Intestinal parasitic infection with special reference to Entamoeba histolytica in two local government areas of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The prevalence of human intestinal parasitic infections with special reference to Entamoeba histolytica was conducted in Keffi and Karu Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, Nigeria, with a view to provide information for effective control strategies for parasitic infections in the study-areas. Fresh stool samples were collected randomly from 275 individuals of both sexes aged 1-60 years in the two Local Government Areas. The samples were processed and examined for parasitological evidence of infection using temporary wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. A total of 150 individuals (54.55%) were infected with at least one of 5 species of intestinal parasites: Entamoeba histolytica (24.73%), hookworm (13.09%), Entamoeba coli (9.45%), Ascaris lumbricoides (6.55%) and Schistosoma mansoni (7.27%). Prevalence of infection was age-specific, highest in the 11-20 year-old-age-group with lowest prevalence in those aged above 50 years (33.46%). There was decrease in infection rate with intestinal parasites with increase in age of volunteered participants, however, prevalence of infection between males and females was similar, males (54.36%) and females (54.76%). There were significant differences in prevalence of infection based on toilet types used by participants ( &chi; 2 = 4.49, df = 3, p < 0.05). Those participants using water cistern had a prevalence of 44.44%, while pit latrine users recorded a prevalence of 65.74%. There were significant differences in infection prevalence in relation to occupation ( &chi; 2 = 8.036, df = 5, p < 0.05). Civil servant/farmers recorded (64.86%) while fishermen recorded (22.58%), which was the lowest rate in occupational groups. Observations revealed indiscriminate defecation, urination and throwing of garbage into water bodies around houses, were common practices among the people, as well as eating fruits that were not properly washed. While, domestic animals mingled with human population at certain water points. The provision of regular safe water supply, good health-care services with affordable chemotherapy and introduction of health education will go a long way to control and reduce morbidity in the study areas.Keywords: intestinal infection, Entamoeba histolytica, Keffi Local Government Area, Karu Local Government Area, NasarawaState, Nigeria.