Human ecotoparasitoses among some rural dwellers in Edo State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Studies on clinical and epidemiological aspects of human ectoparasites among some rural dwellers in Edo State Nigeria were carried out between September 2002 and August 2003. A total of 910 subjects who had complained of having been infested by arthropod parasites were enrolled for this study. The study participants were clinically examined for arthropod infestations. All ectoparasites recovered from the subjects were microscopically identified. The result of this investigation reveals an overall prevalence rate of 412 (45.3%), with percentage prevalence of six arthropod parasite species encountered as follows: Sarcoptes scabiei 225 (24.7%), Pediculus capitis 116 (12.7%) Tunga penetrans 53 (5.8%), Cordylobia anthropophaga 10 (1.1%) Ixodid spp 4 (0.4%) and Pthirus pubis 4 (0.4%). The difference in age specific prevalence rates was not significant x = 3.139 (P > 0.05). Males were more significantly infested than females x = 6.44, (P < 0.05). Associated morbidities and predisposing factors for ectoparasitic infestations in these rural communities are presented and discussed.

Keywords: Ectoparasitoses, Rural dwellers, Nigeria, Arthropods.

Annals of Biomedical Science Vol. 3 (1&2) 2004: pp. 45-53