Intestinal helminth infections among the nomadic Fulanis in two localities of Adamawa State, north-east Nigeria

Abstract

Human intestinal helminthes is a major public health challenge in children,  particularly in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. In the course of the survey to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminthes infections among the nomadic Fulanis in Adamawa State, Stool specimens were collected from 229 nomadic Fulanis in Demsa and Mayo-Belwa Local Government Areas of Adamawa State. Members of purposively selected representative from 20 camps participated in the epidemiological survey. About three-quarters (74.20%) were infected with at least one form of intestinal helminth parasite.The prevalence of intestinal parasite infections was similar in Mayo-Belwa (72.72%) and Demsa (75.63%). Ascaris lumbricoides (29.70%), hookworm (20.52%), Schistosoma mansoni (14.41%), Strongyloides stercoralis (5.24%) and Trichuris trichiura (4.37%) were observed in order of prevalence. The age-specific prevalence shows decreasing infection with age. An initial increase infection in the 50> years age-group (80.00%), reaches a peak at 20-29 years age-group (82.90%). Data show that males (79.03%) had a higher infection rate (p<0.05) than females (68.57%).

Keywords: Intestinal helminth; nomadic Fulani; Adamawa State.