than 5years old. This work was intended to see if the level of hygiene is a reflection of the type of water taken by children. Methods: One hundred and five stool samples were collected from children in two health facilities in Lagos: Ajegunle (52) and Surulere (53) from April to July 2012. The samples from children who had diarrhoea were examined using direct microscopy to detect ova, cysts and motile parasitic agents. Positive samples were further examined using WHO method as detailed in Kato-Katz cellophane technique. Results: A total parasite prevalence of 51.4%, with 37.1% in males and 14.3% in females was observed. Specific prevalence of individual parasites is as follows, Entamoeba histolytica (32.4%); Ascaris lumbricoides (24.3%); Entamoeba coli (18.9%); Gardia lamblia (10.4%); Hookworm (8.1%) and Trichuris trichura (2.7%). Children that consumed water from open wells were more infected with parasites (17.1%). Lack of deworming programmes and routine clinical check-ups were seen to be significant for parasitic infection and diarrhea in the children in the study. Conclusion: The study showed that Entamoeba histolytica has contributed more to the cause of diarrhoea in children less than 5 years than other parasites. Key words: Diarrhoea, Parasites, Children
Highlights
Diarrhoeal disease has been described as far back as the ancient Greek civilization between 460-370 BC
The age of 5 years survived in this region. This is in line with the recent global estimates where it was observed that 22% of childhood deaths among children under 5 years in sub- Saharan and 23% in South Asia were caused by diarrhoeal diseases (Bryce, et al, 2005)
This study showed that parasitic infections is a major cause of diarrhoea in children in Ajegunle and Surulere Lagos, Nigeria with a total prevalence of parasitic agents of 35.20% among the infected children which include Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba coli, Gardia lamblia,hookworm,Enterobius vemicularis and Trichuris trichuria
Summary
Diarrhoeal disease has been described as far back as the ancient Greek civilization between 460-370 BC. World Health Organization defined diarrhoea as having three or more loose or liquid stool per day or as having more stools than is normal for that person (WHO, 2002) This condition has been one of the leading causes of infant morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, a region where unique geographic, economic political, socio-cultural and personal factors interact to create destructive challenges to its prevention and control. DIARRHOEA IN CHILDREN the age of 5 years survived in this region This is in line with the recent global estimates where it was observed that 22% of childhood deaths among children under 5 years in sub- Saharan and 23% in South Asia were caused by diarrhoeal diseases (Bryce, et al, 2005). In Nigeria, fever from malaria, diarrhoea and vaccine preventable diseases are the major causes of mortality in children under 5 years, but this study is to investigate the intestinal parasitic agents of diarrhoea in children less than 5 years in Lagos metropolis, Nigeria
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