Epidemiological Determinants of Entamoeba histolytica and Schistosoma spp. Infections in Selected Communities in Ijebu-East Local Government Area of Ogun State. | ||
| Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences, E. Medical Entomology & Parasitology | ||
| Article 2, Volume 14, Issue 2, December 2022, Pages 7-20 PDF (600 K) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/eajbse.2022.249409 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Akinsanya B.1; Okonofua C. C.2; Oluwole A. A.1; Adubi T. O.1; Adeyemi O. O.1 | ||
| 1Parasitology unit, Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria | ||
| 2Biological Sciences, Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun, Nigeria. | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Amoebiasis and schistosomiasis remain major public health problems in poor, developing countries with poor sanitary and water infrastructure. Disease surveillance provides necessary data for intervention programs. This study, therefore, determined the prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica and Schistosoma spp. and assessed associated risk factors in selected communities in the Ijebu-East Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. Urine and stool samples were randomly collected from 123 people living in five communities in the study area. Stool samples were subjected to the Kato-katz method for the detection of E. histolytica cysts and Schistosoma ova. Urine samples were examined by filtration technique for the presence of S. haematobium eggs. Demographic and socio-economic data, and knowledge, attitude and perceptions of subjects to infection were assessed using a standard questionnaire.Results: The study revealed that only 7(5.7%) of the 123 study participants were infected with E. histolytica. Females (8.3%) were more infected than males (1.96%) (p>0.05), and the age group >51 years had the least prevalence (p>0.05) of E. histolytica infection. None of the assessed risk factors were significantly associated with infection. However, subjects that had watery stools had a significantly higher prevalence of infection (P<0.05). Schistosoma spp. infections were not detected in this study, but respondents’ frequent contact with water bodies in their communities was shown. Conclusions: This study confirmed the presence of E. histolytica infection in Ijebu-East LGA, although at low prevalence. Health education is imperative to improve personal hygiene practices and prevent the transmission of these infections in the study area. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Amoebiasis; Schistosomiasis; Entamoeba histolytica; Schistosoma; Nigeria | ||
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