Members of the genus Aeromonas are gram negative, non-spore forming, zoonotic bacteria that are widely distributed in aquatic environment. They affect both man and animals causing diseases such as gastroenteritis, peritonitis, endocarditis, pneumonia and ocular infections. The aim of this study

Abstract

Members of the genus Aeromonas are gram negative, non-spore forming, zoonotic bacteria that are widely distributed in aquatic environment. They affect both man and animals causing diseases such as gastroenteritis, peritonitis, endocarditis, pneumonia and ocular infections. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Aeromonas species among patients attending five hospitals in parts of plateau state. Eight hundred human stool samples were examined for the presence of Aeromonas species using the process of isolation, identification and characterization. Out of the 800 samples 65 (8.12%) were positive for Aeromonas. Among the hospitals screened, Jos University Teaching Hospital (Lamingo) has the highest prevalence of 15 (1.87%) followed by Our Lady of Apostle Hospital (Bukuru) with a prevalence of 14 (1.76%). The lowest percentage prevalence was recorded for the specimen collected from Faith Alive Foundation Hospital (Jos) 11 (1. 35%). The percentage prevalence of Aeromonas spp. among study population by gender showed that the female had a higher percentage prevalence of 37 (4.63%) of Aeromonas infection than the male with a prevalence of 28 (3.47%). The prevalence of Aeromonas species among study population by age distribution showed that the highest prevalence was among children below the ages of 1-10 years with a percentage prevalence of 22 (2.75%). There was a significantly higher (p<0.05) prevalence of the organism during the wet season (71%) than the dry season (29%). This study indicated that Aeromonas is prevalent in the study population, therefore enlightenment programs should be carried out by the Plateau state ministry of health to create awareness on the dangers of Aeromonas infections.