Human Intestinal Parasite Infections In Ishiagu, A Lead Mining Area Of Abia State

Abstract

A survey of intestinal parasite infections in a heavy metal (Pb) mining area of Abia State (Ishiagu) was carried out using both direct wet preparation and formal/ether concentration methods. A total512 individuals ranging from primary and secondary school children to adults were screened. Of the number sampled, 177 (34.67 %) had various intestinal parasites. The parasite prevalence were Ascaris lumbricoides (17.80 %), Hookworms (14.80%) Entamoeba histolyca (3.70 %) and Trichuris trichiura (2.3 %). Prevalence for maes (35.55 %) and females (33.47%) were not significantly different (P < 005). Age distribution of the infections showed a gradual increase from< 10 years (14.0%) to 11-20 years group (36.67%) and peaked at 21-30 years wh 57.00 % before decreasing to the least in the > 51 years (27.02 %). This gave a significant age related infection (P < 0.05). The findings were discussed in relation to the rural nature of the community and the activities at the head mining stes.

Keywords: Parasites, Heavy metal mining, Stool specimens

Animal Research International Vol. 3 (3) 2006 pp. 505-507